Highlights of XiXi National Wetland Park, Hangzhou
A locale perfect for city dwellers looking for a quiet spot to lay their stressful minds to rest, XiXi National Wetland Park boasts beautiful lakes and ponds that overlook picturesque views. For the uninitiated, here are some highlights of this heaven on earth.
Be sure to visit the famous Three Causeways – Fu Causeway, Green Causeway and Longevity Causeway – of XiXi National Wetland Park.
The 2300 meter-long Fu Causeway is linked with all 6 Fu Bridges, paving the path to the main attractions. Literally named “good fortune” in Chinese, why not head here to get into Lady Luck’s good books?
Living up to its name, Green Causeway is nestled among some of the most exotic aquatic plant species at XiXi Wetland Plants Garden. These hidden gems have intrigued many experts since its discovery so do take a jaunt here for an eye-opening experience.
Standing at 3600 meters, Longevity Causeway is the longest causeway of the 3. Capture as many photo opportunities here as you look out to the scenic landscape of crisscrossed watercourses and a century-old wooden wharf – definitely not a sight you see in the metropolis everyday!
Next up on this list is the beguiling Hazy Fisher Village. Characterized by dense weeping willows, mist-shrouded water and chimney smoke, this small village is befitting of its poetic name. Come explore this unassuming destination and uncover refreshing plant fragrances and enjoy peaceful visits to the riverside teahouse – right out of a Chinese movie scene! While you are here, delve into cultural learning by heading to a curated exhibition about Hangzhou silk, farming, fishing and local wedding customs.
Travel back in time when at Anchorage Thatching – a humble hut built on a straw hat. Once the abode of Zhou Xiaozhi, a hermit in the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty, the hut is enveloped in a serene bamboo forest. Crediting the modest architecture to the nature of Zhou, he never sought after fame or money and took delight in simplicity. Feel a taste of Zhou’s everyday life and soak in the tranquility of the riverside.
Another standing timepiece from the ancient past, XiXi Plum Villa is a group of traditional farmhouses situated in the southwest part of XiXi National Wetland Park and near the Autumn Snow Thatching. The enthralling Plum Blossoms have always been a favorite since the South Song Dynasty and beyond, and present day is certainly no exception.
A small but by no means boring, XiXi Thatched Cottage is an exquisite yard sprawled across green pastures surrounded by the verdant bamboo. This rustic space is accompanied with an old well, stone seats, grape trellis and chirping swallows – a picture-perfect scene happening right in front of you.
Be it taking in captivating sights or indulging in fascinating cultural experiences, XiXi National Wetland Park is indeed the destination to visit for the best of both worlds.
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