Xixi National Wetland Park

What it is

Xixi (西溪) literally means 'West Stream', a 11.5-square-kilometre wetland fed by the Qiantang River and ancient canals. For over a thousand years it was a mosaic of fish ponds, mulberry fields and reed beds tended by farming families. In 2005 Hangzhou began restoring the area, and in 2009 it became China's first officially designated national wetland park. The park is celebrated for its 'three dikes' and 'ten scenic spots', and its cultural layer is just as rich: poets, hermits and even the Qing Qianlong Emperor left traces here. Today it balances conservation with low-impact tourism, a model studied across the country.

The park is divided into three zones: the eastern wetland (near the main entrance), the central wetland (the most scenic, with boat routes), and the western wetland (more rustic, with fewer crowds). A network of electric boats and wooden walkways connects them. Because the area is vast, first-time visitors often waste time on the wrong paths. Our guides know which boat route suits your interests—whether you want birdwatching, photography, or a quiet tea break in a waterside pavilion. We also handle tickets and boat reservations in advance, so you simply step aboard.

Highlights

• Boat through the core wetland — Glide along quiet waterways lined with reeds and weeping willows; the electric boat lets you see herons, egrets and traditional fishing nets up close.
• Autumn snow temple and plum blossoms — A restored Qing-era temple and surrounding plum groves that burst into fragrant white and pink blooms from late February to March.
• Persimmon groves of Xixi — Hundreds of old persimmon trees turn brilliant orange in October; local villagers still harvest them, and you can taste sun-dried persimmons.
• Longzhou and Jiangcun markets — Historic market streets with whitewashed walls and black tiles, where you can watch silk weaving, make rice cakes, and sample Hangzhou snacks.
• Birdwatching hides — Several wooden hides overlook shallow ponds; bring binoculars for kingfishers, moorhens and, in winter, migratory ducks and geese.

How to get there

Xixi is about 5 km west of West Lake and 30 minutes by taxi (¥30–40) from downtown Hangzhou. Metro Line 5 stops at Xixi Wetland South (西溪湿地南) and Line 3 at Xixi Wetland North, both a short walk from entrances. High-speed trains from Shanghai or Beijing arrive at Hangzhou East or Hangzhou West; from there, metro or a private transfer takes 40–60 minutes. We usually pair a morning boat tour with an afternoon at Lingyin Temple or Longjing tea fields, making a seamless day.

Tickets & practical info

Admission is ¥80 (peak) or ¥60 (off-peak); electric boat tickets cost ¥60 for a shared boat or ¥100+ for a private one. Opening hours are 8:00–17:30 (last entry 16:30), with extended hours in summer. Book online via the official WeChat account or ask us to reserve; foreign cards are not accepted at the gate, so use WeChat Pay or Alipay linked to an international card, or bring cash.

Best time to visit

The best seasons are spring (March–May) for plum and cherry blossoms, and autumn (October–November) for persimmon trees and golden reeds. Summer is lush but hot and humid; winter is quiet but bare. Arrive by 8:30 AM to catch mist over the water and avoid tour groups. Late afternoon light on the waterways is superb for photography.

Tips from our guides

• Wear comfortable walking shoes—the park is huge and you'll cover 3–5 km even with boats. Bring insect repellent in summer.
• Book the boat ticket together with admission; the central wetland route is the most scenic and takes about 1 hour.
• Use the free shuttle bus between zones if you want to cover more ground without extra walking.
• Photographers: the best light is early morning or after 4 PM; the Jiangcun market area has classic water-town reflections.
• Respect the wetland: stay on paths, don't feed wildlife, and keep voices low near birdwatching hides.

FAQ