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Lotus flowers in full bloom are drawing droves of tourists to a village in southwest China's Sichuan Province to not only appreciate their beauty, but also to enjoy the delicacies made from their blossoms, roots and stems.
The lotus farming industry in Zuiyang Village in Sichuan's Luzhou City dates back hundreds of years. Today, the village is home to more than 4,000 mu (roughly 266.7 hectares) of the plants.
With the lotus flowers now in their prime, throngs of tourists are flocking to the region to enjoy the sight, and taste, of the beautiful flowers.
Local restaurants have witnessed a surge in customers eager to try an array of dishes made with lotus flowers, roots, and other parts of the plant.
"From the roots to the petals, all varieties of lotus flowers can be used as food ingredients. We are almost fully booked on weekends, when reservations have to be placed in advance," said Luo Jian, a chef at a local restaurant.
Visitors, meanwhile, say both the food and landscape are reason to visit.
"I think there are many dishes to choose from, and the scenery is also great," said one tourist.
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