Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: Top Things to Do & How to Visit
Xixi Wetland, also called Xixi National Wetland Park, is in the west of Hangzhou and about 5 km from West Lake. It is China's first national wetland park that includes city wetlands, farm wetlands, and cultural wetlands.
Every year, special events like dragon boat races and the Huoshi Festival take place here. Keep reading to find all the information about the park you need.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Basic Information of Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou
Boating in Xixi Wetland
Xixi Wetland Park covers about 11.5 square kilometers, with nearly 70% of its area made up of waterways. The rich environment supports abundant plant life and attracts many bird species. The park also has old bridges, small villages, and tea houses. It is also known as a filming location for the movie If You Are the One.
- Entrance Fee: 80 yuan (12 USD). Children under 1.2 meters (4 feet) can enter for free.
- Opening Time: From April 1 to October 7, the park is open from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. From October 8 to March 31, it is open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.
- Recommended Duration: Half a Day
- How to Get There: You can take bus 376 or 526 and get off at Zhoujia Village Station in Xixi Wetland. Or you can take Metro Line 3 and get off at Huawu Station.
-
Address: 518 Tianmushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, China
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Top Things to Do in Xixi Wetland Park
Watch Various Birds
Xixi Wetland is home to over 200 kinds of birds, such as egrets, night herons, and kingfishers. At the Lotus Beach Bird Watching Area, there is a bird-watching tower, and you can rent binoculars there or at the visitor center for a better observation. It is best to visit in spring or autumn, when many migratory birds pass through. If you enjoy birds or want to take your kids close to nature, bring a camera and enjoy the experience.
Boat Rides Through Waterways
Water scenery in Xixi Wetland
Boat riding is a popular activity in Xixi Wetland. There are two types of boats: electric boats and rowing boats. It's recommended to choose a rowing boat. As the oar moves gently, you can enter small waterways that electric boats cannot reach. Sitting on the old-style boat may make you feel like you are living in ancient times.
From mid-November to mid-December, it's a great time to ride the boat and see the reed flowers. A common route starts at the North Gate Pier, goes to Autumn Snow Temple, and then returns to the North Gate Pier. The whole trip takes about 2 hours. The white reed flowers float in the wind, and from far away, they look like light snow on the water. This is why the view is called "Autumn Reed Snow," one of the ten famous sights of Xixi Wetland.
Heads up: Reed fibers are in the air this season. Please take care if you have allergies or breathing sensitivities.
Explore Cultural Landscapes
A memorial archway in Xixi Wetland
Don't be fooled by the name "Xixi National Wetland Park." Besides wetlands, it also has many cultural landscapes. For example, Gaozhuang is a private garden built for ancient officials. You can see the delicate layout of an ancient house there, including pools, corridors, and pavilions. There is also a real stone engraved by an ancient-time emperor.
At Hong Garden, the main attraction is the ancestral hall of the Hong family from the Ming Dynasty (around the 14th-17th century). You can still see old family rules carved in stone and other historical remains. And the Wedding Customs Hall shows traditional water weddings of Xixi families.
Watch the Dragon Boat Races during the Dragon Boat Festival
Every year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually in May or June), Xixi National Wetland Park hosts traditional dragon boat races. As one of China’s most important cultural festivals, the dragon boat races are both exciting and enjoyable to watch.
Besides the competition, there are traditional ceremonies like the Dragon King blessing ceremony and the Dragon Head ritual. You can also enjoy on-water cultural performances and a folk craft market. Watching the races allows you to experience the rich local customs at the same time.
Admire Flowers at Flower Fairy Festival
The Flower Fairy Festival was originally a traditional holiday to celebrate spring and blooming flowers. Every year from April to May, Xixi Wetland holds an annual flower-viewing event inspired by this festival. The main area is around the Green Embankment, which has 12 special flower sections. Each section is planted with seasonal flowers, such as peonies, azaleas, and hydrangeas, and every area has its own unique beauty. Besides enjoying the flowers, you can also see 12 "Flower Spirits" dressed in traditional Han clothing. They walk around the Green Embankment lawn and interact with visitors.
Picking Persimmons at Huoshi Festival
Huoshi Festival (Fire Persimmon Festival) takes place in Xixi National Wetland Park every year from September to October. The main areas include Zhoujia Village, Shentankou, and the Green Embankment. This is also one of the most beautiful times in Xixi Wetland. The bright orange persimmons hang among the golden autumn leaves, creating a lovely fall atmosphere. During the festival, you can pick fire persimmons yourself. These persimmons taste sweet and have soft flesh. It is recommended that you visit in mid-September, because if you come later, you may miss the chance to pick them yourself. But it is still fine because you can buy ripe persimmons inside the park.
How to Visit Xixi National Wetland Park
Night show in Xixi Wetland
There are two main ways to explore Xixi Wetland Park: by boat or on foot. If you choose a boat cruise, you only need to purchase a boat ticket, and the park entrance ticket is not required.
You can also explore the wetland on foot. We recommend starting at Gaozhuang and walking through Plum and Bamboo Manor, Zhoujia Village, Yucun Misty Rain, Shentankou, and Hezhu Street before finishing at Slow Life Street.
Along this route, you will pass traditional-style houses, well-kept gardens, and beautiful river views that capture the charm of Xixi’s waterways.
Explore Xixi Wetland with Us
If you prefer a relaxed experience without navigating routes or handling language barriers, a private tour with China Odyssey Tours is an excellent option. Our travel advisors will design a personalized Hangzhou itinerary based on your interests and arrange a dedicated local guide and private car. Contact us online or email trip@odynovotours.com to begin planning your trip.
Related Posts You May Like
What Our Clients Say
"Great Customized Service", "Trip of A Lifetime", "Exceed All Expectations"
