Xixi National Wetland Park

Xixi National Wetland Park (China's first national-class wetland park, opened 2009) is 70 km² of preserved marshland 5 km west of West Lake. The signature experience: hand-rowed boat ride through narrow waterways lined with bamboo, persimmon trees, mulberry trees, and reed beds (¥80 / 90 min / 6-person boat). 30% of the wetland is open to visitors; 70% is biological reserve. Entry ¥80. Cherry blossoms in April + autumn persimmon harvest (yellow-orange fruit dangling from trees throughout the wetland) are the photo seasons. Far less crowded than West Lake — true 'escape from the tourists' option. Metro Line 5 to Hexiawan Station (河厦湾) drops you 10 min walk away.