A lotus pond in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

The planting of lotuses has emerged as a significant approach to driving rural vitalization in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province.

Xu Chuyin, a resident of Chengtang village in Ningbo's Ninghai county, started to plant lotuses about eight years ago and can now earn 2,000 yuan ($307.69) in net profit from one-mu (0.06 hectare) lotus pond that produces about 1,500 kilograms of lotus roots.

Besides selling lotus roots, farmers also earn additional income from the rural tourism industry that is driven by the lotus bloom.

A cafe located next to a lotus pond in Zoumatang village, Jianshan town has become highly popular with visitors after opening. The shop, which is only open during the lotus flowering period, sold more than 3,200 drinks in just half a month after opening, generating a turnover of over 81,000 yuan.

The 3,500-mu lotus park in the Cixi Modern Agricultural Development Zone also draws large crowds during the peak flowering period, with daily visitor numbers easily exceeding 3,000 on weekends.                                        

A close look at a lotus blossom in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]