Xixi Wetlands: An Ecological Tapestry, a Naturally Breathable Oasis

A Complete Guide to Xixi National Wetland Park Located in the western part of Hangzhou, Xixi National Wetland Park is China’s first national wetland park and is known as the "Kidney of Hangzhou". Featuring a water-town ecosystem, rich history and culture, and idyllic scenery, it is a must-visit attraction in Hangzhou. Below is a detailed guide: I. Basic Information • Address: No. 518, Tianmushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province • Opening Hours: ◦ Peak Season (Apr 1–Oct 31): 7:30am–6:30pm ◦ Off-Season (Nov 1–Mar 31): 8:00am–5:30pm • Tickets: ◦ East Zone (Paid Area): CNY 80/person (including electric boat ticket CNY 140/person) ◦ Fudi (Free Open Area): Open 24 hours, some attractions are charged separately (such as Gaozhuang, Jiangcun Market, etc.). ◦ Hand-rowed boat: CNY 100/hour/boat (can accommodate 2–6 people, tickets must be purchased on-site). II. Transportation Guide • Subway: ◦ Line 3 to "Xixi Wetland South" (East Zone Zhoujiacun Entrance); ◦ Line 19 to "Xixi Wetland North" (North Gate Wen’er West Road Entrance). • Bus: ◦ East Zone Zhoujiacun Entrance: Bus No. 277, 508H, Subway Shuttle; ◦ North Gate Wen’er West Road Entrance: Bus No. 83, 86, 130, etc. • Car: ◦ Parking lot: Parking lots are available at the entrances of East Zone Zhoujiacun, North Gate, and Xixi Paradise, CNY 5–10/hour. III. Must-See Attractions 1. Shentan Kou • Filming location of If You Are the One, featuring iconic ancient camphor trees and the Dragon Boat Exhibition Hall. 2. Hezhu Street • A water-town style street where you can try Jiangcun Mahua and Xixi rice wine, and take photos at the "Stay in Xixi" white wall. 3. Gaozhuang (Xixi Mountain Villa) • A Qing Dynasty garden with the inscription "Bamboo Window" written by Emperor Kangxi, ideal for traditional photography. 4. Qiuxue Nunnery • Accessible by boat, the reeds in autumn resemble snow, creating a Zen-like atmosphere. 5. Bird Watching Area • In winter, you can observe egrets, cormorants, and other birds (binoculars are recommended). IV. Recommended Routes • Half-Day Tour (Walking + Electric Boat): Zhoujiacun Entrance → Electric Boat to Yanshui Fishing Village → Shentan Kou → Hezhu Street → Gaozhuang → Return. • One-Day Tour (In-depth Experience): Zhoujiacun Entrance → 1-hour Hand-rowed Boat → Shentan Kou → Walk to Hezhu Street → Qiuxue Nunnery → Xialongtan Bird Watching → Fudi → Xixi Paradise Exit. • Free Zone Route (Fudi Line): Wen’er West Road North Gate → Jiangcun Market → Hezhu Street → Green Embankment (Spring Flower Festival) → Gaozhuang. V. Seasonal Activities • Spring (Mar–May): Green Embankment Flower Festival, with hundreds of flowers in full bloom; • Summer (Jun–Aug): Enjoy the lotus flowers on a hand-rowed boat, escape the heat and cool off; • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Fire Persimmon Festival (persimmon picking), reeds resembling flying snow; • Winter (Dec–Feb): Bird watching, enjoy the tranquility of the winter water town. VI. Useful Tips 1. Ticket Discounts: Hangzhou Park Card, student ID, and senior citizen cards are eligible for discounts. 2. Mosquito Repellent and Sunscreen: There are many mosquitoes in the wetlands in summer, long pants and mosquito repellent are recommended. 3. Dining Recommendations: • Hezhu Street snacks (Dingsheng Cake, Qingtuan); • Restaurants outside the scenic area: "Grandma's Home (Xixi Branch)" and "Swiss Town". 4. Recommended Gear: Wear comfortable athletic shoes and bring a light raincoat (wetlands are prone to showers). 5. Book in Advance: It is recommended to book tickets in advance on the official WeChat account "Xixi Wetlands" during holidays. VII. Recommended Nearby Attractions • West Lake Scenic Area: 20 minutes by car, experience the "Paradise on Earth". • Lingyin Temple: A sacred place for blessings, 30 minutes by car. • Songcheng: Experience the "Romance of Song Dynasty" show, 40 minutes by car. Xixi Wetlands combines nature and culture. Whether you are boating, hiking, or taking photos, you can find your own unique enjoyment. Remember to check the weather before you go, and have a great time! 🌿🚣♀️