Located in West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, Xixi is China's first national wetland park and a 5A-level scenic area. Covering 11.5 sq km (70% water areas including ponds and marshes), it hosts over 700 vascular plant species and 180 bird species, forming a rare urban secondary wetland ecosystem.
History and Culture
With 1,800+ years of history dating back to Eastern Han Dynasty, Xixi flourished during Tang-Song and peaked in Ming-Qing periods. Southern Song Emperor Gaozong once considered establishing capital here, leaving the legend "Let Xixi stay". Ming-Qing literati retreated here for artistic creation, leaving numerous poems and paintings.
Early 20th-century urban expansion shrank the wetland. Hangzhou initiated conservation in 2003, establishing China's first national wetland park in 2005. Traditional water villages like Shentankou and Hezhu Street remain preserved.
Main Attractions
Qiuxue Convent
Most famous historic site (Southern Song origin) surrounded by reeds. Autumn turns reed catkins into "flying snow", creating Xixi's top scenic spot. Exhibits of literati's Xixi-themed poetry reveal cultural heritage.
Shentankou
Core water area where three rivers converge. Best place for traditional customs - annual dragon boat festivals and punt boat rides through crisscrossing waterways.
Hezhu Street
Restored Qing Dynasty water town market with flagstone paths and riverside shops. Features folk culture exhibits, Jiangcun Stage, local crafts and authentic rural cuisine.
Gao's Villa
Qing scholar Gao Shiqi's retreat showcasing classic Jiangnan garden architecture. Elegant pavilions, lotus ponds, rockeries and ancient trees reflect traditional literati aesthetics.
Cuisine
Xixi Persimmon
Local specialty cultivated for millennia. Small but fleshy with thin skin, sweet yet not cloying. October Persimmon Festival offers picking experiences. Dried persimmons and persimmon wine are popular derivatives.
Jiangcun Fish Balls
Made from Xixi's wild grass carp, delicately textured to melt in mouth. Served in clear soup with bamboo shoots and mushrooms. Authentic versions available at Hezhu Street's time-honored restaurants.
Xixi Rice Wine
Brewed with local glutinous rice and Xixi water. Low alcohol content with refreshing sweetness. Traditional workshops demonstrate ancient techniques and offer fresh tastings.
Ticket Information
Peak season (Apr1-Oct31): 80 yuan; Off-season: 60 yuan. Electric boat: 60 yuan; Punt boat: 100 yuan/hour (max 6 passengers). Free for children under 1.2m and seniors over 70; student discounts available.
Recommended Itinerary
One-day route: Zhoujia Village entrance → electric boat to Shentankou → walk Hezhu Street → punt boat experience → Qiuxue Convent → Gao's Villa → return. Full tour takes 5-6 hours.
Transportation
- Metro: Hangzhou Metro Line 3 to Xixi Wetland South Station
- Bus: Multiple routes to Zhoujia Village/Wen'er West Road entrances
- Driving: Parking lots around park (5 yuan/hour)
- Flight: Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport ~30km away
Must-Visit Attractions
- Qiuxue Convent - Top "Autumn Reed Snow" scenery
- Shentankou - Traditional punt boat experience
- Hezhu Street - Water town market and folk culture
- Gao's Villa - Jiangnan garden elegance
- Xixi Plum Villa - Premier winter plum blossom site
Travel Tips
- Best seasons spring/autumn - April for flowers, October for persimmons
- Bring mosquito repellent for wetland insects
- Wear anti-slip shoes for wooden walkways
- Early morning/late afternoon boat rides for best light
- Choose clearly-priced restaurants for local food
- Allocate full day for complete wetland experience
Precautions
- Protect wetland ecology - no plant picking
- Don't disturb wildlife - maintain distance
- Wear life jackets and remain seated on boats
- No smoking or open flames in park
- Secure belongings in vast water areas
- Comply with all park regulations