Xixi Boat Trip: My Stomach Regrets This 🤢

[Dr. Wade Boyer]

Wow, pay attention, friends coming to Hangzhou to play, especially those who want to go to the Xixi National Wetland Park! I would like to share some real-life experiences:

The Xixi National Wetland Park is a huge natural water park in Hangzhou that’s very famous, right? It's a must to take a boat ride there, but I'd like to vent about the "gondola-style wooden boat" ride:

• The boat costs 100RMB, which is decent.
• But in one hour you only cruise around in a small area (from where you embark near the helium balloon).
• Plus, the hygiene is really concerning. As soon as I got on board and reached the water, I couldn’t help but splash it with my hand. And when I pulled my hand back, the boater actually spat into the water! Eww ... There seemed to be no discipline maintained. I wasn't comfortable all throughout.

However, there is a pleasant discovery! I would highly recommend the Guishanyao Ceramic Art Museum.

• This museum isn't big, but once you enter, it’s like entering another world. The collection is superb, with each piece telling a short and captivating story.
• The design of the museum space, lighting arrangement, and exhibition layout are all smartly done, worth a visit!

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Tips (for friends who want to go):

• How to find 【Guishanyao Ceramic Art Museum】?

  • It’s on Hezhu Street, which can be easily reached from Hangzhou Xixi National Wetland Park's north gate, and it’s free entrance inside the wetland park.
  • After entering Hezhu Street, you'll encounter a T-junction. You should turn right here (most people usually turn left; don’t follow in that direction).
  • Head around the corner, and your left front would lead you to the museum (with white walls and unique traditional characters on the front wall).

• Important Note: Helping Save Some Energy/Money:

  • Electric Rickshaw: If legs are still working fine, it's only one stop from the wetland park’s north gate to Hezhu Street, so consider using your steps as much as possible. Strolling will save you a lot.
  • Gondola-style boat near Hezhu Street: After exploring the museum, tickets for gondolas are available nearby. However, these boats also only circle around, and the water quality doesn’t look very clean.
    • When can you consider taking a boat here? If you’re short on time but wanting to experience a boat ride, or if you want to spend 180RMB on a helium balloon ride nearby.

• 🤌 Money-saving tips for gondola-style boat travel:

  • Gondola-style boats are charged by the hour, per boat. If your group has fewer than six people, ask people waiting in line whether they want to share the cost with you.
  • As long as the total number of travelers doesn’t exceed six, you can get aboard the shared ride and split the fare evenly once you reach your destination. For example, suppose you three people take the boat and invite three more to join. In that case, each person will pay half the cost!