[Photo by Zhu Chengpei / China Daily]

However, it is not only pesky critters that threaten his precious lotuses. The pond is surrounded on three sides by construction sites for the light railway between Dalian and Pulandian, which will eat up a third of the pond when finished.

Huang Guozhen, an executive director of the lotus club under the China Flower Association, says he admires Xu for his efforts to protect and research the ancient lotuses.

According to Huang, ancient lotus seeds have been found in many places in China, but only the ones from Pulandian germinate.

"We can grow many kinds of lotus with better quality and more beautiful flowers, but Xu's lotuses are growing from ancient seeds. They are unique," he says.

Zhou Yongbin, an official with the Communist Party of China Pulandian Committee, says Xu has made efforts that go far beyond his own ability. "The 1,000-year-old lotus seeds still keep excellent vitality. This represents a spirit of striving unceasingly. It is a carrier of local culture.

"Facing a new developing situation, I believe our government will find a new method to protect these plants," says Zhou.

Xu says his dream is to make the ancient lotuses flourish around the country. "The lotus symbolizes purity in China. Through years of growing ancient lotuses, I've found the peace of mind. I hope more people can appreciate them."