Xixi Wetland Grand Loop — Three Causeways & Ten Scenic Views Hike

Start at Xixi Wetland North Gate on Wener West Road. Follow Fudi (福堤 / Blessing Causeway) south for approximately 2.3 km through a shaded tree-lined path. Fudi is named for its six 'Fu' (blessing) character bridges — each bridge marks a traditional blessing. Along this section you will pass the large lawn (good for a quick photo stop) and the Underwater Ecological Sightseeing Corridor entrance. Near the south end of Fudi, turn right onto Lü Di (绿堤 / Scenic Embankment), the second of Xixi's three causeways. Lü Di is narrower and quieter than Fudi, lined with seasonal flowers — plum blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and chrysanthemums in autumn.

Photo suggestion: Fudi's shaded tree-lined path with traditional Chinese bridges.

Lü Di runs approximately 1.6 km eastward through marshland and flower gardens. This is the most ecologically diverse section of the free area — the boardwalk passes through reed beds, lotus ponds, and bird habitats. Watch for little egrets (白鹭), kingfishers (翠鸟), and moorhens (黑水鸡) along the channels. The boardwalk is partly shaded by metasequoia trees. At the far east end of Lü Di, the path turns south-west toward Hezhu Street (河渚街), Xixi's main food street. Hezhu Street is the busiest section of the route — scallion pancake rolls (葱包烩, 10 RMB/2), baked rice cakes (定胜糕, 15 RMB), and osmanthus cake are the must-try snacks. The iconic white wall with '西溪且留下' calligraphy is the most photographed spot in the free area. Take a 10-minute break here for food and photos.

Photo suggestion: Hezhu Street's iconic white wall with '西溪且留下' calligraphy.

From Hezhu Street, walk south-west along Fudi's continuation path for approximately 1 km to Gao Family Garden (高庄). This Qing dynasty villa estate (built 1680s) was the private residence of Gao Shiqi, a Hanlin Academy scholar-official and advisor to the Kangxi Emperor. The garden is free to enter (7:30–17:00). Explore the interconnected courtyards, lotus pond, and bamboo-lined paths. Hidden within the Gao Garden complex is the Redology Exhibition Hall (红学陈列馆), which explores the connections between Xixi Wetland and the classic Chinese novel Dream of the Red Chamber — several scholars believe the novel's 'Grand View Garden' (大观园) was inspired by Xixi's landscape. The exhibition hall displays Qing dynasty furniture, calligraphy, and interpretive panels. Allow 20 minutes for the garden and 10–15 minutes for the exhibition.

Photo suggestion: Gao Garden's lotus pond and whitewashed walls — Qing dynasty scholar's retreat.

This is where the route enters the paid core area of Xixi Wetland. Purchase your ticket (80 RMB) at the ticket gate on the south-west side of Gao Garden. Opening hours: 7:30–18:30 (summer) / 8:00–17:30 (winter). The paid area covers approximately 70% of Xixi's total wetland area and includes the most pristine marsh scenery. Enter Shou Di (寿堤 / Longevity Causeway), the longest of Xixi's three causeways at 3.3 km. Shou Di cuts through the heart of the wetland — the views here are unobstructed marsh channels, reed beds, and distant tree lines. Key stops along the way: the Fire Persimmon Grove (火柿映波 / Fire Persimmon Reflections), a scenic orchard with hundreds of persimmon trees that turn brilliant orange-red in October–November; Lotus Pool Egret Shadows (莲滩鹭影), a birdwatching boardwalk with egrets and herons; and the Flood Control Museum (西溪水利纪念馆) with exhibits on the wetland's ancient water management system. The path is fully paved and flat throughout.

Photo suggestion: Shou Di causeway cutting through Xixi's pristine marsh channels.

Continue north along Shou Di to Yanshui Yuzhuang (烟水渔庄 / Mist Water Fishing Village), a museum complex on the wetland's traditional fishing culture. Exhibits include traditional boat-building tools, fishing nets, and life-size dioramas of the water village lifestyle. From Yanshui Yuzhuang, the path loops back north through the paid area toward Shentankou (深潭口 / Deep Pool Mouth), the route's finish point. Shentankou is the historic heart of Xixi — a wide water intersection surrounded by a 100-year-old camphor tree (its branches stretch horizontally over the water), an ancient stage (古戏台) where traditional opera performances are held during the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Dragon Boat Exhibition Hall (龙舟展示馆) covering Xixi's Dragon Boat traditions. The Water Market (西溪水市) area recreates a traditional floating market. From Shentankou, you have several options: take the free shuttle bus west to Zhoujiacun (周家村, the main exit) with access to Metro Line 3; take a sculling boat from the Shentankou pier to Zhoujiacun (~30 min, ~100 RMB/boat, seats 2-6); or if visiting in autumn, take a sculling boat to Qiuxue Nunnery (秋雪庵 / Autumn Reed Snow Nunnery) — only accessible by boat, this is the spiritual heart of the 'Autumn Reed Snow' (秋芦飞雪) scenic view, Xixi's most famous image of white reed catkins against the water.

Photo suggestion: Shentankou's 100-year-old camphor tree and ancient stage — the finish point.