A trip to Hangzhou Xixi Wetland, a dream of the Jiangnan water town!!

Hangzhou Xixi Wetland, a melody of streams and mist. Ride a punt boat through the reed marshes, watch water birds skim the surface, listen to the rhythmic sound of the oars, and the whole world slows down.
In spring (March to May), enjoy the blooming flowers; in autumn (October to November), see the reeds like flying snow—both so beautiful they leave you speechless. Summer is lotus season but quite hot; winter is chilly with a unique charm. The combined ticket for entrance and electric boat ride offers the best value. After arriving at Hangzhou East Station or Hangzhou Station by high-speed rail, you can take the subway or bus directly. Take Metro Line 2 to "Shentangqiao Station" or "Xialongwei Station," then transfer to a bus or taxi (starting fare can be high). Xixi Paradise Commercial Street is adjacent to the south gate of Xixi Wetland, with upscale hotels, dining, and shopping all available. The surrounding homestays have a more local vibe; it’s recommended to look for accommodations around Jiangcun or Wuchang. Comfortable flat shoes are a must as the scenic area is large and best explored on foot. Don’t forget a power bank either.
Day 1: First Encounter with Xixi, Overnight in the Water Town
Arrive in Hangzhou in the afternoon and check into Xixi Paradise or nearby homestays. Head straight to the south gate of Xixi Wetland. Take a punt boat deep into the waterways. The boatman will navigate through reed marshes, persimmon trees, and plum trees while sharing stories about the wetland. Visit the Green Embankment and stroll along it to soak in the water town atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy snacks at Hezhu Street near the Green Embankment. Qianshi cake and Dingsheng cake are must-tries. Spend the night in Xixi, sleeping by the water.
Day 2: In-depth Exploration, Tasting Longjing
In the morning, visit the Fu Embankment. It’s quite long and connects several attractions, so take your time to savor it. Pass by Qiuxue An, where the autumn reeds look like flying snow—a breathtaking sight. Shentan Kou is the center of Xixi, with a wide water surface, perfect for a rest stop. In the afternoon, head to Longjing Village, a famous tea culture area in Hangzhou. Find a farmhouse restaurant and order Longjing shrimp, Dongpo pork, tea-scented chicken, paired with a cup of freshly roasted Longjing tea. This is the essence of Hangzhou.
Day 3: Farewell to Xixi, Return Fully Satisfied
In the morning, pack up. You can visit Hefang Street or Southern Song Imperial Street to shop for souvenirs like tea, silk, and West Lake silk umbrellas. Depending on your flight or train schedule, head to the airport or train station to conclude your trip.
Food Recommendations
Inside Xixi Wetland, try Qianshi cake, Dingsheng cake, and tea soup. Nearby, authentic Hangzhou cuisine includes Dongpo pork, West Lake vinegar fish, Longjing shrimp, and Song Sao fish soup. Also, local snacks like scallion pancake stew and Pian’er Chuan are worth tasting.
Photo Spots
Capture dynamic Jiangnan ink painting scenes on the punt boat. The bridges, willow trees, and benches along the Green Embankment and Fu Embankment make perfect backdrops. The wide water reflections at Shentan Kou are beautiful. The reed scenery at Qiuxue An in autumn is stunning. The classical garden window lattices and corridors at Gaozhuang are full of poetic charm.
The essence of Xixi lies in slowing down, emptying your mind, and feeling that unique tranquility and poetry.

Post by Amelia Rodriguez13 Equanimity | Aug 16, 2025