Is this walk free? Do I need any tickets?

Yes, the entire route is free. The China Wetland Museum is free (closed Mondays). Gao Garden is free. Fudi and Hezhu Street are public areas with no entry fee. Only the paid section of Xixi Wetland (the core scenic area behind the ticket gates) costs 80 RMB — this route stays entirely in the free public zone.

Is the China Wetland Museum worth visiting?

Yes, especially the B1 Wetland Cave Hall with its 32.5-metre curved screen and 360° immersive projections. The museum is one of Hangzhou's best free attractions and is often overlooked by tourists who head straight for West Lake. The 3rd-floor observation tower (10 RMB) offers a panoramic view over the wetland.

How long does the full walk take?

Plan for 3 to 3.5 hours if you visit the museum (60–90 min), walk through Lotus Flower Pond (45–60 min), explore Gao Garden (30–45 min), stroll along Fudi (45–60 min), and finish at Hezhu Street with a food stop (45–60 min). Without the museum visit, the walk takes approximately 2.5 hours.

When is the best time for birdwatching?

Early morning (6:30–9:00 am) is the best time for bird activity at Lotus Flower Pond. The two covered viewing pavilions offer good vantage points. Common species include little egrets, night herons, and pheasant-tailed jacanas. Spring and autumn migration periods (April–May and September–October) offer the best variety.

What happens on Monday when the museum is closed?

The museum is closed on Mondays, but the rest of the route is unaffected. Start from the museum's exterior (the building itself is still interesting to see) and walk directly to Lotus Flower Pond. The museum café near the entrance is also open. Consider flipping the route: start at Hezhu Street (metro Line 19) and finish at the museum.

Is this walk suitable for children?

Yes, very suitable. The museum has hands-on interactive exhibits including a virtual dragon boat race. The underwater sightseeing corridor is a highlight for kids. The walk is entirely flat and stroller-friendly. Hezhu Street has kid-friendly food options including scallion pancake rolls and baked rice cakes.

What should I wear for this walk?

Comfortable walking shoes (trainers are fine — the route is entirely flat). Light, breathable clothing in warm months. Long trousers strongly recommended for mosquito protection. A light jacket in cooler months. Sun hat and sunscreen for exposed sections on Fudi.

Is this route wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Yes. The entire route is flat with no stairs: museum elevators, wide boardwalks, paved causeways, and smooth stone paths. All sections are wheelchair and stroller accessible. The museum has wheelchair lifts and accessible toilets.

Can I extend this walk into the paid section of Xixi Wetland?

Yes. The paid core scenic area (80 RMB, 8:00–17:30) is accessible from Fudi. The main ticket gate is near the Fudi / Wen'er West Road intersection. The paid area includes dragon boat rides, deeper wetland boardwalks, and the Plum Villa (梅竹山庄). A full loop combining the free and paid sections takes 5–6 hours.

Where are the best photo spots on this route?

Five essential spots: (a) China Wetland Museum exterior — the UFO-shaped building; (b) Lotus Flower Pond boardwalk — egrets and lotus in summer; (c) Gao Garden bamboo courtyard — whitewashed walls and Jiangnan architecture; (d) Fudi Causeway — shaded tree tunnel with traditional bridges; (e) Hezhu Street white wall — the iconic '西溪且留下' calligraphy.

Can I do this walk in rainy weather?

Yes, but with caution. The boardwalks become slippery. The museum is a good rainy-day option as a standalone half-day visit. Most of the outdoor route offers partial tree cover on Fudi, but sections of Lotus Flower Pond and Hezhu Street are exposed. The white wall calligraphy and Hezhu Tower are less photogenic in overcast light.

Xixi Wetland Free Loop — Museum to Jiangcun Hike

China Wetland Museum — Dongyue Metro (Line 3) 中国湿地博物馆 / 东岳站 → Jiangcun Village — Xixi Wetland North Metro (Line 19) 蒋村 / 西溪湿地北站

Easy~6 km3–3.5 hoursFlatFree entryMetro start

🌟 First-time visitors 👪 Families 📷 Photographers +2

Published: 2026-07-13

Plan Your Hike

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Quick Facts

Start	China Wetland Museum — Dongyue Metro (Line 3) 中国湿地博物馆 / 东岳站
Finish	Jiangcun Village — Xixi Wetland North Metro (Line 19) 蒋村 / 西溪湿地北站
Area	Lingyin
Best season	Year-round. Spring (March–May) for blooming flowers and mild weather; autumn (September–November) for reed catkins ('Autumn Reed Snow') and clear skies; summer (June–August) for lotus flowers at the pond but hot and humid — start before 9am; winter for quiet walks and occasional frost on the reeds. The museum is climate-controlled year-round.
Transport	Metro Line 3 Dongyue Station to start; Metro Line 19 Xixi Wetland North Station from finish
Crowd level	Quiet weekday mornings (before 10am). Moderate on weekend afternoons at Hezhu Street and Gao Garden. Busiest at the museum entrance during peak hours (10am–2pm on weekends). The Fudi section and Lotus Flower Pond are relatively quiet throughout.

Route Summary

Xixi Wetland is Hangzhou’s other water world — not the open expanse of West Lake but a sprawling network of fishponds, reed marshes, and narrow waterways that has sustained local communities for over a thousand years. This loop stays entirely in the free public zone, covering the best of what Xixi offers without a ticket: a world-class museum, a birdwatching boardwalk, a Qing dynasty garden villa, a shaded causeway with six bridges, and a lively food street with the city’s most photographed white wall.

The walk is short, flat, and easy — 6 kilometres, zero elevation gain, 3 to 3.5 hours with museum and food stops. It works as a standalone half-day outing, a family-friendly alternative to the more strenuous West Lake hills, or a complement to a West Lake morning for a full day exploring Hangzhou’s two great waterscapes.

All route details on this page are compiled from local notes and online sources, with field checks planned to confirm conditions, museum exhibit availability, and food vendor hours.

Step-by-Step Route

Route notes are based on local knowledge and will be refined with field checks. Approximate times assume a relaxed pace with short photo stops.

China Wetland Museum — The Wetland UFO

~60–90 min

The China Wetland Museum (中国湿地博物馆) is the country's first national wetland museum, housed in a striking metallic disc-shaped building designed by renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki — it has earned the nickname 'West Lake UFO.' Admission is free. Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 9:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00, closed Mondays). No reservation required for individual visitors. The B1 Wetland Cave Hall (湿地洞天厅) features a 32.5-metre curved giant screen and a 6-metre digital waterfall with 360° immersive projections simulating rainforests, marshes, and tidal flats — the most visually dramatic space in the museum. The 1st floor Wetland Panorama Hall (湿地万象厅) displays over 200 animal and plant specimens including live amphibians and reptiles. The 2nd floor Xixi Exclusive Hall (只此西溪厅) has interactive exhibits including a virtual dragon boat race. The 3rd floor hosts rotating exhibitions. An observation tower (~10 RMB) offers panoramic wetland views.

Photo suggestion: B1 Wetland Cave Hall curved screen with immersive projections — the museum's most dramatic space.

Lotus Flower Pond — Birdwatching Boardwalk

~45–60 min

From the museum's rear exit, walk north along a metasequoia-lined path for approximately 10 minutes to the Lotus Flower Pond Birdwatching Area (莲花滩观鸟区). This is part of the 'Lotus Pool Egret Shadows' (莲滩鹭影) scenic view — one of Xixi's ten famous scenes. The area features shallow marshland with wooden boardwalks and two covered viewing pavilions. Common species include little egrets (白鹭), night herons (夜鹭), pheasant-tailed jacanas (水雉), and moorhens. Best bird activity is 6:30–9:00 am and at dusk. In summer (July–August), the lotus pond is in full bloom. The metasequoia (水杉) forest along the approach is a well-known photo spot.

Photo suggestion: Lotus Flower Pond boardwalk with egrets — early morning light is best for bird photography.

Gao Family Garden — Qing Dynasty Scholar's Retreat

~30–45 min

Walk 300 metres north from the Lotus Flower Pond exit to Gao Family Garden (高庄). Built in the late 17th century, this was the private villa estate of Gao Shiqi (高士奇), a Hanlin Academy scholar-official and advisor to the Kangxi Emperor — who personally visited during his southern tours. Admission is free. Opening hours: 7:30–17:00. The garden combines pavilions, winding covered corridors, lotus ponds, and rockeries in classic Jiangnan style. Walk deeper past the front courtyard to find the bamboo-lined path (竹林小径), a waterside stone bridge with whitewashed walls, and interconnected courtyards with verandahs. Quieter than the museum and Hezhu Street. Recommended for traditional-style photography.

Photo suggestion: Gao Garden bamboo-lined path with whitewashed walls — the most photogenic corner of the garden.

Fudi Causeway — The Green Corridor

~45–60 min

Walk 200 metres from Gao Garden to Fudi (福堤 / Blessing Causeway), a 2.3 km public greenway named for six 'Fu' character bridges. Entirely shaded by mature deciduous trees. Side attractions: the Underwater Sightseeing Corridor (水下生态长廊, open until 17:00) with glass-walled walkways below the water surface; Jiaolu Tianzhuang (茭芦田庄) preserving traditional fishpond-paddy field landscape; Qushui Nunnery (曲水庵), a thousand-year-old Zen nunnery. An electric sightseeing car runs along the causeway (10 RMB/person) as an alternative.

Photo suggestion: Fudi Causeway's shaded tree tunnel with traditional stone bridges.

Hezhu Street & Jiangcun Village — Food Finish

~45–60 min (plus lunch)

Fudi ends at Hezhu Street (河渚街). The iconic white wall with '西溪且留下' (Xixi, stay awhile) calligraphy is the most photographed spot in the free area. Hezhu Tower (河渚塔) offers 360° views over the wetland. Jiang Xiangong Temple (蒋相公祠) is a quiet Song dynasty ancestral hall. Food options: Yang's Pastry (杨先生糕点文化体验馆), Uncle Noodle (猪肝拌面, ~30 RMB), scallion pancake rolls (10 RMB/2), hand-pounded rice cakes (15 RMB). Jiangcun Slow Life Block has waterside restaurants. Walk 5 minutes to Xixi Wetland North Metro (Line 19) to finish.

Photo suggestion: Hezhu Street white wall with '西溪且留下' calligraphy — the most photographed spot in the free wetland area.

Getting There & Back

Getting to the trailhead

By metro to start

Best

Take Metro Line 3 to Dongyue Station (东岳站), Exit B or A. Walk north for 5 minutes along Tianmushan Road to the China Wetland Museum entrance. This is the simplest and most reliable option.

By taxi to start

A taxi from central Hangzhou to the China Wetland Museum (中国湿地博物馆) costs approximately 20–30 RMB. Show the driver 中国湿地博物馆 or 西溪天堂 (Xixi Paradise). The museum is the large metallic disc-shaped UFO building at 402 Tianmushan Road.

Return from Jiangcun Village

From Hezhu Street / Jiangcun Slow Life Block, walk 5 minutes to Xixi Wetland North Metro Station (西溪湿地北站), Line 19, Exit E2. This line connects to central Hangzhou stations. Taxis are available on Wuchang Avenue. Shared bikes (HelloBike) are available near the metro station.

Getting back

Return from Jiangcun Village

Return

Chinese names to save

Essential names: 东岳站 (Dongyue metro, start), 中国湿地博物馆 (China Wetland Museum), 莲花滩观鸟区 (Lotus Flower Pond), 高庄 (Gao Garden), 福堤 (Fudi), 河渚街 (Hezhu Street), 西溪湿地北站 (Xixi Wetland North metro, finish).

Key places — tap to copy

Practical Notes

🎒Essentials — Pack & Prepare

Food and water

Water fountains at museum and Fudi. Hezhu Street has extensive food: Yang's Pastry, Uncle Noodle (pork liver noodles ~30 RMB), scallion pancake rolls (10 RMB/2). Jiangcun Slow Life Block for sit-down meals.

Toilets

Museum (multiple floors), Lotus Flower Pond viewing pavilion, Gao Garden entrance, Fudi midpoint, Hezhu Street.

Navigation

Straightforward: museum → follow signs for 莲花滩 → 高庄 → 福堤 → 河渚街 → 蒋村. Signposted in Chinese and English.

Trail surface

Entirely flat: polished floors, boardwalks, stone paths, paved causeways. Comfortable walking shoes sufficient.

Payment / cash

Museum free. Food stalls prefer cash or mobile payment.

🗺️Logistics — Route & Access

Best time of day

Start at 9:00 am for museum opening, birdwatching by 10:00, Gao Garden by 11:00, Fudi by 11:45, Hezhu Street by 12:30. Or start at 14:00 for softer afternoon light.

Family suitability

Excellent. Museum interactives, birdwatching, garden, food street. Underwater Corridor especially popular. Stroller accessible.

📌Other Notes

Mosquito protection

Heavy mosquito presence. Apply repellent before starting. Long trousers strongly recommended.

Museum hours

Closed Mondays. Last entry 16:00 (closes 16:30). Gao Garden closes at 17:00. Free wetland areas open 24/7.

Wetland ecology note

Protected urban wetland and Important Bird Area. Stay on boardwalks. Do not feed birds.

Safety Notes

Boardwalks slippery after rain — take care on wooden sections near Lotus Flower Pond.
Mosquitoes abundant — apply repellent and carry anti-itch cream.
Summer temperatures reach 35–38°C in open sections. Sun protection and water needed.
Viewing pavilion railings are low — supervise children.
Phone signal reliable throughout.
Route very safe for solo travellers.
Pond depths can be several metres — stay on marked paths.

Best Time to Go

Spring

Recommended

Mild temperatures (15–25°C). Flowers blooming throughout the wetland. Museum comfortable. Perfect for the full route.

Summer

Hot and humid (30–38°C). Lotus flowers in full bloom at the pond. Start before 9:00 am. Museum is air-conditioned. Mosquitoes heavy.

Autumn

Recommended

Best season. Reed catkins ('Autumn Reed Snow' — 秋芦飞雪) in full display. Clear, dry air. Comfortable temperatures. Peak photography season.

Winter

Cool (0–12°C). Fewer visitors. Quiet walks on the causeway. Occasional frost on reeds. Clear visibility. Museum warm and uncrowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to common planning questions about transport, Chinese place names, timing, and safety for this route.

Is this walk free? Do I need any tickets?

Yes, the entire route is free. The China Wetland Museum is free (closed Mondays). Gao Garden is free. Fudi and Hezhu Street are public areas with no entry fee. Only the paid section of Xixi Wetland (the core scenic area behind the ticket gates) costs 80 RMB — this route stays entirely in the free public zone.
Is the China Wetland Museum worth visiting?

Yes, especially the B1 Wetland Cave Hall with its 32.5-metre curved screen and 360° immersive projections. The museum is one of Hangzhou's best free attractions and is often overlooked by tourists who head straight for West Lake. The 3rd-floor observation tower (10 RMB) offers a panoramic view over the wetland.
How long does the full walk take?

Plan for 3 to 3.5 hours if you visit the museum (60–90 min), walk through Lotus Flower Pond (45–60 min), explore Gao Garden (30–45 min), stroll along Fudi (45–60 min), and finish at Hezhu Street with a food stop (45–60 min). Without the museum visit, the walk takes approximately 2.5 hours.
When is the best time for birdwatching?

Early morning (6:30–9:00 am) is the best time for bird activity at Lotus Flower Pond. The two covered viewing pavilions offer good vantage points. Common species include little egrets, night herons, and pheasant-tailed jacanas. Spring and autumn migration periods (April–May and September–October) offer the best variety.
What happens on Monday when the museum is closed?

The museum is closed on Mondays, but the rest of the route is unaffected. Start from the museum's exterior (the building itself is still interesting to see) and walk directly to Lotus Flower Pond. The museum café near the entrance is also open. Consider flipping the route: start at Hezhu Street (metro Line 19) and finish at the museum.
What Chinese names should I save before starting?

Save at least these: 东岳站 (Dongyue metro, start), 中国湿地博物馆 (China Wetland Museum), 莲花滩观鸟区 (Lotus Flower Pond), 高庄 (Gao Garden), 福堤 (Fudi), 河渚街 (Hezhu Street), 西溪湿地北站 (Xixi Wetland North metro, finish).
Is this walk suitable for children?

Yes, very suitable. The museum has hands-on interactive exhibits including a virtual dragon boat race. The underwater sightseeing corridor is a highlight for kids. The walk is entirely flat and stroller-friendly. Hezhu Street has kid-friendly food options including scallion pancake rolls and baked rice cakes.
What should I wear for this walk?

Comfortable walking shoes (trainers are fine — the route is entirely flat). Light, breathable clothing in warm months. Long trousers strongly recommended for mosquito protection. A light jacket in cooler months. Sun hat and sunscreen for exposed sections on Fudi.
Is this route wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Yes. The entire route is flat with no stairs: museum elevators, wide boardwalks, paved causeways, and smooth stone paths. All sections are wheelchair and stroller accessible. The museum has wheelchair lifts and accessible toilets.
Can I extend this walk into the paid section of Xixi Wetland?

Yes. The paid core scenic area (80 RMB, 8:00–17:30) is accessible from Fudi. The main ticket gate is near the Fudi / Wen'er West Road intersection. The paid area includes dragon boat rides, deeper wetland boardwalks, and the Plum Villa (梅竹山庄). A full loop combining the free and paid sections takes 5–6 hours.
Where are the best photo spots on this route?

Five essential spots: (a) China Wetland Museum exterior — the UFO-shaped building; (b) Lotus Flower Pond boardwalk — egrets and lotus in summer; (c) Gao Garden bamboo courtyard — whitewashed walls and Jiangnan architecture; (d) Fudi Causeway — shaded tree tunnel with traditional bridges; (e) Hezhu Street white wall — the iconic '西溪且留下' calligraphy.
Can I do this walk in rainy weather?

Yes, but with caution. The boardwalks become slippery. The museum is a good rainy-day option as a standalone half-day visit. Most of the outdoor route offers partial tree cover on Fudi, but sections of Lotus Flower Pond and Hezhu Street are exposed. The white wall calligraphy and Hezhu Tower are less photogenic in overcast light.

Nearby Routes

Other trails starting from the same area, worth combining or visiting on another day.

See a mistake on this page? Let us know →

Xixi Wetland Free Loop — Museum to Jiangcun Hike

Plan Your Hike

Quick Facts

Route Summary

Step-by-Step Route

China Wetland Museum — The Wetland UFO

Lotus Flower Pond — Birdwatching Boardwalk

Gao Family Garden — Qing Dynasty Scholar's Retreat

Fudi Causeway — The Green Corridor

Hezhu Street & Jiangcun Village — Food Finish

Getting There & Back

By metro to start

By taxi to start

Return from Jiangcun Village

Return from Jiangcun Village

Practical Notes

Food and water

Toilets

Navigation

Trail surface

Payment / cash

Best time of day

Family suitability

Mosquito protection

Museum hours

Wetland ecology note

Safety Notes

Best Time to Go

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Routes

West Lake Heart Trail

West Lake Classic Loop

Baoshi Mountain West Lake View Walk