Xixi National Wetland Park is a famous "National 5A Tourist Attraction". [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- 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.

It is said that there are three noted "Xi" in Hangzhou - the West Lake (Xihu), Xixi Wetland and Xiling Society of the Seal Arts. Stories about ancient emperors traveling to the countryside to offer incense to Buddha often mention that the journey through Xixi was one of their favorite routes.

Xixi has been home to many literati and scholars. Treasured pieces of their work can be easily found on the small islands scattered in the park. Xixi Shuige, the Chinese name for the delicate waterside pavilions, were among the most preferred reading spots and meeting places for local literati. As a visitor soaking up the atmosphere, you may also grab a sense of the culture of leisure enjoyed by the refined literary men of ancient times.

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)