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Hangzhou Xixi National Wetland Park
Xixi National Wetland Park is one of Hangzhou’s most unique natural and cultural attractions, located at the junction of Xihu District and Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It is only about 5 kilometers from West Lake, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking nature, traditional culture, and a peaceful escape from the city.
Covering an area of approximately 11.5 square kilometers, Xixi Wetland is characterized by an extensive network of rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes. More than 100 kilometers of waterways flow through the park, with nearly 70% of the area covered by wetlands and water landscapes.
Known as one of the “Three Xi” of Hangzhou together with West Lake and Xiling, Xixi National Wetland Park is the first national wetland park in China that combines urban wetland, agricultural wetland, and cultural wetland. It is famous for its rich biodiversity, beautiful natural scenery, and deep cultural heritage.
Natural Beauty of Xixi Wetland
Xixi Wetland offers a rare combination of peaceful waterways, lush vegetation, traditional villages, and ancient cultural sites. Visitors can explore the wetland by boat, walk along scenic paths, observe wildlife, and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Jiangnan water towns.
The park is especially famous for its changing scenery throughout the year:
* Spring: Fresh greenery and blooming flowers create a vibrant landscape.
* Summer: Lotus flowers cover the waterways, attracting photographers and nature lovers.
* Autumn: Golden reeds and persimmons create the iconic autumn scenery of Xixi.
* Winter: Misty rivers and quiet wetlands offer a poetic atmosphere.
Three Scenic Embankments and Ten Famous Views
Xixi National Wetland Park is known for its “Three Embankments and Ten Views”, which represent the best landscapes and cultural highlights of the wetland.
Three Embankments
* Fu (Blessing) Embankment
* Lu (Prosperity) Embankment
* Shou (Longevity) Embankment
These scenic paths connect different areas of the wetland and provide excellent routes for walking and sightseeing.
Ten Famous Views of Xixi Wetland
The most famous landscapes include:
* Autumn Reed Marsh
* Flying Snow Beach
* Fire Persimmon Reflection
* Lotus Beach and Heron Shadow
* Dragon Boat Festival Celebration
* Hongyuan Garden
* Jianjia Garden
* Moon Reflection
* Misty Rain in Fishing Village
* Meandering Waterway and Plum Blossom Viewing
Rich Culture and History of Xixi Wetland
Beyond its natural beauty, Xixi Wetland has a long history as a place favored by emperors, scholars, poets, and artists. Numerous literary works were created here, making it an important cultural landscape of Hangzhou.
The traditional folk culture of Xixi remains vibrant, including:
* Dragon boat traditions
* Xixi green fish culture
* Bamboo shoot customs
* Qingming outdoor gatherings
The wetland also preserves historical temples, gardens, traditional residences, and waterways that reflect the lifestyle of ancient Jiangnan water towns.
Main Attractions in Xixi National Wetland Park
Bo’an House
Bo’an House was the former residence of Zou Xiaozhi, a famous scholar from Qiantang during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.
Surrounded by reeds and waterways, the manor once appeared like a peaceful island floating on the wetland, which inspired its name. The complex includes several traditional buildings, including the Free Hall and Kongming Pavilion, showcasing the elegant lifestyle of ancient Chinese scholars.
Yanshui Fishing Village
Yanshui Fishing Village is the cultural exhibition center of Xixi’s traditional farming and fishing lifestyle.
Inspired by the poetic image of “Autumn Snow Fishing Village”, this area combines the beauty of misty willows, waterways, and traditional houses. Visitors can learn about local customs through exhibitions featuring:
* Silk farming culture
* Traditional wedding customs
* Xixi family life
* Jiangnan water town architecture
Shentankou (Deep Pool Mouth)
Shentankou, also known as Shentan Port, is one of the most important cultural areas in Xixi Wetland.
According to ancient literature, the deep waters here were mysterious and difficult to measure, inspiring many legends. Today, it is the main venue for the famous Xixi Dragon Boat Festival, a traditional celebration held every year.
It has also become a popular filming location, including scenes from Feng Xiaogang’s famous movie “If You Are the One.”
Hang and Li Memorial Temple
The Hang and Li Memorial Temple honors two famous Qing Dynasty scholars:
* Li E, a respected scholar during the reign of Emperor Kangxi
* Hang Shijun, a scholar during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng
The temple recreates the elegant gatherings of ancient Chinese intellectuals, allowing visitors to experience traditional poetry, calligraphy, painting, and scholarly culture.
Hezhu Street
Hezhu Street is a traditional waterfront commercial street named after the ancient area of Hezhu.
Walking along the street, visitors can experience the lifestyle of old Jiangnan water towns, with:
* Houses built beside canals
* Small boats passing under bridges
* Traditional markets
* Local handicrafts and folk customs
The street perfectly reflects the unique charm of “living beside water and traveling by boat.”
Gaozhuang Villa
Gaozhuang Villa was the private garden of Gao Shiqi, a famous scholar during the Qing Dynasty.
Because Emperor Kangxi visited here during his southern inspection tour, the villa became historically significant. The complex includes traditional buildings such as:
* Gao Residence
* Bamboo Window Hall
* Banana Poetry Club
It recreates the elegant garden style of the late Ming and early Qing periods.
Plum Villa
Plum Villa was the residence of Zhang Shui, a Qing Dynasty scholar from Qiantang.
Known for planting large numbers of plum trees and bamboo, Zhang Shui often invited friends here for poetry and painting gatherings. Today, Xixi Plum Villa is one of the best places in Hangzhou to appreciate plum blossoms.
Xixi Water Pavilion
Located in the Meizhu Leisure Area, Xixi Water Pavilion is a traditional riverside residence once used by scholars and artists.
The pavilion includes two libraries:
* Lanxi Library
* Shuwu Library
Visitors can experience the peaceful lifestyle of ancient Chinese literati who sought inspiration and tranquility away from the busy world.
Why Visit Xixi National Wetland Park?
Xixi National Wetland Park offers a rare combination of natural landscapes, traditional culture, and authentic Jiangnan lifestyle. Unlike the famous West Lake, Xixi provides a quieter and more immersive experience where visitors can explore waterways, ancient villages, tea gardens, and local traditions.
For travelers visiting Hangzhou, Xixi Wetland is a perfect complement to West Lake and an unforgettable destination for experiencing the beauty of eastern China.
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