Xixi National Wetland Park
Hangzhou's 5A wetland park with eleven square km of slow rivers, calmer than West Lake, Metro Line 3 access.
Written and signed by AzaleaWhat it actually is
The first national wetland park in China, where ancient fishing villages, plum groves, and 100 kilometers of waterways have been preserved within easy reach of Hangzhou's city center.
Editor's take
Worth the trip if you give it at least half a day and start with the Zhoujiacun rowboat; skip the paid core if your time is tight and just walk the free zone. Not for travelers who want West Lake-style ticketed sights — Xixi rewards slow pace, not a checklist.
Essentials
Good to know
Trending now
Rowboat Through Bamboo-Shaded Waterways
At Zhoujiacun dock, board a CNY 100-per-hour rowboat (seats 2-4) that slips through channels walled by bamboo and reed beds. The single-scallop glides silently past egrets and lets you leave the day-tripper crowd behind.
The 'Xi Xi Qie Liu Xia' Legend
Emperor Gaozong of the Song Dynasty (reigned 1127-1162 AD) reportedly set out to build a royal palace here before changing his mind and saying 'Xi Xi Qie Liu Xia' — 'West Creek, please stay.' The calligraphy still marks Hezhu Street's old wall.
Qiuxue An Autumn Reed Sea
From mid-October, the 360 acres of reeds around Qiuxue An turn silver-white and shed fluff in the wind — locals call it 'autumn snow flying.' A wooden boardwalk ends at a traditional pavilion; light is best at 16:00 when sun cuts through the reed heads.