Ascott Group Hotels Near West Brook

Shangri-La Hangzhou is highly recommended for its breathtaking views of the wetland and proximity to Xixi Paradise. Located just a 5-minute walk from the main entrance, it features private courtyard rooms with water-view terraces, offering serene glimpses of lotus ponds and ancient stone bridges. The resort also includes an indoor pool, kids’ play zone, and a traditional tea house, making it ideal for family stays.

Another top choice is Xixi Joy Hotel by Banyan Tree, which blends Jiangnan garden architecture with modern luxury. Its secluded villa-style accommodations and lakeside walking paths create a tranquil retreat perfect for those seeking peace. Both hotels offer free shuttle services to the wetland park and are accessible via barrier-free routes.

HopeGoo in advance is strongly advised—especially during holidays—to secure the best view rooms and avoid peak-season shortages.

The most efficient route from Hangzhou East Railway Station is via Metro Line 1 to "West Lake Cultural Square," then transfer to Metro Line 10 to "Xixi Paradise Station." The journey takes about 35 minutes and avoids traffic congestion.

For door-to-door convenience, use Didi or rent an e-bike along Qiu Bo Road and Tianmu Mountain Road—approximately 25 minutes and costing around ¥60. Note that large vehicles are restricted within Xixi Paradise; electric or non-motorized transport is preferred.

Special tourist shuttles also run between major hotels and the complex—check with hotel front desks for schedules. To prevent delays, especially on weekends or holidays, plan your trip during off-peak hours and allow extra time for boarding.

Xixi Paradise offers immersive intangible cultural heritage workshops, including traditional Hanging Silk Weaving (Zhan Si), Longjing Tea Ceremony, and paper-cutting art classes led by local artisans. Visitors can create personalized souvenirs while learning about Hangzhou’s rich traditions.

Every Saturday evening features "Xixi Night Talks"—a cultural dialogue series hosted by scholars and artists discussing Jiangnan aesthetics and ecological conservation, with bilingual audio interpretation available.

Don’t miss the waterway boat tour, where guests glide through ancient canals aboard vintage black-prowed boats. Along the way, enjoy stories of the "Thirty-Six Peaks" legend and centuries-old farming life, with some boats offering tea and light snacks. All activities can be booked online in advance; fees may apply for materials but include guided access and equipment.

Reservations are recommended—especially during festivals—to guarantee participation.

For authentic flavors, try Yunqi Restaurant, specializing in modernized Hangzhou cuisine. Their signature dishes like "Dragon Well Shrimp" and "Song Sister Fish Soup" use seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation, set against lush garden views.

Ban Shan Xiaoguan is another must-visit—nestled in bamboo groves, it serves farm-fresh local delicacies such as stir-fried Ma Lan Tou, clay-pot chicken, and wild mushroom soup sourced directly from Xixi’s organic farms.

For international flair, visit Xixi Coffee & Book House, a cozy independent café and bookstore offering specialty pour-over coffee and European pastries in a quiet, book-filled ambiance.

Evening night markets also open daily, selling street snacks like sugar paintings, oil buns, and osmanthus rice cakes. Reservations are advised for private dining areas—especially on weekends—and many venues provide child-friendly seating and wheelchair access.

The eco-trails at Xixi Paradise span over 8 kilometers, built entirely from elevated wooden boardwalks and natural timber bridges, seamlessly integrated into the wetland landscape without disturbing native vegetation.

Three themed sections include: Birdwatching Path (with infrared cameras and telescopes), Plant Identification Trail (featuring 40+ native wetland species like lotuses and reeds), and Historic Heritage Route (linking Qing-era stone tablets, old ferry sites, and fishing huts).

Smart QR-coded signage provides multilingual audio guides (Chinese/English) with ecological facts, historical anecdotes, and seasonal changes. Solar-powered lighting and rest shelters ensure safe nighttime access.

Visit early morning or late afternoon for optimal birdwatching—common sightings include white egrets, black-crowned night herons, and little grebes. Accessible pathways and nursing stations meet international standards, welcoming all ages and mobility needs.

Yes, Xixi Paradise welcomes pets under strict guidelines. Pets must wear leashes and carry valid vaccination records; they are prohibited in restaurants, museums, and public baths.

Dedicated pet-friendly trails and a Pet Rest Zone near Banyan Tree Xixi feature automatic water dispensers, waste bags, and cleaning stations. Monthly "Puppy Flash Events" include photo sessions, health checks, and training workshops.

Owners must pre-book a Pet Pass via the official app and bring proof of identity and vaccinations. Emergency veterinary services are available on-site for urgent cases.

Large or aggressive breeds may be restricted in certain zones—check official notices beforehand. Overall, Xixi Paradise has become one of China’s few fully pet-inclusive wetland parks with comprehensive facilities.