Xixi Wetland Must-Try: Boat-rowing Afternoon Tea in Hangzhou

If you are planning a trip to Hangzhou, you likely already have the famous West Lake on your list. But if you want to escape the crowds and experience a side of China that feels like a scene from an ancient poem, you need to head to Xixi National Wetland Park.

The absolute highlight of Xixi? The Boat-rowing Afternoon Tea (Yao Lu Chuan Afternoon Tea). It is, quite simply, the most peaceful 90 minutes you will spend in China.

 [Click https://www.anywherechina.com/custom  to book this experience]

Yao Lu Chuan

Floating Through a Living Masterpiece

Unlike the big motorboats, a "Yao Lu" boat is traditional, wooden, and powered only by a single oar at the back. As you drift through narrow, reed-lined canals, the only sounds you’ll hear are the chirping of birds and the rhythmic splash of the oar.

To make it even better, you can enjoy a full seasonal tea set right on the boat. Here is what you need to know about the packages:

Package A: for 2–4 People

• Price: Approx. $120 USD (total for the group)

• What’s Included:

  • Xixi Wetland Entry Tickets.

  • Electric buggy transfer to the boat pier.

  • 1.5 hours on a private hand-oared boat.

  • Seasonal Tea Set: 1 pot of premium tea (usually Longjing or local floral tea) + 6 plates of traditional snacks and sweets.

  • 

    Boat-rowing Afternoon Tea

Package B: for 5–6 People

• Price: Approx. $150 USD (total for the group)

• What’s Included:

  • Xixi Wetland Entry Tickets.

  • Electric buggy transfer to the boat pier.

  • 1.5 hours on a private hand-oared boat.

  • Seasonal Tea Set: 1 pot of premium tea + 8 plates of traditional snacks and sweets.

Pro Tip: This is incredibly cost-effective for a group. For about $25-$30 per person, you get entry, transport, a private boat, and a full meal's worth of snacks!

Beyond the Tea: What to See in Xixi Westland

Xixi is massive (over 11 square kilometers), so there is plenty to explore once you step off the boat:

1. Fisherman’s Village (Yanshui Village): Walk through ancient-style architecture and learn about the "Wetland Wedding" traditions. The thatched roofs and stone bridges are incredibly photogenic.

   

   Yanshui Village in Xixi Wetland

2. The Plum Blossoms & Persimmons: Depending on the season, Xixi is famous for different flora. In early spring, it’s a sea of pink plum blossoms; in autumn, the trees are heavy with bright orange persimmons.

   

   Plum Blossom in Xixi Wetland

3. Bird Watching: As a protected ecological park, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. There are dedicated observation decks where you can spot rare migratory birds.

   

   Bird in Wetland

4. Hezhu Street: A quaint riverside street filled with local food, crafts and intangible cultural heritage shops.

Hezhu Street

If you’re looking for that "Main Character" moment in China—away from the neon lights and into the misty green canals—the Xixi boat tea is an absolute must-do.

 Wanna book it? Click https://www.anywherechina.com/custom  to book a private car in Hangzhou or book this afternoon tea experience.