Attractions At Xixi National Wetland Park, Hangzhou
Set in the western corner of Hangzhou, Xixi National Wetland Park is home to an interesting combination of urban life and rich ecology, melded together over centuries of rich heritage. Its serene landscape and peaceful ambience have attracted many poets, writers and intellectuals over the years. Visitors today can enjoy the many scenic enclaves within the wetlands to appreciate what they once did.
Towards the south of Yanshui Hut (烟水庵) and next to Zhaotianmuyang (朝天暮漾) is the Yanshui Fish Shop (烟水渔庄). It is a place of the three smokes – willow, cloud, and chimney smoke, which makes one feel as if they were floating above the sky in a paradisiacal village nestled on clouds. After taking in the panoramic view at the top of the three-story Yanshui Pavilion (烟水阁), one can move on to Zhaotianmuyang to sample a variety of local fish delicacies while sipping on tea with the company of their loved ones.
In the Xixi wetlands, a sight that must not be missed is the Shentankou (深潭口) Village, also named the Deep Pond Harbor. Lined on both sides by 400-year-old camphor trees, the river leads up to the village, which is accessible only by boat. Naturally, the surrounding large body of water also served as the race ground for Dragon Boat competitions, which occurs annually during the Duanwu Festival, a time of hustle and bustle for the little village!
Not to be missed are the plum blossoms and towering bamboo shoots, which can be appreciated in the Xixi Plum Blossom and Bamboo Recreation Area (西溪梅竹休闲区). This area encompasses the Xixi Plum Blossom Villa (西溪梅墅), Xixi Cottage (西溪草堂) and the Mountain Villa of the Plum and the Bamboo (梅竹山庄). The cottage was once the home of a renowned scholar of the Ming Dynasty, Feng Mengzhen (冯梦祯, 1546-1605), who wrote many of his poems here, and maintained collections that he was fond of. The mountain villa was built by Zhang Cibai, a scholar of the Qing Dynasty (1777-1857 AD). The best months to visit would be between February and March, when the flowers are in full bloom.
More views of nature can be sought from the Qiuxue Hut (秋雪庵), located in the centre of the wetlands, again accessible only by boat. It is known to be the most beautiful sight in the park, and homes a significant sight, Xixilu (西溪芦). For photographers, a free viewing area is situated near the park, with a small tower offering more panoramic views of the park.
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