Xixi National Wetland

Why it's worth it

China's first national wetland park (2005) — 70 percent water, a maze of reed marshes, persimmon groves and hidden ponds threaded by punting channels, ten minutes from downtown Hangzhou yet fully another century.

Don't miss

• A hand-punted boat through the reed channels — the punter steers with one oar, silence otherwise
• Autumn persimmon harvest, when the trees hang orange over the water
• The film-location sets from 'If You Are the One', still standing in the water lanes

Getting there

Bus or taxi to the Zhoujiacun entrance on the west side; Line 19's Xixi Wetland North plus a walk covers the north gate.

Tips

• Boat-first strategy: walk one loop, boat one loop — the water perspective is the point
• Half a day is right; pack mosquito repellent from June to September
• Weekday mornings you'll share the park with egrets more than people