Water, water, everywhere at expansive and restful Hangzhou wetlands resort
Ancient fisherfolk culture meets contemporary design in a paradise for birdwatchers
What is it? Aquaphobics take note: one wrong step when ambling along the quaint paths and raised walkways that criss-cross Xixi Resort, in Hangzhou, and you’ll find yourself knee deep in wetlands that have been home to fishermen and silkworm farmers for millennia.
Opened in 2014, the resort is in the southwestern corner of the Xixi Wetlands, which cover 1,100 hectares and form a nationally protected and interconnected system of waterways.
Built with the intention of “bringing the natural and cultural elements of the landscape inside”, the resort is locally run (by the city government) and designed (by Hangzhou Chen Tao Interior Design), and features the cuisine and culture of the wetlands region.
So … there’s water everywhere? Everywhere. Every one of the 218 rooms and suites looks out over jade waters. The balconies of ground-floor rooms are built just over the water, creating the sensation of floating.
