Hangzhou: Xixi Wetland National Park Eco-Tour & Boat Ride

Escape the city and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Xixi National Wetland Park — a 11.5 square kilometer oasis of waterways, reed marshes, and persimmon groves just 15 minutes from downtown Hangzhou. Recognized as an International Important Wetland, Xixi has been a cherished retreat for poets and scholars for over 1,800 years. Your tour begins at the park's main entrance, where your guide will provide an overview of Xixi's unique ecosystem — a rare urban wetland that supports over 126 bird species, including egrets, kingfishers, and seasonal migratory visitors. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find plenty to spot along the way. Board a traditional wooden boat (yao lu chuan) for a peaceful glide through Xixi's maze of waterways. As your boatman poles through narrow channels between walls of towering reeds, you'll feel the city melt away. The guide will point out the ecological features — the natural water filtration system, the fish breeding areas, and seasonal blooms of lotus, plum blossoms, or persimmon fruit depending on the time of year. Stop at hidden villages within the wetland, where you'll explore ancient residences and learn about the traditional fishing and farming lifestyle that has sustained communities here for centuries. Visit the Xixi Ecology Exhibition Hall to understand the conservation efforts that saved this wetland from urban development. In spring, the wetland bursts with flowers. In summer, lotus blossoms cover the ponds. Autumn brings the famous persimmon harvest. Winter mornings offer misty, ethereal landscapes perfect for photography. Every season tells a different story. The tour gained international fame as a filming location for Feng Xiaogang's hit movie "If You Are the One," and you'll pass the exact spots where iconic scenes were filmed.