I thought West Lake was already breathtaking, until I came here...

Below is the newly updated 2025 travel guide for Xixi National Wetland Park, covering classic routes, off-the-beaten-path experiences, transportation, tickets, and practical tips to help you efficiently explore this "Kidney of Hangzhou"! ☘️☘️☘️Xixi Wetland Overview As China's first national wetland park, Xixi Wetland features "water towns, plum groves, reeds, and folk culture," earning its reputation alongside West Lake as the "Twin Wests." Divided into East Zone (main scenic area) and West Zone (Hongyuan), core experiences include rowboat rides, plum blossom viewing, birdwatching, and intangible cultural heritage activities. 📆📆📅 Best Seasons to Visit 🍀🍀🍀Spring (March-April): Plum and peach blossoms in full bloom, perfect for boat flower-viewing. 🍀🍀🍀Summer (May-September): Water lilies flourish amidst lush greenery; recommended for early morning or dusk visits. 🍀🍀🍀Autumn (October-November): Golden reeds and autumn "snow" at Qiuxue Abbey, ideal for photography. 🍀🍀🍀Winter (December-February): Quiet with fewer visitors; try the tea-boiling experience by a stove. 🚶🏻‍♂️🚶🏻‍♂️🚶‍♂️ Classic One-Day Itineraries ✨✨✨Route 1: East Zone Highlights (for first-time visitors) 🍀🍀🍀Zhoujia Village Entrance → Electric boat tour (¥60/person, stops at Yanshui Fishing Village, Shentankou, Jiaolu Farmhouse). 🍀🍀🍀Shentankou: Visit the filming site of "If You Are the One," explore Hezhu Street, and climb Hezhu Tower for panoramic views. 🍀🍀🍀Yanshui Fishing Village: Experience water town customs and taste Hangzhou cuisine (recommend "Yanshui Three Delicacies"). 🍀🍀🍀Gao's Garden: Qing Dynasty landscape perfect for hanfu photoshoots; afternoon tea at Banyan Tree recommended. ✨✨✨Route 2: West Zone Hongyuan In-Depth Tour (for culture enthusiasts) 🍀🍀🍀Longshezui Bridge Entrance → Hongyuan: Explore Huizhou-style architecture and learn about the Hong family history. 🍀🍀🍀Shou Dyke Hiking: Secluded paths with chances to spot squirrels and egrets. 🍀🍀🍀Rowboat Afternoon Tea (advance booking required): Glide through plum blossom waterways while enjoying Longjing pastries and Dingsheng cakes. 🌾🌾🌾Signature Experiences 🌺🌺🌺Plum/Water Lily Rowboat Tour (¥100/hour/boat): 🌼🌼🌼Spring: "Meizhu Villa → Xixi Plum Cottage" route with waterside plum blossoms. 🌼🌼🌼Summer: Exclusive "Early Bird Route" through misty water lilies at dawn. 🌺🌺🌺Cultural Heritage Activities: 🌼🌼🌼Make bamboo baskets at Hezhu Street workshops, listen to Liangzhu Yue Opera at Shentankou ancient stage. 🌼🌼🌼Weekend exclusives: Song Dynasty hairpin flowers, dragon boat training. 🌺🌺🌺Night Tour (summer only): Light show boat rides through the illuminated wetlands. 🍜🍜🍜 Food Recommendations 🍀🍀🍀Jiangcun Market: Congbao Hui, Dingsheng cakes, Pian Er Chuan noodles. 🍀🍀🍀Yanshui Fishing Village: Xixi freshwater fish, tea-scented chicken. 🍀🍀🍀Gao's Garden Linliu Cottage: Hangzhou cuisine in Qing Dynasty courtyards. 🚗🚗🚗 Transportation 🚇🚇🚇Metro: Line 3 to "Xixi Wetland South Station" (East Zone) or "Hongyuan Station" (West Zone). 🚌🚌🚌Bus: Routes 277/508H to Zhoujia Village stop. 🚗🚗🚗Drive: Navigate to "Xixi National Wetland Park" (¥5/hour parking). 🎫🎫🎫 Tickets & Hours 💰💰💰Admission: ¥80/person (free with Hangzhou Culture & Tourism Card), rowboats charged separately. ⏰⏰⏰Hours: 8:30-17:30 (last entry 16:30). ⚠️ Pro Tips ✨✨✨Avoid crowds: Visit on weekdays or early/late hours; arrive before 7:30 on weekends. ✨✨✨Attire: Comfortable sneakers + mosquito repellent (wetland has many insects). ✨✨✨Photo Spots: 🍀🍀🍀Ancient camphor tree at Shentankou, Gao's Garden waterside corridors. 🍀🍀🍀Meizhu Villa plum groves (spring), thatched cottages at Yanshui Fishing Village. Xixi Wetland charms with its blend of wilderness and culture—whether boating, birdwatching, or heritage crafts, you'll savor authentic Jiangnan water town vibes. Plan ahead to avoid crowds and fully immerse in this serene wetland paradise!