Many of the Victoria water lilies in Beijing Botanical Garden are in full bloom these days. The plant's flowering period lasts from June to October, but each bloom only lasts for two to three days before sinking into the water.

The plant is also famous for its large floating leaves, some of which can have diameters up to three meters. Though the leaf itself is very delicate, by distributing the weight across the surface, the leaf could easily support a child or even a lean adult.

(All photos via VCG)

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