Downfall of the lotus

Ever since 1995, one of my favorite things to do in Beijing in July is go see the expanses of lotus blossoms at the Old Summer Palace. Here's a picture from July 2003:



Unfortunately, Beijing is facing an immense water shortage (causing, for example, the creation of sinkholes that will occasionally swallow up entire buildings). One result is no more water for the lotus ponds. Here's a picture taken at the same spot one year later (July 2004):



...the Old Summer Palace did still have water in one place, so you could take some really cheesy (and expensive) boat ride.