Blooming lotus flowers in Xinhoutuqiao village, Jishigang town, Haishu district, Ningbo. [Photo/Yongpai App]

Looking for a sign that summer has arrived? In Ningbo, it's the first bloom of the "space lotus" — a striking pink variety with roots in space-breeding research.

A close-up of a blooming lotus flower. [Photo/Yongpai App]