The beauty of Xixi lies in its unique scenery of "a winding stream and a wisp of mist". Here, six rivers crisscross and intersect, with numerous fish ponds and marshes scattered among them, forming a complex habitat of islands, river branches and forests, which constitutes a classic paradigm of wetland landscape in China.
Nature's Creation – The Breath and Rhythm of Wetlands
The nature of Xixi is a life concerto about water, plants and birds.
Dynamic Water: The Lifeblood and Framework of Wetlands
- A Waterway Maze: 70% of Xixi Wetland is water. Taking a traditional rowing boat is the best way to experience its essence. The boatman rows slowly through the narrow, tranquil waterways, with lush vegetation on both banks within easy reach. The sounds of water, oars, and birdsong intertwine, creating a secluded green paradise. In autumn and winter, reeds sway in the breeze above the waterways, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
- Pools, ponds, and shoals: In addition to waterways, the numerous deep pools, open lakes (such as Chaotian Muyang and Yufudang), and shallow shoals that emerge above the water surface provide diverse habitats for different aquatic and wetland plants and animals, together forming a complete wetland ecosystem.
Vibrant Green: The Stage for Life for Terrestrial and Aquatic Life
- Three distinctive plant features: reeds, persimmons, and plums are the botanical hallmarks of Xixi. The "Autumn Reeds Flying Snow" in autumn is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Xixi; there are thousands of persimmon trees that are over a hundred years old, with red persimmons hanging on the branches in autumn, symbolizing "everything goes well"; in early spring, the plum blossoms in the Xixi Plum Villa area exude a subtle fragrance.
- Underwater forest and seasonal flowers: The "underwater forest" (submerged plants) formed through ecological restoration is clearly visible. In addition, there are flowers in all four seasons: rapeseed flowers and crabapple blossoms in spring, lotus flowers and water lilies in summer, hibiscus mutabilis and spider lilies in autumn, and camellias in winter.
Wings of the Spirit: A Vibrant Note in a Paradise for Migratory Birds
As an important stopover and habitat on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway for migratory birds, Xixi has recorded over 190 bird species. It's a paradise for birdwatchers. You can see egrets and black-crowned night herons standing on the shallows, little grebes diving in the lake, and flocks of wild ducks and mandarin ducks coming to overwinter. The birdwatching tower and the Xialongtan Ecological Reserve are excellent observation points.
Humanistic Craftsmanship: Life Embodied in Villages and Festivals
The culture of Xixi is not a frozen site, but a living folk custom that continues to this day.
- Hongyuan and Gaozhuang: Recreating the elegance of scholar-official gardens during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Hongyuan showcases the glorious history and cultural heritage of the Hong family, which produced "three prime ministers (father and sons) in the Song Dynasty and five ministers (grandfather and grandson) in the Ming Dynasty"; Gaozhuang embodies the exquisite layout of a Qing Dynasty literati garden, which Emperor Kangxi visited during his southern tour.
- Hezhu Street and Shentankou: This is the center of Xixi folk culture. Hezhu Street recreates the old market atmosphere, selling characteristic handicrafts such as Xixi small flower baskets and blue-printed cloth, as well as snacks such as lotus root starch and Dingsheng cake. Shentankou is the site of the century-old dragon boat festival, and the century-old camphor tree at the entrance of the village has witnessed countless folk celebrations.
- Intangible Cultural Heritage and Festivals: The Dragon Boat Festival is the most representative folk activity in Xixi. Unlike competitive dragon boat racing, it focuses on "fancy" and "performance," making it highly entertaining. In addition, the Flower Festival in spring, the Persimmon Festival in autumn, and the Reed Festival perfectly combine natural products with folk celebrations, full of life and charm.
- Art and Film Imprint: Xixi's secluded charm has attracted numerous art institutions, forming a unique art community. The boating scene between Ge You and Shu Qi in the film "If You Are the One" made Xixi's tranquil beauty widely known.
Photography Tips:
Best panoramic view: Take a ride on a high-altitude sightseeing helium balloon to a height of 100 meters and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the wetlands and the distant city skyline.
Rowboat perspective: Using a medium telephoto lens, capture the winding lines of the river, its reflections, and the water birds that brush past the boat from the boat.
Autumn Reeds in Flying Snow: In the reed marshes near Qiuxue Temple, the afternoon backlighting made the reed flowers appear translucent gold, like a dream.
Ancient Village Culture: The ancient wharf and old camphor trees at Shentankou, as well as the lively atmosphere of Hezhu Street, make it an excellent setting for shooting cultural documentaries.
