Xixi Wetland National Park
Why visit here?
Xixi Wetland National Park, located in western Hangzhou, is China's first national wetland park. Covering an area of 11.5 square kilometers, this unique ecosystem combines rivers, ponds, islets, and a dense network of canals that have witnessed more than 1,800 years of human interaction with nature.
The best way to explore Xixi is aboard the traditional wooden boats that ply its ancient canals. The tour allows you to discover ancient floating villages, such as Qiuxue Nunnery or Baizhang Mountain Temple, where time seems to have stood still. In autumn, the landscape is tinged with silver as the reeds bloom, a spectacle known as “Xixi Luxue.”
The wetland is home to a rich biodiversity with over a hundred species of birds and four hundred types of plants. During spring and summer, lotuses and water lilies bloom, covering the waters with color, while herons and kingfishers fly over the canals in search of fish.
In addition to its natural value, Xixi has a deep cultural heritage. It was the setting for Feng Xiaogang's film “If You Are the One,” which increased its international fame. Its wooden boardwalks, rustic bridges, and traditional tea houses offer a peaceful retreat where visitors can sample the famous lotus beer while contemplating the watery landscape.
Pros & Cons
- Traditional Jiangnan scenery with a twist: reed marshes turn snow-white in autumn, plum groves blossom in spring.
- Well‑preserved rural heritage – see thatched houses, old stone bridges, working waterwheels and local snacks in Hezhu Street, all set against a modern city backdrop.
- Entry requires online reservation – use the official “Xixi Wetland” WeChat mini‑program; foreign visitors can also buy tickets in the app or on site with a passport.
- The park is huge – walking the whole park is unrealistic. Use boats, shuttle buses or the Fudi free zone for a more comfortable visit.
- Stone and cobblestone paths can be uneven and slippery when wet.
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Xixi Wetland National Park
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