XIXI WETLAND
The total area of wetlands, marshes, and swamps in China is 38.4 hectares, ranking first in Asia and fourth worldwide. Of this, the Xixi area covers 11.5 km². The park’s history dates back to the Han and Jin dynasties. The area was shaped by agricultural activity approximately 1,000 years ago; it consists of a combination of basins, water channels, freshwater lakes, marshy areas, and rivers. The park is connected by three walking paths that connect the 10 parts of the landscape. The three paths are named Fu, Lu, and Shou, referring to the Chinese trinity of fortune, prosperity, and longevity.
The Fu Trail is 2.3 km long and runs north-south through the park. The word “fu,” meaning “luck,” appears in the names of its six bridges. The trail symbolizes Hangzhou, the city that brings happiness to its residents.
The longest promenade is Shou, the path of longevity, crossed by rivers on both sides.
A leghosszabb sétány - Shou - a hosszú élet útja, melyet balról-jobbról folyók kereszteznek.
Xixi is worth visiting if you’re in Hangzhou and don’t want to focus only on sightseeing. It offers the ideal opportunity to get up close to the flora and fauna of this region of China across a relatively large, contiguous area. You can learn about some of Hangzhou’s traditional crafts, such as fishing, pearl farming, and silk production. Depending on the season, the landscape always has something new to surprise you, but the most beautiful time is definitely during the spring bloom.
Walking in the park
Fishing has provided and still provid a livelihood for the local villagers for many centuries. Xixit was also known as the “Land of 100 Rivers and 1,000 Ponds” because fishermen created several artificial ponds and planted bamboo, mulberry, and persimmon trees along their banks. The ponds provide ideal habitats for more than 56 species of freshwater fish, of which 5 are native and 20 are of special importance. A separate section presents the history of fishing and the tools used.
Old boat and fishing net
Taking advantage of the opportunities provided by nature, the people living here farmed natural pearls and silkworms.
Pearl farming was already a thriving business in ancient times. For thousands of years, the Chinese have placed tiny Buddha figures in oyster shells so that the oysters would cover them with mother-of-pearl as a form of protection. The idea of industrial-scale pearl cultivation originated in Japan, and after World War II, China also emerged as a major producer and succeeded in developing completely new shades of color. In addition to the jewelry industry, pearls are a key ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine; ground into powder, they are known and used as a versatile remedy.
Freshwater mussel
Silkworm farming also has centuries-old traditions in this wetlands area. At the height of the silk industry, silk was as valuable as diamonds or gold, and for many decades it was China’s most important export. People in the Hangzhou area have been producing silk for 4,700 years.
Silk shop
In addition to those who enjoy walking, the park also attracts families looking to picnic when the weather is nice; they set up camp with tents and snacks and enjoy their time together.
Glamping
Those looking for a more active experience can also explore some sections of the canal by kayak.
Kayaking
The most convenient way to explore the park’s attractions is by boat. The advantage of this route is that the relatively large area is easy to navigate, and the boats stop at every major attraction. Visitors who aren’t interested in the themed area along the boat route don’t have to get off; they can simply continue on to the next stop. Sightseers can continue their journey by transferring to the next boat.
Boats
The bird-watching area is one of the park’s most important natural treasures, hidden from visitors by bamboo and dense vegetation.
The path twists and turns for about 1 km, and with a bit of luck, we might even spot several of the waterbirds that live here.
The water here is mostly shallow and rich in vegetation. Herons, bitterns, egrets, little grebes, mallards, and kingfishers can be observed in the protected area. The park is also home to the highly protected white-tailed eagle, the crested honey buzzard, the crested goshawk, and the marsh harrier.
Birds watching area
If you're looking for some culture, it's worth visiting the Wetland Museum, and while you're there, head up to the observation deck and take in the panoramic view.
Museum with observation desk
A visit to Xixi can take a few hours or even half a day, depending on how thorough you are and how adventurous you feel. Some parts are free to visit, but you’ll need to buy a ticket to see certain areas. You also have to pay for the boat ride, and the ticket isn’t cheap! It’s important to note that when purchasing tickets, the “child” category is determined not only by age but also by height. Generally, children under 110–120 cm are considered children; anyone taller than that is classified as an adult! (This system has been consistent throughout our travels in China so far.)
As with most Chinese attractions, you don’t have to worry about going hungry here either. At the main attractions and boat docks, you’ll always find local vendors selling classic Chinese snacks. If you’re looking for something else, you can also choose from the restaurants at the hotels within the park. If you’d like to stick with Asian flavors, here’s the flagship restaurant of one of Hangzhou’s best restaurant chains, Grandma’s Home.
May, 2018
