Weishan Lake is a large, shallow wetland northwest of Zaozhuang city that in July and August transforms into one of the more dramatic lotus spectacles in China. The lake's shallow waters support enormous stands of lotus that flower across considerable distances, the white and pink blooms rising above broad leaves in a continuous expanse that stretches to the horizon on calm days.
The lake supports a substantial fishing community whose traditional wooden boats and floating gardens add human texture to the scenery. Boat tours run through the lotus beds during the flowering season, and the combination of the flowers, the lake light, and the fishing settlements has made Weishan Lake a popular destination for Chinese photographers. Outside the July–August peak, the lake is quieter but still attractive — the reed beds and waterbird population make it worth a visit in spring and autumn.