Location & Transportation

Jiangyangfan Ecological Park sits at 7 Huyu Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It’s nestled southwest of West Lake, near the intersection of Longwu Road and Hupao Road. If you’re coming from downtown, take Bus 318 or 1314 (yes, really!) and hop off at “Jiangyangfan Wetland” stop. For a scenic route, cycle along the West Lake bike path—it’s about a 20-minute ride from Broken Bridge. Drivers can park nearby, but go early as spots fill up fast.

Natural Landscape: A Wetland Wonder

Once a mudflat for West Lake’s dredging project, Jiangyangfan Ecological Park transformed into a lush secondary wetland. After six years of drying, seeds dormant for centuries sprouted, creating a wild paradise. Today, it’s a tangle of willow trees, reeds, and water-loving plants. Wander through swamps, shallow lakes, and ponds teeming with life. Birdwatchers: bring binoculars! You’ll spot herons, egrets, and kingfishers. The park’s “no-frills” vibe means you’ll hear frogs croaking and insects humming—no city noise here.

Unique Human Touches

What makes Jiangyangfan Ecological Park quirky? The open-air restrooms! Two toilets here have no ceilings—just sky above. Locals joke you can “breathe fresh air while you go.” (Don’t worry, they’re clean!) Nearby, don’t miss the Hangzhou Cuisine Museum next to the restaurant. Inside, hyper-realistic models of local dishes like Dongpo Pork and West Lake Fish look so tasty, you’ll want to bite them—or rush over to the next stall for a real taste.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Unlike crowded West Lake, Jiangyangfan feels secret. Walk the wooden boardwalks, get lost in misty mornings, or join a free guided tour (check the info board). Photo tip: The lotus ponds bloom in summer, and autumn turns the reeds gold. Bring insect repellent—this is nature unfiltered!

Facilities for Explorers

The park keeps it simple. No flashy visitor centers, but maps are posted at entrances. Drinking water stations dot the paths, so fill your bottle. For snacks, the on-site cafe sells tea and local rice cakes. Families: there’s a small playground by the south entrance. Remember: Wear comfy shoes—the terrain is uneven, but that’s part of the adventure!

Why Visit Jiangyangfan?

If you love West Lake but crave quiet, this is your spot. It’s like a mini Xixi Wetland but less touristy. Perfect for picnics, slow walks, or just sitting by the water. Pro tip: Come weekdays to avoid crowds. And yes, those open-air toilets make for a funny story—but they’re surprisingly liberating!

End your trip with a meal at the park’s museum-adjacent restaurant. Try Longjing Shrimp (dragonwell tea-infused) or sticky rice cakes with sugar syrup. Just don’t blame us if the museum’s fake food makes you hungry!