Where would you go for lotus viewing? Sprawling ponds in parks often come to people mind. But in Nanning, southern China’s Guangxi region, these elegant blooms have found their way into homes as beloved decorations.     Summer is the peak sales season for lotus flowers; buckets of freshly picked lotus blooms and seed pods are prominently displayed in every flower market in the city. Single-petaled lotuses, double-petaled lotuses, some in pink, others in pale pink, some in tight buds, others in full radiant bloom—offer a refreshing array of choices. The plump, jade-green seed pods resemble emerald bells, pairing with the delicate flowers to create a picture-perfect summer vignette.     Local vendors said, Nanning’s thriving lotus farms supply the market with fresh, affordable blooms. Beyond their beauty, these flowers hold deep cultural significance in China. The lotus, celebrated for ‘rising unstained from the mud’, embodies purity and resilience, while its seed-filled pod symbolizes prosperity and abundance. It’s no wonder these meaningful blooms remain a top seller, gracing homes with their timeless charm.