Location & How to Get There

Jiangsi Park sits in the Xiaoshan District of Hangzhou, at 158 Xiaoran East Road. If you’re coming from downtown Hangzhou, it’s about a 30-minute drive south. The park is easy to reach by public transport—take Metro Line 2 to “Xiaoshan” station, then a short taxi or bus ride (Line 781) will drop you right outside. Locals love this spot because it’s less crowded than West Lake but still packed with charm.

Natural Scenery: A Mini Oasis

As soon as you enter Jiangsi Park, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a traditional Chinese water garden. Lotus blooms cover the Lily Pond (Ji He Pool) in summer, and willow trees hang over Singing Willow Bridge (Yong Liu Qiao). The park’s layout blends rockeries, koi-filled ponds, and winding paths. Mornings are especially peaceful here—I’d recommend visiting at dawn to catch the mist rising over the lotus leaves. Fun fact: the park’s designers focused on “borrowing scenery,” so every angle feels like a painted scroll!

Cultural Treasures: Temple & Architecture

The heart of Jiangsi Park is Jiangsi Temple, a historic Buddhist site dating back centuries. The temple itself is an official cultural heritage site of Xiaoshan, and the park’s name comes from it. Don’t miss the Archway Pavilion (Gong Cui Hall) near the entrance—it’s a classic wooden structure with carved beams. For poetic vibes, walk to Moon Invitation Arbor (Yao Yue Xuan), a tiny pavilion where locals say writers once composed verses. Even if you don’t speak Chinese, the carvings and landscapes tell their own stories.

Walking Trails & Hidden Corners

Jiangsi Park is designed for slow exploration. The Poem-Viewing Pavilion (Li Ju Ting) offers shaded spots to rest, while stone bridges arch over lily pads. I once stumbled upon a bamboo grove behind the temple—a surprise shortcut that felt like a secret path. The park isn’t huge, but there’s enough variety to spend 1–2 hours wandering. Families bring picnics by the pond, and photographers love the reflections of pavilions in the water.

Facilities for Visitors

The park is super visitor-friendly. You’ll find clean restrooms, drinking fountains, and benches under trees. Near the entrance, a small tea house serves local Dragon Well tea (try it iced in summer!). There’s also a souvenir shop with affordable postcards featuring Jiangsi Temple’s roof dragons. If you get hungry, vendors outside the park sell snacks like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and fried lotus roots.

Why It’s Worth a Visit

What makes Jiangsi Park special? It’s a mix of history, nature, and local life. Unlike overcrowded attractions, here you can hear birds chirping instead of tour guides. The temple’s bell rings every evening (around 6 PM), which locals say brings good luck. Bring a camera—the pavilions, bridges, and lotus flowers create endless pretty shots. Just remember: the park closes at 9 PM, so plan your visit during daylight!

Pro tip: Pair your visit with nearby Mianhu Street for lunch. It’s a 10-minute walk away and full of delicious Shaoxing-style dishes.