At dawn, the upturned eaves of Daguan Pavilion fade into the mist.

Vermilion-lacquered pillars and emerald-green lake water reflect each other in harmony.

Within the hundred-mu lotus pond near Jinhuapu in Daguan Park,

the jade-green lotus leaves, like crumpled silk of finest jade,

unfold themselves leisurely.

A few early-blooming lotuses

lift their pointed buds with a hint of shyness,

peeking out cautiously.

Suddenly, a dark carp breaks through the water’s surface,

blending with the swaying willows by the shore and the reflection of an ancient bridge,

forming a breathtaking painting.

Occasionally, birds skim across the water,

their wings carrying the fragrance of lotuses into the distance.

Some moorhens hide deep in the pond,

nestled in their bowl-shaped nests of dried grasses,

alternately preening their feathers and warily surveying their surroundings.

Glimpses of their dark-red frontal shields appear and disappear intermittently.

Following the faint, serene scent of lotus,

I stroll slowly westward through the garden.

Before long, Benlai Academy comes into view.

Here,

you might settle into a quiet corner,

select a classic from the shelves,

and lose yourself in its pages.

Looking up, the gentlest breeze brushes past,
as if tenderly kissing the delicate lotus buds.

At this moment, Daguan Park

not only possesses the fresh elegance of

"newly sprouted lotus tips just peeking out,"

but also embodies the vigorous vitality of

"fish leaping and kites soaring."

Moreover, with the fragrance of

lotus mingling with words,

it adds a touch of refined charm,

leaving visitors enchanted and reluctant to leave.