Head to Xishui Tan in Hangzhou for the perfect summer escape! The crystal-clear streams flow down from the mountains, forming natural pools ideal for splashing around with kids. Surrounded by lush greenery, the fresh air instantly washes away city stress. Don't forget a picnic blanket—find a shady spot by the water for a lazy afternoon. It's also a photographer's dream, with every angle offering postcard-worthy nature shots!


Everything you need to know about Xishui Beach
Recommended is the Hangzhou West Lake Sheraton Resort, just a 15-minute drive from Xishui Beach. The hotel features indoor and outdoor water pools, a kids’ water playground, and a dedicated eco-path connecting to wetland trails. Rooms blend traditional Jiangnan architecture with views of the West Lake wetlands. Free electric boat rentals allow direct access to Xishui Beach waters, making it ideal for family trips.
Take Hangzhou Metro Line 5 to "Xihu Culture Plaza Station", then transfer to Bus 707 or use shared e-bikes along scenic greenways—total trip time about 40 minutes. By taxi, set navigation to "Xishui Beach Wetland Park"; journey takes around 30 minutes via the main entrance to Xixi National Wetland Park, passing lush ecological zones. Many platforms also offer scenic loop buses with round-trip transfers, perfect for visitors without cars.
Try the floating bridge hike, birdwatching tours, and bamboo raft weaving workshops. The most popular is the nightlight wetland adventure, led by guides through quiet waterways to observe fireflies and night herons. There’s also a family-friendly water zone with shallow, safe areas for children, supervised by lifeguards. All activities emphasize zero-pollution eco-education, preserving the natural habitat.
Must-visit spots include the Mirror Lake Pavilion Bridge, which creates stunning dual reflections in still waters—especially beautiful at sunrise—and the Cloud Shadow Flower Terrace, featuring vast fields of pink poppies and purple asters, ideal for portrait and landscape photography. The Bamboo Grove Pathway offers a serene, Japanese-inspired ambiance with dense greenery, perfect for artistic shots. Wear light-colored clothing to complement the natural backdrop.
Savor Xixi Fish Head Soup, Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice Chicken, and Longjing Tea-Scented Shrimp. These dishes use fresh ingredients from the wetlands: the fish head comes from local fishermen, simmered slowly in mountain spring water for a rich, clean flavor. Lotus leaf sticky rice is wrapped in natural leaves and steamed, releasing a fragrant aroma. Eateries like "San Tan Yin Yue Food Hub" offer outdoor riverside seating, letting you enjoy meals while watching birds glide across the water.
Xishui Beach Wetland Park is open daily from 06:00 to 21:00, extended to 22:00 on weekends and holidays. Entry is free, but some experiences require fees: guided eco-tours (80 RMB/person), bamboo raft rental (60 RMB/hour), and family craft workshops (98 RMB/group). Pre-book guided tours via the official "Xixi Wetland Mini Program" to avoid queues during peak season. The park has a smart guide system with audio commentary and real-time GPS tracking, enhancing visitor experience.
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