A popular science activity named “Boating in a king lotus” is now on-going at Aquatic Garden of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG). Giant Water Lilies (Victoria amazonica) planted in XTBG are now at their best time. The most interesting thing about this flower is the large leaves which can hold considerable weight while floating on the water. Kids weighing less than 30 kilograms can experience sitting on a huge king lotus leaf.

Many visitors are surprised at the size of the giant water lily. “Is the huge leaf real or plastic?” was what mostly asked. When they see their children sitting on the huge leaf, they come to believe it is true.

King lotus (Victoria amazonica) is the most attractive plant on the mirror-like lake of Aquatic Garden. It is native to the shallow waters of the Amazon River basin and was introduced to XTBG in 1963.

Giant water lily is big and beautiful and the color of the flowers changes with time. The flowers are white the first night they are open and become pink the second night. (The initial blossoms are white. In the dawn next day, the petals contract into a bud. In the dusk, the flowers loom again with rosy petals.) Most amazingly, the leaf of Victoria is able to support quite a large weight due to the plant's structure. It can support / bear up to 50-70 kilograms.

Thanks to the good growth of giant water lilies. XTBG launched the popular science activity named “Boating in a king lotus” again in 2014. It was ever held in 2009 and 2012 respectively. This year was a third one and will last about one month.

Come and experience this amazing plant! It will be a fruitful endeavor.