Location & How to Get There

Thousand Islands Xiu Silk Culture Park is nestled in the scenic Hangzhou suburbs, near the iconic West Lake. It’s a peaceful escape from the city buzz, yet only a 30-minute drive from downtown. To reach it, you can:

  • By metro: Hop on Metro Line 1 to Xiaoshan Airport Station, then grab a taxi (about 10 minutes).
  • By bus: Take Bus 727 or 732 from Wushan Square; tell the driver “Qiandao Xiu” and they’ll drop you close by.
  • By car: Punch “Thousand Islands Xiu Silk Culture Park” into your GPS—it’s right off the G25 Changshen Expressway, with free parking.

Nature’s Relaxation

The park lives up to its name with a lake dotted with over a thousand small islands, each covered in lush greenery. Walk along wooden bridges and paved paths that wind through lotus-filled ponds and willow-shaded trails. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the lake like pink clouds, while autumn paints the islands in golden hues. Rent a paddle boat to explore hidden corners, or just sit on a lakeside bench to watch dragonflies dance over the water.

Silk Culture Deep Dive

This place isn’t just about nature—it’s a love letter to Hangzhou’s 2,000-year silk heritage. At the Silk Museum inside Thousand Islands Xiu Silk Culture Park, you’ll see ancient looms, cocoon-spinning demos, and galleries of shimmering robes. Try your hand at dyeing a scarf using natural indigo, or watch artisans weave patterns live. The highlight? A mulberry garden where silkworms feast—kids love feeding them mulberry leaves!

Food & Facilities

After exploring, refuel at the park’s lakeside café, which serves local Zhejiang dishes like crispy fish and tea-smoked chicken. For sweet tooths, don’t miss the silk-themed desserts—think lotus-paste mooncakes shaped like cocoons! The park is stroller-friendly with clean restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and shaded picnic areas. Souvenir shops offer silk scarves, embroidered fans, and cute silkworm-shaped keychains.

Immersive Experiences

What makes Thousand Islands Xiu Silk Culture Park special? The mix of nature + culture. Start with a boat tour of the lake’s islands, then join a silk-making workshop. Dress up in traditional silk garments for a photoshoot by the pastel-arched bridge—a viral-worthy backdrop! End your day sipping dragon well tea in a bamboo grove, listening to the rustle of leaves and lake breeze.

Tips for Visiting

  • Best time: Spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) for mild weather and blooming flowers.
  • Tickets: Around ¥80 (~$11), often discounted online.
  • Tricks: Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Combine it with a trip to Xixi Wetland or Longjing Tea Plantations for a full day of “Hangzhou vibes.”

Whether you’re a nature lover, culture buff, or just looking for a chill day trip, Thousand Islands Xiu Silk Culture Park has something for everyone. Pack comfy shoes, bring your camera, and get ready to fall in love with silk—Hangzhou style!