hangzhou attractions

You’ll find a slice of peace and respite in Xixi Wetland Park. (Photo: Getty Images)

Outdoors

Going Green in Hangzhou’s Great Outdoors

At these Hangzhou attractions, allow yourself to get swept up in ancient China with soul-cleansing strolls along timeworn pathways to natural greenery, wildlife habitats and secret temples.

National Wetland Museum of China

China’s first wetland museum takes visitors on an interactive tour examining the relationship between person and place, via four halls filled with plant and animal models as well as various technology and activities.

Built with a 4D movie theater, which is a main draw for kids, the museum focuses on China’s own vibrant wetland ecology and what it takes to protect it. It is located in a busier corner of the Xixi National Wetland Park and is closed on Mondays.

Address: 402 Tianmushan Road, Xixi National Wetland Park

Faxi Temple

hangzhou attractions
You’ll find a break from that crowds at Faxi Temple. (Photo: Getty Images)

Lingyin Temple draws big crowds in Hangzhou but its lesser-known cousin Faxi Temple, one of the Three Temples of Tianzhu Hill, is equally as impressive and much less crowded. Located near Longjing plantation, Faxi can be part of a tea-experience outing in Hangzhou.

Its serene temple grounds are surrounded by mountains and the scent of incense is unmistakable. Don’t miss the third hall with three huge golden Buddha statues, or the fine vegetarian food served in the on-site restaurant.

Fudi Walking Street

Restaurants and cafes line this pedestrian street at Xixi Wetland Park and give off a sense of old, undisturbed China. Among the food and beverage establishments grows an abundance of foliage and greenery; if you are lucky, you may even spot some of the wildlife that call the park home.

Address: Fudi Street, Xixi National Wetland Park

Address: 338 Tianzhu Road

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, all these spots are within 30 minutes of Sheraton Grand Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort.