Xixi National Wetland Park (西溪国家湿地公园) Travel Guide
Nov 11, 2024
by orient china travel
Xixi National Wetland Park Travel Guide for Foreigners
General Information
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- Name: Xixi National Wetland Park is a unique wetland area located in the west of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. It is only 6 kilometers away from the Wulin Gate in the main urban area of Hangzhou and 5 kilometers away from the West Lake2.
- History and Significance: Xixi originated in the Han and Jin Dynasties, developed in the Tang and Song Dynasties, flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, declined in the Republic of China, and revived in modern times. It is a rare wetland in China that integrates urban wetland, cultivating wetland, and cultural wetland. It is also one of the earliest national wetland parks in the country1.
- Area and Landscape: The total area of the wetland is about 11.7 square kilometers. The park features a complex water network, lush vegetation, and various habitats, creating a beautiful and ecological landscape2.
Highlights and Attractions
- Three Embankments and Ten Scenes: The park has three embankments - Fu Causeway, Green Causeway, and Shou Causeway. The ten scenes include "Autumn Reeds Flying Snow", "Gao Zhuang Chenji", "Fishing Village Misty Rain", "He Zhu Listening to Music", "Dragon Boat Festival", "Qushui Looking for Plums", "Fire Persimmons Reflecting Waves", "Lotus Beach Egret Shadow", "Hongyuan Afterglow", and "Reeds Floating in the Moon"1.
- Autumn Reeds Flying Snow: Inside Xixi, the reeds are surrounded by crisscrossed waters. The reed catkins look like white and light flowers swaying with the wind, creating a scene like flying snow in the sky during clear and refreshing autumn days. You can take a boat to integrate into the world of reeds or stand in a high place to overlook the endless reed catkins1.
- Fishing Village Misty Rain: This was once a natural village in Xixi and was repaired in 2005. There are three halls exhibiting silkworm, local wedding customs, and folk customs. The surrounding crisscrossed rivers and ponds, quiet environment, and lush plants make this place a wonderland1.
- Cultural Heritages: Xixi contains five major thematic cultural elements of "buddhism, seclusion, vulgarity, leisure, and wildness". There are ancient temples and historical sites scattered in the park, carrying rich historical and cultural connotations.
- Wildlife Observation: The wetland is a paradise for various animals. You may have the opportunity to see egrets, herons, and other water birds, as well as fish and other aquatic creatures. There is a special bird-watching area in the park, such as the Lotus 滩 Bird-watching Area, which provides a good opportunity for bird lovers to observe and photograph birds2.
Opening Hours and Tickets
- Opening Hours: It opens at 07:30 and closes at 18:30 (tickets are available until 17:30; admission ends at 18:00).
- Ticket Prices: The ticket prices may vary depending on different seasons and types of tickets (such as single tickets or combination tickets with additional services). It is advisable to check the official website or local ticketing information for the most accurate prices.
How to Get There
- By Air: If you arrive at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, you can take a taxi or use public transportation such as the airport shuttle bus and then transfer to a bus or subway to reach Xixi National Wetland Park.
- By Train: If you arrive at a railway station in Hangzhou (such as Hangzhou East Railway Station, Hangzhou Railway Station, or Hangzhou South Railway Station), you can take a subway or a bus to get to the park. For example, you can take Metro Line and then walk for a while to reach the destination.
- By Bus: There are several bus routes that pass by Xixi National Wetland Park. You can check the local bus schedule for the specific routes and stops.
- By Car: You can use a navigation app to drive directly to the park. There are parking lots available for visitors.
Food and Beverage
- There are several restaurants and snack bars in the park, offering a variety of local cuisines and snacks. You can taste local specialties such as fish from the wetland, seasonal vegetables, and various traditional Chinese snacks.
- It is also a good idea to bring some bottled water and light snacks with you, especially if you plan to spend a long time exploring the park.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as there may be a lot of walking during your visit. The park is quite large, and you may need to walk to explore different areas and attractions.
- Pay attention to protecting the environment. Do not litter or damage the wetland's ecological environment and cultural relics.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit and bring appropriate clothing and rain gear if necessary.
- If you are interested in taking pictures, bring a good camera or a smartphone with a good camera function to capture the beautiful scenery of the wetland.