The annual Lotus Festival is in full bloom in Beijing at the Yuanmingyuan Park, also known as the Old Summer Palace. Now in its 18th year, the festival has become an anticipated summer event for many locals and tourists alike. And this year, the festival has something special to offer.

An emperor and his concubine standing at the front of a boat take us back hundred of years to the Qing Dynasty. No, this is not a scene from a costume drama, but instead staff of the Yuanmingyuan Park at this year's Lotus Festival are embracing the spirit of the occasions and dressing up for those attending.

And if you are lucky enough, you may have the chance to play this game together with the "Emperor".

A tourist said, "This is really interesting! And I think it can help me learn something about the history of the Qing Dynasty."

It's fun to watch the show, but for the "actors", this is no easy task because they have to wear so many layers of costumes in the heat of the sun.

A staff member said, "It's hot. But we hope it will attract more people to the park and arouse their interest in the history of the Qing Dynasty, so it's totally worth it."

This summer, 300 varieties of lotus flowers are blooming on the vast lakes of the Old Summer Palace. Tourists can enjoy the spectacle with the "Emperor" himself until the end of August.

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