A New Year Invitation from Xixi in Hangzhou

(Source: Hangzhou Tourism)

2017 is just one day away and if you haven’t figured out how to celebrate it best, then give Xixi National Wetland a shot. Starting from December 31, 2016 to February 12, 2017, Xixi National Wetland park will put on a show stopping new year’s celebration, where visitors will be able to experience almost all traditional customs of Chinese celebrating the arrival of New Year, such as putting up Spring couplets, writing the Chinese character “福 (literally means fortune in English)”, making ceramic ware, etc. In addition to all this, a series of parent-child activities themed on the coming year’s animal- the rooster, will also await revelers.

Xixi National Wetland Park • Hongyuan Garden

Xixi National Wetland Park consists of two zones, the east zone and the west zone. The east zone was opened to the public in 2005, and was the first and second phase of Xixi Wetlands Comprehensive Protection Project. West Zone, however, was opened in 2008 and was the third phase of the project. West Zone is themed on Hong Family culture (The Hong Family was a famed family in Xixi in ancient times and is representative of the Xixi lifestyle), which is also why the West Zone is better known as Xixi National Wetland Park•Hongyuan Garden.

Xixi National Wetland Park•Hongyuan Garden is based on Wuchang water village culture and Hong Family culture, and is of strong cultural and artistic significance. Featured attractions in the zone include Long Zhou Sheng Hui (Dragon Boat Feast), red persimmons, and the Dongguang Lotus Pond.

What Does Hongyuan Garden Have to Offer?

1. Writing Chinese Character “福 (Fortune)” to Get Blessings

Hongyuan Garden prepares Xuan papers, brushes and ink stones for those who are interested in writing the Chinese character “福” to get the New Year’s blessings. On the day of January 1, 2017, calligraphy masters will be present to instruct you how to write “福”.

Time: December 31, 2016 to January 2, 2017 and January 28 to February 2, 2017

2. Making Ceramic Ware

At the Longshezui entrance of Xixi, teachers from the China Academy of Art will take your hand and teach you how to make ceramic ware. In addition, you can pick some succulent plants to take home.

Time: Holidays and weekends from December 31, 2016 to February 12, 2017

3. Folk Performances

You will be exposed to the Lion Dancing Performance, Yueju Opera, storytelling and ballad singing, etc. You may also run into the Chinese god of fortune who will be cruising through Xixi National Wetland Park.

Time: December 31, 2016 to January 2, 2017

4. Run, Roosters

There are also going to be all kinds of parent-child activities like “hawk-and-chicken”, “rooster race”, “little roosters looking for mom”, etc. Everyone participating in the activity will get special New Year gifts.

Time: January 1, 2017

Xixi National Wetland Guide

Xixi National Wetland Park•Hongyuan Garden has two entrances; one is Wujiawan entrance at Fangxi road, Wuchang Street and the other is Longshezui entrance on Wuchang Avenue.

How to get there: Take bus No. 193, K356, 506, 596, J13 or B4 to the Xixi Wetland Longshezui bus stop (西溪湿地龙舌嘴: xi xi shi di long she zui)

There are free buses running to Xixi National Wetland Park in Huanglong Tourist Center during holidays and weekends.

Hours: Winter time (November 1 to March 31 of next year): 08:00 – 17:30 - See more at: http://en.gotohz.com/whyhangzhou/festivalsandevents/201612/t20161230_144633.shtml#sthash.tC1UESov.dpuf