Xixi Wetland entrance tickets do not include boat rides. Electric boats and sculling boats inside the park must be purchased separately, and prices are subject to official announcements from the park. How to choose among the three ways to explore: if you want to save energy and see multiple sights at once, take the electric boat, which runs a loop between docks such as Shentankou, Zhoujiacun, and Yanshui Yuzhuang; if you prefer the slow pace and quiet of a Jiangnan water town, take a sculling boat—they're small, move slowly, and can enter narrow waterways; if you're fit and love photography, try walking plus a short boat ride. For first-time visitors, the most common route is entering through the main Zhoujiacun gate, walking for a while, then taking an electric boat to spots like Qiuxue Nunnery and Shentankou, which are easiest to reach by water.
First things first: admission and boat rides are separate
Xixi National Wetland Park is located at 518 Tianmu Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou. According to the park's official page, it sits less than five kilometers from West Lake. Opened on May 1, 2005, it was China's first national wetland park, was added to the List of Wetlands of International Importance in 2009, and is now a national 5A-level tourist attraction.
Many visitors buy an entrance ticket and only realize once inside that boat rides cost extra. Based on the ticket info we verified, Xixi Wetland adult tickets are ¥80 and half-price tickets are ¥40, which do not include electric boats or sculling boats inside the park. Boat fares and discount policies are subject to official announcements from the park. Read the ticket details carefully when purchasing to avoid buying an "entrance-only" ticket or paying twice.
Why do boats matter so much? Xixi is a wetland where rivers, ponds, lakes, and marshes intertwine, and the waterways divide the park into many sections. Some attractions are within walking distance, while others require a long detour on foot but take just minutes by boat. More importantly, the best views of Xixi are from the water: reeds, persimmon trees, plum groves, and old waterside houses look completely different from a boat than from the shore. Unlike the wide-open surface of West Lake, Xixi's waterways are narrow and winding — every turn reveals a new scene. You can only experience these meandering waters by boat.
How to choose between sculling boats, electric boats, and walking
Electric boats: easy and great for hopping between attractions
The electric boat is Xixi's "water bus." Larger than a sculling boat, it runs on a fixed route between several docks. According to published travel guides, the electric boat stops at Shentankou, Jiaolu Tianzhuang, Zhoujiacun, and Yanshui Yuzhuang docks, and you can get off along the way to explore. For the exact route, stops, and whether hop-on/hop-off is allowed, refer to the details provided when you buy your ticket.
The distances between docks vary—some take just a few minutes, others a bit longer, giving you a chance to rest your feet and enjoy the scenery on both banks.
The electric boat suits three types of travelers: first-time visitors who want to see Xixi's main sights in half a day; families with seniors or kids who'd rather not walk too much; and those short on time heading to their next stop. The downside is that the boats are large and crowded, so expect lines in peak season. It's lively on board and lacks the quiet charm of a sculling boat.
Sculling boat: slow, quiet, and pure Jiangnan
A sculling boat is propelled by a boatman rowing a wooden oar. Small enough to enter narrow waterways the electric boat can't reach, it moves slowly and almost silently. Watching the reeds and old houses drift by while listening to the splash of the oar is many visitors' fondest memory of Xixi. Because the hull sits low and close to the water, photos of the reeds and their reflections have more depth than those taken from shore—a big plus for photography lovers.
The sculling boat is ideal if you want to experience Xixi at a relaxed pace: couples, photography enthusiasts, families with elders, or anyone who has already taken the electric boat and wants a different perspective. The downsides are the slow speed and limited range—it's hard to see the whole park by sculling boat alone. Sculling boats are usually charged per boat or per person. Check the dock or official channels for current rules and prices, and confirm the route and duration before boarding.
Walking: flexible, but choose your area wisely
Xixi Wetland has plenty of walking paths and boardwalks winding along the riverbanks and through the woods—ideal if you're fit, love taking photos, and want to skip the lines. The upside of walking is freedom: stop wherever the view catches your eye. The downside is that the park is huge and waterways crisscross the trails, so places that look close often require a long detour.
A practical approach is to combine walking with a boat ride: walk in from the entrance, explore a few nearby sights, then take a boat to more distant spots that are hard to reach on foot, and finally head back to the exit by boat or on foot. This way you won't get too tired, and you won't spend the whole trip just looking at scenery from a boat.
Where to buy boat tickets and when to ride
Boat tickets can be purchased through official park channels or at the dock ticket offices. During peak-season weekends and holidays, tickets for popular time slots sell out fast and dock lines get long. For a more relaxed experience, try to take your boat ride right after entering in the morning, then switch to walking in the afternoon once crowds build up. First and last departure times for electric boats and sculling boats change with the seasons, so check the park's announcements for the day. If you enter late in the afternoon, confirm the time of the last boat back to the entrance first so you don't end up facing a long walk out.
Which entrance to use and where to catch a boat
Xixi Wetland has several entrances. The metro connections listed on the park page are: Exit A/B of Xixi Wetland South Station on Metro Line 3 to Zhoujiacun Main Entrance; Exit A/B of Huawu Station to Gaozhuang Entrance; Exit A of Hongyuan Station to Longshezui Entrance; Exit A of Dongyue Station to East Entrance; and Exit E2 of Xixi Wetland North Station on Metro Line 19 to North Entrance.
If it's your first visit and you plan to take a boat, prioritize the Zhoujiacun Main Entrance: this is the main visitor center, and Zhoujiacun itself is one of the electric boat docks, making it easy to buy tickets and board. If you enter through the Gaozhuang Entrance, you can explore the Gaozhuang Garden first, where white walls, latticed windows and ancient pavilions frame the water into small scenic views, then walk or take a boat to other areas. The Hongyuan and Longshezui entrances are relatively far from the main sightseeing area, better suited for returning visitors who want to try a different route.
If you're driving, set your navigation to "Xixi National Wetland Park Zhoujiacun Entrance" (Tianmushan Road) or "Longshezui Entrance" (Wuchang Avenue). There are several parking lots nearby; fees are subject to on-site signage. Parking fills up fast on holidays, so the park page also recommends taking the metro.
A taxi from West Lake usually isn't far, but traffic toward Tianmushan Road gets heavy on holidays. Coming from Lingyin Temple, you can combine both in one day—Lingyin in the morning and Xixi Wetland in the afternoon—which is exactly how we arrange Day 2 of our 3 Days 2 Nights in Beautiful Hangzhou tour. For routes, transport and how to spend a day here, see our Xixi Wetland travel guide.
A suggested half-day route
Start at the Zhoujiacun Main Entrance: after entering, stroll along the lanes and waterfront near the gate. Then head to the Zhoujiacun dock for an electric boat, and pick stops along the route such as Shentankou or Yanshui Yuzhuang to get off and explore. Shentankou features waterside ancient camphor trees and open water—it's where the Dragon Boat Festival races are held. The waterside corridor at Yanshui Yuzhuang is great for photos. When you're done, take the boat back to Zhoujiacun to exit. If you want a change of pace midway, hop on a sculling boat for a short stretch at any dock. The whole trip takes about half a day; exact stops and order depend on that day's electric boat route.
What to see from the boat: highlights by season
You can take a boat ride in Xixi National Wetland Park year-round, but the scenery changes with the seasons. The six traditional festivals listed on the park's page line up perfectly with the best times to visit:
Late winter to early spring (Plum Blossom Festival, February to March): Plum blossoms blanket the area around Xixi Meishu and Meizhu Shanzhuang. Drifting along the river by boat, you'll see blossoms on both banks reflected in the water—the classic Xixi scene known as "seeking plum blossoms along winding waters."
Spring (Flower Festival, late March to early May): This is the liveliest time for flower exhibitions and land-and-water parades. Both the boats and the banks get crowded, so arrive at the pier early if you want a ride.
Dragon Boat Festival (Dragon Boat Culture Festival, 5th day of the 5th lunar month): Shentankou hosts a traditional dragon boat regatta, with boats racing across the water. It's the most festive—and most crowded—day of the year at Xixi.
Autumn (Persimmon Festival, September to October): Persimmon trees along the riverbanks are heavy with red fruit, creating a beautiful splash of color as your boat glides past.
Late autumn to early winter (Reed Festival, November to December): The reeds bloom, and Qiuxue An is the best spot to admire them. Riding a sculling boat through the reed marshes is the perfect way to understand how this place got its name, which means "autumn snow."
Winter (Pond Draining Festival, November to January): Watch traditional pond-draining fishing, or join in and experience local farming and fishing life yourself.
For what you can see on shore in each season and how to join cultural activities, see Xixi's Four Seasons and Xixi's Cultural Traditions.
Mosquitoes, sun and rain in summer
Xixi is a wetland with plenty of water, grass and trees, so mosquitoes are indeed abundant in summer, especially at dusk and near wooded or grassy areas. Apply insect repellent before you go and wear light-colored long sleeves and pants, or bring a thin jacket—it's far better than scrambling for solutions once you arrive. Families with children should pack mosquito patches and anti-itch cream.
Another summer issue is the sun and humidity. Most electric boats and sculling boats have canopies, so riding is cooler than walking. If you do walk, plan it for the morning or evening, and take a boat or rest at indoor attractions during the hottest midday hours. Bring enough hats, sunscreen and drinking water.
Xixi has its own charm on rainy days—the misty reeds and water surface create a poetic atmosphere, and you won't get wet on a covered boat. However, boardwalks and stone paths become slippery in the rain, so slow down if you're traveling with seniors or children. During thunderstorms, strong winds or other severe weather, boat services may be suspended; follow the on-site arrangements at the park.
Tips for international visitors taking a boat
There isn't much English signage at Xixi's piers or on the boats. When buying tickets, use a translation app or simply point to the ticket type descriptions to confirm. Payments inside the park are mostly mobile-based, so international visitors can link an international credit card to Alipay in advance. Most sculling boat operators speak only Chinese; if you'd like to hear the stories behind the sights along the way, consider hiring a guide to join you. If you want to take photos, let the boatman know ahead of time so they can slow down or pause briefly at scenic spots, though this depends on their schedule.
Taking a boat with seniors and kids
If you're traveling with seniors and children, we recommend "electric boats first, walking second": enter through the Zhoujiacun entrance, take an electric boat to the main attractions, and hop off for a short walk at each stop before getting back on. There's a gap between the pier and the boat when boarding and disembarking, so support seniors and hold children's hands. Don't let kids reach outside the boat or walk around on board. Sculling boats have limited space, so they're best for a short ride rather than the whole trip.
If you'd like someone to explain Xixi's history, wetland ecology, and the sights along the way, hire a Hangzhou guide to join you. For round-trip transfers from your hotel or combining Xixi with West Lake and Lingyin Temple in one day, booking a Hangzhou private car is much easier.
How to choose
First visit, half a day: Enter through Zhoujiacun, take an electric boat between the main attractions, and get off to explore one or two spots.
For peace and atmosphere: Take a sculling boat ride—visit Qiuxue Nunnery in autumn or the Meishu area in spring.
Traveling with seniors or kids: Stick to electric boats, minimize walking, and leave driving to your private car driver.
Fitting West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Xixi Wetland into one day: See how to plan a Hangzhou day tour, or ask a travel consultant to create a custom Hangzhou itinerary.
FAQs
How much is a sculling boat at Xixi Wetland?
Boat tickets for both sculling boats and electric boats are not included in the entrance fee. Prices and billing methods follow official park announcements and on-site signage at the pier—confirm the route and duration when buying your ticket.
How long does a boat tour of Xixi take?
The electric boat loop plus stops to explore usually takes about half a day; a single sculling boat ride takes just a few dozen minutes. Exact times depend on your chosen route.
Are there a lot of mosquitoes at Xixi Wetland in summer?
Yes, especially at dusk and in the wooded grassy areas. Apply insect repellent in advance and wear long sleeves and pants. Taking a boat is less bothersome than walking through the woods—there's a breeze on the water, so there are fewer mosquitoes.
Can I visit Xixi Wetland and West Lake in one day?
Yes. The two are less than 5 kilometers apart. A common plan is West Lake or Lingyin Temple in the morning and Xixi Wetland in the afternoon. At Xixi, take a boat ride to see the water village in the afternoon and leave the park around dusk for a relaxed pace.
Which metro station should I get off at for Xixi Wetland?
If you plan to take a boat, Line 3's Xixi Wetland South Station is your best bet—it leads to the Zhoujiacun main entrance. See above for the stations serving other entrances. For tickets, opening hours and more, visit the Xixi Wetland scenic spot page.