Introduction of Xixi Wetland

Xixi National Wetland Park is located in the western part of Hangzhou City, five kilometers from the West Lake. It is the only wetland in the country that incorporates urban wetland, rural wetland and cultural wetland. The park is densely crisscrossed with six main watercourses, among which scatter various ponds, lakes and swamp.

3 major ecological reserve are planned in Xixi wetland park. There are three ponds to restore ecology and one particular region for visitors to enjoy the nice ecology in the Xixi Wetland Park.

The splendid culture of the Xixi wetland has a long history. Many poems describing the scenery of Xixi were written by famous writers and authors in ancient times. Autumn Snow Temple, Plum and Bamboo Villa, and Deep Pool Mouth, which were once mentioned in the poems , were all built in the Xixi wetland. Today, the peculiar buildings are still there for visitors to visit and study.

Xixi Wetland National Park Half Day Tour

The tour will start from your hotel around 8:30Am when the driver comes to pick you up, then drive to Xixi Wetland Park, free wandering in this beautiful ecological reserve park, enjoying the fresh air, water ponds etc. afterwards, we will drive back to your hotel in downtown, end the tour. If you are interested in visiting any other place in Hangzhou, please tell the driver and he will drop you at a place you want to visit.

What is included

*A van for the whole day tour.

*An English speaking guide and working as a driver as well.

*All the fuel cost, parking fee, toll gates etc.

What is excluded

*Hotel in Hangzhou.

*All the meals.

*Entrance tickets to any scenic spots listed in the itinerary if needed.

*Personal expenses.

*Optional programs such as the night shows.

Recommended shows in Hangzhou

The three most famous performances in Hangzhou are the Impression West Lake Show, The Romance of Song Dynasty and Night of West Lake. They respectively display the charming aspects of West Lake and Hangzhou.

**Impression West Lake**

Impression West Lake is one of China's top live-action performances strongly featuring the local culture and unique charm of Hangzhou's West Lake. It is famous nationwide for its dreamlike and fantastic elegance. Impression West Lake is one of the cultural representations created by Zhang Yimou who is China's most famous movie director and the general director of the opening ceremony of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Performing Time: 19:45 to 20:45

Place: No.82, Beishan Road, opposite to Yuefei Temple and Shangri-la Hotel, Hangzhou. Stage is entirely on the Yuehu Lake, which is a natural part of West Lake

Fee: 270RMB to 1000RBM

**The Romance of the Song Dynasty**

It is an easy and convenient way for visitors to understand the all-encompassing charm of the tangible and intangible heritage comprised of legend, myth, love stories, tradition, history and classical lifestyles of Hangzhou, once the capital of Song Dynasty. The Romance of the Song Dynasty boasts as being one of the three best shows around the world. It is an indoor, panorama style, large-scale performance. It is based on Hangzhou history and mythology and is intermixed with singing, dancing and acrobatics. The performance will give you a pleasant and impressive feeling and can be compared in beauty with the “Moulin Rouge” in Paris and “O Show”in Las Vegas. It is a must for tourists coming to Hangzhou.

Performing Time: 12:40,14:00,18:00,19:20,20:40

Show Venue: Song Dynasty Town, No.148 Zhijiang Road, Hangzhou,China (杭州之江路148号宋城景区)

Fee: 280RMB to 310RMB

**Night of West Lake Show**

It is another famous indoor night show in Hangzhou.The performance showcases the culture of the region and lasts around one hour. Songs, dances, opera, acrobatics and stunts are integrated in this performance to present the ancient civilization and customs of Hangzhou. There are five scenes as described below.

The first scene - Soldiers Training Performance by Wuyue Ruler. This scene is a recreation of solders training in the Wuyue State over one thousand years ago. The drum and horn are the two main instruments used in this scene. In ancient China the drum and horn were used in the army to call the solders to action, similar to the bugle used today. In this scene the soldiers rush to the stage and stand in line, then Qianwang, ruler of the Wuyue State, appears on stage and direct the training performance. Dating back a thousand years, this scene is deeply rooted in the Wuyue culture. Hangzhou came to prominence in the Wuyue State Period when it served as the capital of the kingdom. Since then the city has gradually become one of the nation’s most important economic, cultural and political centers.

The second scene - The Prosperity of Southern Song Dynasty. Hangzhou reached its political and economic pinnacle in the Southern Song Dynasty. Marco Polo is believed to have visited China during this time. He was amazed to see cities with over a million people, bustling commerce, and busy river and canal traffic. This scene recreates Southern Song prosperity. There are bustling Song-style streets, filled with businessmen from around the country, shops, stores and restaurants. Southern Song songs and dances are also performed in this scene.

The third scene - The Romance of Liangzhu. This performance is based on the tragedy of Liangzhu, a well-known story in China. The performers tell the story using body language, dancing, and acrobatics. Combined with excellent singing they present the story quite effectively, bringing tears to many eyes. The legendary West Lake is where many romance stories and legends allegedly took place. The "Romance of Liangzhu", "Legend of the White Snake", "Love Story of Suxiaoxiao" and "Yuanyu" all have their backgrounds here.

The fourth scene - Artistic Qiantang. Ancient court music is performed in this scene. The music was created for the enjoyment of the Chinese emperors. They are very melodious and will remind you of bygone years. Pretty girls in elegant silk dresses will dance gracefully to the melody. Hangzhou is famous for its silk production and beautiful women. Another feature of this scene is the tea harvest dance

The fifth scene - Get Together at the West Lake. This scene includes drumming, dances, modern shows and cartoon performances. Regardless of whom you are or where you are from, come to West Lake and enjoy its many breath-taking sceneries.

Performance time: 19:15-20:15

Address: Dongpo Grand Theater, No.10, Dongpo Road, Hangzhou

Fee: 280RMB to 310RMB