Hello, I’m Lily Xia, and I’ve been working in the tourism industry for over 2 years, helping travelers discover amazing places.Today, I’d like to share some useful information about Xixi Wetland, one of China’s most beautiful natural destinations.This article will give you a simple introduction and practical tips for visiting this unique area.
Introduction to Xixi Wetland Nature Park
Xixi National Wetland Park, located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is the first and only national wetland park in China. It covers an area of about 11.5 square kilometers.With a history of over 1,800 years, the wetland was originally developed during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Xixi Wetland is known for its natural water landscapes, rich ecological diversity, and peaceful environment. . It offers a quiet escape near the city.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Opening Hours:Park Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Last entry at 5:30 PM). Pro Tip: Go early! The morning light is beautiful, crowds are thinner, and wildlife is more active.
Ticket Sales: End at 5:30 PM.
Park Entry Ticket Only: ~¥80 (Offers access to the walking paths and some land-based areas. Not recommended as you miss the core experience on the water).
Boat Tour Ticket: A separate fee. The most common option is a combo ticket.
Highly Recommended – Combo Ticket (Park Entry + Boat Tour): ~¥140.
How to Buy:Onsite: Available at ticket offices at all main gates (Zhoujia Village Entrance is the most common).
Online: Platforms like Ctrip, WeChat (search for “Xixi Wetland”), or Meituan often have tickets, sometimes at a slight discount.
Main Attractions
Folk Village Show (Shezhuang Street): A restored ancient water town street with shops, snacks, and workshops. Great for cultural photos and trying local treats.
Deep Pool Mouth (Shenzhuangkou): The main ecological conservation area. Features bird-watching towers and is a paradise for photographers, especially during the autumn reed season.
Plum & Bamboo Village (Hezhu Village): A quiet, beautiful area with lush bamboo forests, traditional buildings, and a serene atmosphere. Perfect for a peaceful walk.
The Reed Marshes (Feijiazha): The iconic image of Xixi. Best visited in autumn (late Oct-Nov) when the reeds turn a magnificent golden brown and create a dreamy, photogenic landscape.
The Boat Ride Itself: The main attraction. Gliding silently through narrow canals, under ancient trees and stone bridges, is an unforgettable experience.
Transportation: How to Get There
By Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Use Didi (China’s Uber) or Alipay’s ride-hailing function.A taxi from West Lake area takes about 30-40 minutes and costs approximately ¥40-60.
By Public Bus:Many buses serve the area. A common route is Bus #277 from the Yellow Dragon Sports Center hub. Get off at “Xixi Wetland Zhoujia Village” . Use apps like Amap or Baidu Maps for real-time routing. The bus fare is typically ¥2-4.
By Metro (Subway): Take Line 3 (yellow line) or Line 19 (orange line) to Xixi Wetland South Station . From there, it’s a short walk or a quick bicycle/bus ride to the entrance. A metro ride costs approximately ¥4-7 depending on your starting point.
Experiences & Activities
Rent a Rowboat : For a more intimate and silent experience, you can hire a boatman to row you through the narrower, quieter canals. Priced by time (e.g., ¥100 per hour) and per boat.
Photography: A dream location. Focus on reflections, traditional architecture, the texture of reeds, and candid shots of life on the water.
Visit a Museum: Scattered throughout are small museums dedicated to local history, traditional snail paste making, and celadon pottery.
Practical Tips & Etiquette
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will walk a lot between boat stops and attractions.
Check the Weather: The experience is best on a clear day. Bring rain gear if showers are forecast.
Mosquito Repellent: This is a wetland. Mosquitoes are present, especially in summer. Bring strong repellent.
Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle. You can buy drinks inside, but it’s handy to have your own.
Etiquette: This is a protected natural area. Do not litter. Be respectful and quiet in the ecological zones, especially near bird-watching areas.
Food Guide
Inside the Park: Shezhuang Street and various rest stops sell snacks like stinky tofu, grilled squid, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and fresh fruits. There are also sit-down restaurants serving standard Chinese dishes.
Must-Try Local Specialty:Luo Shi Xian ( Snail Paste): Don’t be put off by the name! It’s not a paste. It’s a local freshwater snail stir-fried in a delicious, slightly spicy sauce with Chinese herbs. A unique flavor of Xixi.
FAQ
Q1: How much time should I spend there？
A: Plan for a full half-day at a minimum. A comfortable and thorough visit takes 5-6 hours.
Q2: Is it suitable for children and elderly visitors?
A: Yes, the boat tour makes it very accessible. There is walking involved between docks, but the paths are flat and well-paved. Wheelchairs and strollers can be used.
Q3: What is the best season to visit?
A: Autumn (October-November) is stunning for the golden reeds and pleasant weather. Spring (March-April) is beautiful with blooming flowers. Summer is green but hot and humid. Winter is quiet and starkly beautiful but can be very cold.
Lily Xia
She is Lily Xia,a 25 years old gilr.
For over ten years, she’ve been traveling with her camera,
and her greatest passion is capturing the beautiful moments,
places, and especially the people she meet along the way.