Xixi National Wetland Park, Protected wetland area in Hangzhou, China.
Xixi National Wetland Park is a protected wetland area near Hangzhou that spans a large expanse crisscrossed by a network of six rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Roughly three-quarters of the park consists of water surfaces linked by causeways that lead to well-known attractions like Hazy Fisher Village and Xixi Plum Villa.
The wetland began to form during the Liangzhu Culture period over 4000 years ago and gradually shaped the landscape. Settlements emerged during the Tang Dynasty around the 7th century, transforming the area into a populated region.
The four old villages in the park still demonstrate traditional crafts like silkworm breeding and silk weaving that visitors can observe during daily work. This location served as the birthplace of Chinese South Opera, an art form that originated here and shaped the cultural life of these communities for generations.
The park is located southwest of Hangzhou and is reachable by various transport options, with the three main causeways serving as guides for orientation. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring the wetland involves lengthy walks, and the best time to visit is during moderate seasons.
The park hosts a remarkable diversity of plants and animals, with more than 200 plant species and nearly 90 bird species, many found nowhere else in the region. This rich biological variety makes the park a crucial refuge for migratory birds and habitat for specialized water-dwelling creatures.
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