A sea of pink blooms gently floats on the pond at Maojiabu, earning the nickname "Monet water lilies". [Photo by Ruan Xinei/tidenews.com.cn]

A stunning display of blooming water lilies at the Maojiabu scenic area of West Lake in Hangzhou has captivated visitors and flooded social media, with many comparing the scene to a real-life version of Monet's paintings.

On April 27, the pastel-pink water lilies entered their peak blooming period, blanketing the pond just meters from the shore. The proximity to the bank makes it easy for visitors to capture picturesque shots, sparking a viral trend as netizens share their own "Monet water lily" moments online.

Photographers and locals keep coming back for more. "The lilies look different depending on the weather and time of day," one visitor said. "It's worth coming back more than once."

The scene has become one of Hangzhou's must-see spring spectacles, blending natural beauty with a brush of impressionist charm.

A pond of "Monet water lilies". [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]