Plum Blossom Viewing in Xixi

A Light Hiking Guide to Xixi National Wetland Park, Hangzhou in March 2025 Based on the current date (March 12, 2025) and young people's preferences, the following route focuses on light hiking + online-famous spots + cultural experiences, taking into account both natural wildness and social attributes, and is suitable for couples, friends, or small groups. Itinerary Overview Keywords: Early spring plum blossoms, ancient-style photo opportunities, waterside afternoon tea, light hiking Duration: 1 day (recommended 9:00–17:00) Budget: CNY 200–300 per person (including tickets, meals, and transportation) Route Details Recommended Route: Xixi Paradise Entrance → China Wetland Museum → Gao's Villa → Meizhu Villa → Yanshui Fishing Village → Shentankou → Xixi Plum Villa → Return to Xixi Paradise 9:00–10:30 AM: Xixi Paradise Entrance & China Wetland Museum Highlights: Free visit to the museum to learn about wetland ecology through light and shadow interactive installations (suitable for taking tech-savvy photos). Transportation: 10-minute walk from Exit D of "Dongyue Station" on subway Line 3, or drive to the Xixi Paradise parking lot (ample parking spaces). Tips: The museum opens at 9:00 AM, so it is recommended to reserve 1 hour for the visit. The newly renovated "light curtain wall" in the museum is an online-famous spot. 10:30 AM–12:00 PM: Gao's Villa → Meizhu Villa → Yanshui Fishing Village (Hiking Section) Route: Walk along Fudi Causeway, passing Gao's Villa (Qing Dynasty Garden) → Meizhu Villa (dense plum blossom area) → Yanshui Fishing Village (Jiangnan water town scene). Things to do: Ancient-style photos: The waterfront plum forest in Meizhu Villa and the thatched cottages and fishing boat scenes in Yanshui Fishing Village are suitable for Hanfu or light-colored outfits. Wilderness experience: Observe wetland birds along the way (such as egrets and night herons) and use the "Bird ID" mobile app to identify species. Data: The hike is approx. 2.5 km long and takes 1.5 hrs. The route alternates between stone slab roads and wooden boardwalks, with no climbing. 12:00–13:30 PM: Lunch & Rest at Shentankou Recommended dining: Jiangcun Market Slow Life Block: Local snacks (dingsheng cake, scallion-wrapped fried dough), online-famous cafes ("Shijian" stove tea). Bring your own light meal: Have a picnic under the century-old camphor tree in Shentankou (bring your own trash bags). Bonus: If it is a weekend, you can watch the intangible cultural heritage performance "Eighteen Martial Arts" or dragon boat training (check the scenic area announcement in advance). 13:30–15:30 PM: Explore Plum Blossoms by Gondola (Xixi Plum Villa Section) Experience: Take a gondola from Shentankou Pier (CNY 100/hr/boat, can be shared by 4–6 people) to Xixi Plum Villa along the waterway. Scenery: Plum blossoms bloom on both sides of the water, and the boat travels through pink clouds (it is recommended to take panoramic videos from the bow of the boat). The boatman explains the plum culture (such as the "Three Snows of Xixi" allusion). Tips: Book your boat in advance (through the "Xixi Wetland" official account), wear non-slip shoes, and the boat ride takes approx. 40 mins. 15:30–17:00 PM: Leisure Time in Xixi Paradise Return trip: Walk 15 mins from Xixi Plum Villa back to Xixi Paradise. Recommended activities: Banyan Tree afternoon tea: Chinese refreshments with a wetland view terrace (CNY 150 per person, reservation required). Outlets Plaza Market: Creative handicrafts, coffee carts, open-air music performances (seasonal events). Online-Famous Highlights Plum Blossom Limited Scenarios: The secluded plum blossom path in Meizhu Villa and the water plum blossom reflections in Xixi Plum Villa. Photo Spots: Fishing boats in Yanshui Fishing Village, the ancient opera stage in Shentankou, and the waterside pavilion corridor in Gao's Villa. Cultural Experience: China Wetland Museum AR interaction, gondola plum blossom poetry explanation. Transportation & Tickets Tickets: CNY 80 per person (free with Hangzhou Culture & Tourism Card/Park Card), it is recommended to buy tickets in advance on the "Xixi Wetland" official account. Internal transportation: Mainly walking + gondola, scenic area battery car CNY 10/trip (optional). Precautions Clothing: Lightweight sneakers + windproof jacket (large temperature difference in the wetland), you can bring a folding umbrella. Equipment: Power bank, camera telephoto lens (for bird photography), mosquito repellent (mosquitoes are active in spring). Time management: Entry to the park stops after 16:30, so it is recommended to reserve 1 hr for the return trip buffer. Special Note: The current plum blossom bloom rate is approx. 70% and is expected to last until late March. This weekend (March 15–16) is the best viewing period. In case of rain, the misty wetland will be more artistic. You can prepare a transparent umbrella as a photo prop.