Xixi National Wetland Park is well known as the "Three Xi (West) of Hangzhou" (short for the three landmark attractions in Hangzhou) along with West Lake (Xihu), and Xiling Seal-Engravers Society. Covering an area of 10.08 square kilometers, Xixi National Wetland Park is located at the west part of Hangzhou, less than 5 kilometers away from West Lake. It is China's first and the only national wetland park, which combines urban wetland, farming wetland and cultural wetland.
Water is the soul of the Xixi National Wetland Park. About seventy percent of the area is covered with water which creates a special habitat for various species of plants and animals. Six creeks crisscross the park, among which scatter various creeks, ponds, lakes and swamps with water-birds flying about just above them and fish swimming freely in them. Reed catkins in the autumn and plum blossoms in winter are also its highlights.
Xixi National Wetland Park has a history of more than 1,800 years: it was first discovered in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), flourished during the Dynasties of Ming (1368-1644 AD) and Qing (1644-1912 AD), declined during the Republican Period, and revived in Modern Times. Abundant cultural heritages accumulated during this period such as, Yue Opera, Dragon Boat Racing, water village-style life featuring silkworm feeding and silk production etc.
Also because of its features like peacefulness, primitiveness, undisturbedness, the park was regarded as a pure land on earth by many literators. And it remained a favorite haunt for them. These literators left behind themselves many works of art as well as footprints which in turn provides profound culture flavor to enhance Xixi National Wetland Park.
