Xixi Wetland Park

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

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Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, is a rare ecological sanctuary nestled within a bustling city—China’s first and only national wetland park that blends urban life, farming heritage, and cultural history. Spanning over 11.5 square kilometers, it’s a labyrinth of rivers, ponds, and marshes interwoven with ancient villages, plum orchards, and poetic footpaths.

Located just 5 kilometers west of West Lake, Xixi is often called the “kidney of Hangzhou” for its role in filtering the city’s water. It’s a place where mist drifts over willow-lined canals, herons glide silently overhead, and dragonflies skim the surface of lotus-filled ponds. The park is divided into three main causeways—Fu, Lu, and Shou—symbolizing fortune, prosperity, and longevity.

Culturally, Xixi is steeped in tradition. It’s the birthplace of Chinese South Opera and home to centuries-old customs like the Dragon Boat Festival, which still draws crowds to its waterways. You’ll find rustic teahouses, thatched cottages, and even a “Marriage Market” where parents once sought matches for their children.