Hangzhou
Xixi National Wetland Park, Hangzhou
Xixi National Wetland Park lies about 5 km west of West Lake and was China's first national wetland park, opened in 2005. Once farmland and fish ponds, this 11-square-kilometre mosaic of meandering creeks, ponds, reed beds and small islands is now a protected "green lung" for the city. Sometimes called the back garden of Hangzhou, it shot to fame after featuring in Feng Xiaogang's hit film If You Are the One.
Bald-cypress trunks rising from the green wetland water of Xixi
Highlights
The classic way to explore is by electric boat, gliding through narrow waterways shaded by persimmon and bald-cypress, past old fishermen's villages, plum groves and egret habitats. On foot, wooden boardwalks link restored Qing-era estates, a small folk museum and the Qiuxue'an retreat. Birdwatchers come for herons and migratory species; in autumn the reeds turn silver and the persimmons glow orange.
Opening Hours
08:30–17:30 (1 Apr–31 Oct) and 08:30–17:00 (1 Nov–31 Mar). Ticket and boat sales stop about an hour before closing.
Tickets
Park entry is about 80 RMB (cheaper booked online; around 40 RMB for students and seniors). Boats are extra: roughly 60 RMB for the electric boat or 100 RMB for a hand-rowed boat; a combined package runs about 120 RMB.
Waterside pavilion and lotus pond inside the wetland
Getting There
Metro Line 3 or buses reach the main gates (notably the Zhoujiacun and Longshe'an entrances). From West Lake a taxi takes 20–30 minutes. The park is large, so check which gate matches your plan.
Best Time to Visit
Spring for plum blossom and fresh greenery; autumn for silver reeds, persimmons and the "Reed Snow" festival. Early morning is quietest and best for birds.
Visitor Tips
The park is vast — pick a gate and route in advance, and consider the boat to cover ground. Bring water and insect repellent in summer, and allow at least half a day to enjoy it unhurried.
Highlights
- China's first national wetland park, opened in 2005
- Electric-boat cruises through reed-lined creeks and persimmon groves
- Egrets, herons and migratory birds in a protected urban habitat
- Restored Qing estates, a folk museum and the Qiuxue'an retreat
- Made famous by the film *If You Are the One*; autumn 'Reed Snow' season
Travel Tips
Take the boat
The park is huge and water-bound; an electric-boat ticket is the best way to actually see the wetland, not just the entrance.
Choose your gate
With several entrances spread far apart, decide on a gate and route before you arrive to avoid long detours.
Go early for birds
Arrive at opening for the calmest water, the best light and the most active herons and egrets.
