Xixi Wetland

Background

Xixi National Wetland Park lies west of Hangzhou city and covers about 11.5 square kilometres. About 70 per cent of it is water: creeks, ponds, lakes and marshes. Human activity in the area goes back to the Neolithic. It has long been a place of waterside farming and fishing, and is said to be one of the birthplaces of Nanxi (Southern opera). Dragon-boat racing at the Dragon Boat Festival, silkworm raising and silk making, and crafts such as bamboo weaving make up Xixi's waterside traditions.

Local customs

Ride a sculling boat through the waterways, climb to a high point to see the reed flowers, wander the waterside buildings around Shentankou, and watch birds and enjoy the lotus according to the season.

Travel tips

• The park covers a large area, so allow half a day. Check the official channels for ticket and boat fares. Mosquitoes are numerous in the wetland, so bring repellent in summer.
• Take Hangzhou Metro Line 3 to Xixi Wetland South Station, or Line 19 to Xixi Wetland North Station
• check the official channels for the exact exit. Inside the park, walking and sculling boats are the main ways around. Every season has its signature sights: plum blossom in spring, lotus in summer, reed flowers and persimmons from autumn into early winter, and plum-seeking in winter.