Before leaving Hangzhou, make sure to visit the free Xixi Wetland!

Take my advice! Before leaving Hangzhou, I visited Xixi and discovered that Hangzhou has more to offer than just West Lake. Xixi is definitely worth a visit. I explored the Xixi Wetland on foot, enjoying the fresh air and the picturesque scenery. 📍 Location: Xixi Wetland Park 💰 Cost: Free 🚇 Transportation: Take Line 3 to Dongyue Metro Station, Exit B, and walk 700m. Xixi Wetland Park is divided into paid and free areas. I explored the free area, which was enough to appreciate the beauty of Xixi Wetland: forests, lakes, reed marshes, wetlands, bamboo groves, Jiangnan gardens, and ancient-style architecture. It took me 3 hours (I might have walked slowly) without retracing my steps. 🚶 Walking route: China Wetland Museum—Lotus Beach Bird Watching Area—Gaozhuang—Qushui Temple—Hezhu Street ✅ China Wetland Museum is a must-visit! The upgraded museum is visually stunning, with rich exhibitions and advanced technology. The viewing screen offers a more exciting visual experience than movies; I watched it three times... ✅ Lotus Beach Bird Watching Area: Without bird-watching tools like telephoto lenses or binoculars, I only saw egrets. However, sitting in the bird-watching pavilion and enjoying the breeze is delightful. ✅ Gaozhuang: The estate of Gao Shiqi, said to be a scene from the novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber.' Each window offers a view of bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and lush greenery. It's quiet and serene, perfect for experiencing the gentle charm of Jiangnan gardens. ✅ Qushui Temple: A hidden temple in Xixi Wetland with yellow walls and black tiles, offering a unique taste amidst the greenery. I arrived late and could only take a few photos in the courtyard, which had a poetic atmosphere. ✅ Hezhu Street: A quaint street with bluestone paths, white walls, black tiles, bridges, and flowing water. The shops on both sides were mostly closed, possibly due to my late visit. ⚠️ Travel tips: Xixi Wetland Park is large. To visit more attractions, you can scan for the robot electric car or take a rowing boat. The park has many plants, so mosquitoes are abundant; bring mosquito repellent. Prepare drinking water and snacks, take sun protection measures, and wear comfortable shoes. #Hangzhou #HangzhouTravel #XixiWetland