Live Your Best Lives
Xiaoshan is a prefecture-level city in Hangzhou. Established as a county in 2 AD, it was originally called Yuji. It was renamed in the first year of the Tianbao period of the Tang Dynasty and remains in use today. Located in China's most prosperous Yangtze River Delta, south of the Qiantang River, Xiaoshan gained fame even before West Lake. Nestled between water and mountains, and flanked by rivers and lakes, it is renowned for its scenic beauty.
Xiaoshan has a large tourist theme park called "Hangzhou Paradise", where you can enjoy speedboat surfing, beach treasure hunts, colorful boat parades, figure skiing performances and other programs.
Suitable for all seasons
Hangzhou Paradise
Located in the heart of Xianghu Lake, with direct access to the subway, the park offers convenient transportation. The park is divided into themed areas such as the Mayan Tribe, Lost Jungle, and Adventure Island.
Hangzhou Polar Ocean World
Located in Wangwangjiashanwu, on the shores of Xianghu Lake in Xiaoshan, this is China's largest polar oceanarium, integrating polar animal exhibits (including the largest variety of cetaceans) and polar landscape experiences. Featuring a collection of the world's most representative polar animals and utilizing the world's most fashionable and advanced theme park design and construction concepts, the aquarium allows visitors to experience a magical, joyful, and dreamlike global journey through the oceans and polar regions.
Xianghu Tourist Resort
Located west of Hangzhou's Xiaoshan District, the lakeside town boasts a unique charm, a rich history, and a wealth of cultural attractions. It boasts Zhejiang's earliest archaeological sites, comparable to the Hemudu and Liangzhu cultures. Since the Song Dynasty, the eight scenic spots of ancient Xianghu Lake have been preserved, including "Reminiscence of the City and Mountains, Overlooking the Pavilions, Moonlight Across the Lake, and Cloud Shadows in the Heart of the Lake."
Hangzhou Oriental Culture Park
Flowers and green spaces surround the 20,000-square-meter Century Square, where four towers representing gold, wood, water and fire stand tall. The lifelike statues of the "Two Immortals of Harmony and Unity" embody the profound artistic conception of the traditional Chinese "harmony culture" and reflect the harmony and reunion in Chinese culture.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Xiaoshan is a district in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, known for its rich cultural heritage and rapid modernization. Historically, it has been an important agricultural and industrial area, and it is famous for its proximity to the Qiantang River, renowned for its tidal bore phenomenon.
Xiaoshan is located in the southern part of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It is easily accessible by metro, bus, or taxi from Hangzhou city center. The Xiaoshan International Airport is also nearby for those flying into the region.
The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. Attractions are generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but specific hours may vary by location.
Entrance fees for most attractions range from 30 RMB to 80 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through popular local platforms like Alibaba or WeChat.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended for peak seasons, weekends, and public holidays. Booking 1-2 days ahead is generally sufficient for most attractions.
It typically takes 1-2 days to fully explore Xiaoshan, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions like the old town, river tours, and natural parks.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some major attractions offer audio guides in English. It's advisable to check with individual sites for availability.
Start your day by exploring Xiaoshan Old Town, then take a boat ride on the Qiantang River. In the afternoon, head to Shuanglong Gorge for a hike, and end your day relaxing at Xiaoshan Hot Springs.
Night visits are available for some attractions, such as the river tours and Xiaoshan Old Town. Light shows and special tours can be arranged, particularly during peak seasons or festivals.
Jiangsu is not overly crowded, especially on weekdays and during the off-peak seasons (fall and winter). Weekends and public holidays are the busiest times.
Most attractions have basic facilities including toilets, food stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops. Larger attractions have cafes and water stations.
Many attractions in Xiaoshan are accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors, although some natural parks or older sites may require assistance due to uneven terrain.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted in Xiaoshan. However, it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller shops and rural areas.
There are local Hunan and Zhejiang-style restaurants near Xiaoshan's main attractions, offering a variety of regional dishes. Cafes and tea houses are also available for a more relaxed dining experience.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some restaurants, but halal food may be harder to find in Xiaoshan outside of larger cities.
There are numerous hotels in Xiaoshan, ranging from budget to mid-range options. For higher-end accommodations, you can stay in Hangzhou city center, which is about 30 minutes away by taxi.
Souvenir shops are available near major attractions, selling local crafts such as silk products, tea, and pottery. Traditional Zhejiang items are also common.
Taxis, buses, and the metro are available for transportation from Xiaoshan to Hangzhou and surrounding areas. High-speed trains from Xiaoshan Railway Station can take you to other major cities in Zhejiang Province.
