White-and-pink water lilies are in full bloom. [Photo by Zhang Xiaojuan/Tide News]

As summer arrives at West Lake, colorful flowers reach their peak bloom, with a rare two-tone water lily becoming the latest seasonal highlight.

The striking pink-and-white variety, known as Pink Dawn, has drawn crowds with its half-and-half petals floating across the lake's waters. The flowers are mainly found around Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, where more than 50 varieties of water lilies and over 20 types of lotus flowers are cultivated.

Park staff say the best time to view the blooms is in the early morning, when the lilies fully open in the cooler air. Other popular viewing spots include Hangzhou Botanical Garden and the waters near Maojiabu.

Beyond water lilies, iris flowers are also in bloom at Changqiao Creek Ecological Restoration Park and Prince Bay Park, while rare summer wintersweet flowers have quietly blossomed at the botanical garden.

Meanwhile, West Lake's iconic lotus season is approaching, with peak flowering expected from late July to mid-August.

Another two-tone water lily is in full bloom. [Photo by Zhang Xiaojuan/Tide News]