Sprawling across 1,150 hectares in the western part of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, Xixi National Wetland Park serves as the only wetland park in China. Covering a broad area, it harmoniously blends urban life, agriculture, and cultural elements.
With rich ecological endowments, pristine natural vistas, and a profound cultural legacy, Hangzhou Xixi National Wetland Park, along with West Lake (Xihu) and the Seal Engravers’ Society (Xiling), is listed in Three Wonders in Western Hangzhou. It was recognized as an International Important Wetland in 2009 and a National AAAAA Scenic Area in 2012.
Xixi National Wetland Park Facts
- In Chinese: 西溪国家湿地公园
- Location: 518, Tianmushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
- Operating Hours: 07:30-18:30 (Last tickets at 17:30; last entry at 18:00)
- Admission Fee:50-100 RMB
- Best Time for Visit: Spring and autumn seasons
- Best for:Nature lover; culture explorer; family
A Historical and Ecological Oasis
Xixi Wetland Park is a historical and ecological treasure with a rich past. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Chen Hun, the county magistrate of Yuhang, built causeways to enclose lakes and developed water conservancy projects, thus created thousands of acres of fertile fields and beautiful ponds, laying an important foundation for the formation of the wetlands in the Xixi area.
Legend has it that the Emperor Gaozong of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Gou, was greatly fond of the beautiful scenery of Xixi Wetland Park. He left behind the famous remark“when you arrive at Xixi, pause for a moment to take in the beautiful scenery”, inspireing numorous visitors to come here for social media photo-taking. Every weekend in November, there will also be small concerts, where you can listen to some folk songs and accompany you through a comfortable journey.
During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, agriculture and fisheries in the Xixi Wetland further developed, many of its natural landscapes such as the Qiuxue Hut, the central part of Xixi, became renowned. It was flourishing at a time.
The Xixi National Wetland Park’s natural functions remained well preserved from the early period of Republic of China to the 1930s. However, in the nearly hundred years following the late period of Republic of China, it gradually declined due to war, turmoil, and excessive human intervention, losing its former prosperity. It was not until the 21st century that this wetland finally awaited a day of transformation.
Now, amidst the contemporary focus on environmental conservation and ecological awareness, Xixi National Wetland Park has regained its prominence, recognized for its significance by both the Chinese government and the international community as a unmissable attraction in everyone’s Hangzhou tour.
What to See in the Xixi National Wetland Park
The Lucid Water
Xixi National Wetland Park’s essence lies in its water. The water here covers over 70 percent of the area, forming a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The unique waterways, with six major rivers crisscrossing the park and multiple tributaries, become the backbone of Xixi’s picturesque landscape. The intricate network of water bodies including the fish scale-shaped ponds just showcases the harmony between water and land.
The Busy Birds
Birdlife is a highlight of the Wetland Park, with numerous bird-watching pavilions providing visitors with opportunities to observe a multitude of avian species in their natural habitat. The park’s cultural heritage is equally rich, having served as a retreat for scholars and literati throughout history, leaving a legacy of poetry and literature. Never miss out the chance to have a perfect photo with these feathered friends in Xixi National Wetland Park!
The Diverse Flora
With serene atmosphere and the harmoniously integrated natural elements, Xixi Wetland Park stands as an enchanting spot for visitors traveling to Hangzhou. It also prides itself on hosting over 600 species of wetland flora, amplifying its ecological value and diversity and providing literally a visual feasts for visitors.
The Three Causeways
In addition to the natural beauty, the Xixi National Wetland Park also features artificial magnificence. There are three causeways, namely Bai Causeway, Su Causeway, and Yang Causeway. The phonetic similarity of “Fu,” “Lu,” and “Shou” to “Fu Lu Shou” demonstrates Hangzhou’s goal of creating a healthy city.
The Fu Causeway runs primarily from north to south, dividing the park into two separate sections—east and west. The causeway’s southern tip meets Tianmu Mountain Road, with its entrance about fifty meters away from where Tianmu Mountain Road intersects with Hua Wu Road. Up north, it extends to connect with Wen’er West Road.
The Green Causeway represents “Lu” in “Fu Lu Shou,” symbolizing prosperity and vitality. Spanning over 1600 meters from east to west, it is flanked by wetland ecological botanical gardens, wetland plant display areas, and wetland ecological conservation zones, making it an ecological causeway and a scientific popularization corridor in Xixi Wetland Park.
The Shou Causeway, also known as the Longevity Dike, runs parallel to Wu Chang Port within the Xixi Wetland Park, stretching approximately 5470 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width, making it the longest causeway in the wetlands. Symbolizing longevity, the banks of the Shou Causeway are crisscrossed by waterways and lined with ancient trees, offering a naturally formed landscape of rustic charm and serene beauty.
The Serene Landscape in Winter
In December, the weather at Xixi Wetland Park is pleasant with lower average temperatures, typically around 10°C. Compared to the stifling heat of summer, the temperatures are more suitable for outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. Additionally, Xixi Wetland experiences less rainfall in winter, and the clear weather is more conducive to enjoying the beauty of the wetlands.
The blue sky, white clouds, and gurgling waters are all in full view in the winter of Xixi National Wetland Park. The early winter landscape of Xixi Wetland Park remains full of vitality, with each scene being unique. Birds flying, airplanes, rising helium balloons, lake water, boats, and wind—all these await your eyes to feast on the visual banquet provided by nature.
How to Visit Xixi National Wetland Park
Recommended walking route
Zhoujiacun – Meizhu shanzhuang- Boyi – Yanshui Fishing Village – Shentankou – Hezhu Ancient Street – Hongzhong Residence – Two Temples and One Ancestral Hall – Gaozhuang. This route allows you to appreciate the most pristine and natural scenery of Xixi Wetland, delve into the deepest parts of its water system, and experience the essence of the “Kidney of Hangzhou.” Additionally, it offers a chance to enjoy the elegance of Xixi Mountain Villas.
Xixi National Wetland Park Boat Trip
Boating is also a way to tour Xixi Wetland Park and it’s a method that aligns more closely with the spirit of Xixi. The water routes in the East District of Xixi Wetland all have corresponding piers, so you won’t get lost and they are very easy to find. Leisurely enjoying the scenery from the boat, it feels as if the entire Xixi is a Chinese-style landscape painting, tranquil and beautiful.
To enjoy the fantastic tour in Hangzhou, there are some information you need to know:
How to Get to Xixi National Wetland Park
- Take Bus No. K506, K193 or K310 and get off at Xixi National Wetland Park;
- Take Bus No. Y13 and get off at Xixi National Wetland Park;
- Take Sightseeing Bus No. 1 from Huanglong Tourists Dispatch Center to the Xixi.
Attractions nearby Xixi National Wetland Park
West Lake: A gem in Hangzhou, it is celebrated for its picturesque landscapes that include the lake’s serene waters, surrounding hills, scattered islands, picturesque bridges, towering pagodas, and exquisite gardens. It also provides a wealth of activities and a journey through historical landmarks.
Lingyin Temple: With its origins tracing back to 326 AD, the Lingyin Temple stands as a monumental Buddhist sanctuary in China, renowned for its magnificent architectural designs, impressive statues, vibrant paintings, and detailed carvings. The temple is complemented by the nearby Feilai Peak, which is decorated with exquisite stone Buddha sculptures.
