In front of the Qianwang Temple, there are two stunning ponds of lotus that I love to visit during early spring. The first bloom of the lotus leaves resting on the surface of the water always captivates me, compelling me to stop and take in the view for a while. I often find myself gazing at the pliable stems of the lotus that poke straight into the water and occasionally ripple with the play of small fish. Even in the depths of the water, the ink-coloured stems of last year's winter lotus are visible. These fresh and elegant first lotus have become the subject of my series, "First Lotus".