Located at the western part of Hangzhou, Xixi National Wetland Park is the first and only national wetland park in China. It covers an area of about 1,150 hectares, encompassing urban, farming as well as cultural wetlands. Originating in the Han Dynasty, Xixi developed rapidly in the Tang and Song dynasties and reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Though its prosperity declined in the Republic of China period, Xixi has regained its popularity in recent years.

Xixi is famous for its splendid natural scenery. About 70 percent of the park is covered by streams, ponds, lakes and swamps, with six long rivers forming a tangled network. Thus Xixi is called "the Kidney of Hangzhou". Here, you can either raft slowly in the lakes or fish leisurely by the ponds. Visitors are free to choose their own way of relaxing.[China.org.cn/Photo by Feng Jun]