Storyline: Lotus economy flourishes in east China [Voice_over] Summertime in China means lotus are in season. From seed to root, the entire plant can be used in everything from restaurant dishes to skin care products. At this restaurant in Shanghai, the lotus is the star attraction. A special banquet only available from June to August features every lotus dish imaginable, including pink, green and white colored steamed buns. [Sound_bite] Shanghai resident: "The entire table is a feast for the eyes. The lotus flowers, lotus roots, and lotus seeds are all incorporated into the dishes, making it perfect for summer." [Voice_over] In east China's Huai'an City, the Lotus Global Shopping display zone features over 100 lotus-related products like lotus root power and lotus root chips. Near the shopping zone is the Jinhu lotus scenic area, home to thousands of acres of lotus fields, next to a cluster of lotus-themed homestays. The general manager of a culture and tourism company said business has been good. [Sound_bite] Hua Qiang, General Manager, a cultural tourism company in Jinhu County, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province: "During this season, we typically see around 600,000 visitors, generating direct ticket revenue of 3 to 4 million U.S. dollars. Initially, most visitors were from Jinhu and Huai'an, but now they come from Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhouand even Shanghai." [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]