In ancient China, Xixi (West Creek) was a gathering place for scholars and a haven for those who sought solitude. Located in the western part of Hangzhou, the Xixi Wetland is six kilometers from the city center and five kilometers from West Lake. Despite being abandoned for duration of time due to war, the wetland has a history of more than a thousand years. From 2003 to 2008, the Hangzhou municipal government developed the area into a wetland park. Spread out over 11.5 square kilometers, it serves as a “green lung” for the Hangzhou area. The park retains the ecological features of the wetland, and holds traditional dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival. The park has become a leisure and tourism destination for the modern age.

Xixi National Wetland Park is not only a cultural wetland, but an urban and agricultural wetland. It was included on the List of Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance in 2009.