Xixi Floral Festival: a journey through blossoms and tradition

This year's Floral Festival, themed "Water Margin Dream and Song Dynasty Elegance," (Water Margin, sometimes described as China's answer to the Robin Hood Legend— tells of a group of 108 bandits who team up and succeed in their rebellion. Some scholars believe that the classic literature work is closely connected to Xixi) officially opened on March 24 and will run until May 11. This event coincides with the 20th anniversary of the opening of Hangzhou's Xixi National Wetland Park, gathering over 200,000 pots of flowers and more than 40 species, creating a vibrant and colorful sea of blossoms. At present, tulips, poppies, snow willow, cherry blossoms, malus halliana, multicolored rapeseed, February orchids, gazania rigens, geraniums, dahlias, and more have begun to bloom. Starting in April, famous flowers such as peonies, Chinese peonies, azaleas, rosa chinensis, hydrangeas, and lupins will also bloom in succession.

In addition to flower viewing, the event also includes the Song Dynasty-themed "Twelve Flora" parade, the "Song Dynasty Hairpin Flowers" experience, the "Song Dynasty Flower Boat" Sculling Boat tour, the "Riding Encounter with Water Margin" exploration journey, water town weddings, and the Floral Festival Market, among other activities. Additionally, from April 20 to mid-May, visitors can personally pick fresh cherries and experience the joy of harvest. Every detail is designed to create an unforgettable spring memory for you.
Here is the schedule for the event:

1. Flower Deity Encounter

Time: April 4 to 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, from 14:00 to 16:00 daily

Location: Greenway Lawn

Details: The "Twelve Flora" will appear at Xixi Wetland, interacting with visitors and adding a unique charm to the Xixi experience.

2. "Inheriting Intangible Heritage and Releasing Spring" Kite Festival

Time: April 12 (rescheduled in case of rain)

Location: Greenway Lawn

Details: Enjoy the beauty of traditional kites and experience the fun of making your own.

3. Flower Festival Market

Time: March 24 - May 11, on weekends and public holidays

Location: Greenway

Details: A gathering of Song Dynasty-themed crafts, tea and flower beverages, unique cultural and creative products, and intangible heritage workshops.

4. The Magical Tour of Hongyuan: "The Song Dynasty Hairpin Flower"

Time: Every Saturday and Sunday, from 13:00 to 16:00

Location: Xixi Wetland, Hongyuan (Wu Jiawan Entrance)

Details: Participate in a Song Dynasty-themed script-based tour, immersing yourself in the experience of the hairpin flower contest and competing to become the "Most Beautiful Hairpin Laureate."

5. Ride with Water Margin: Explore Xixi by Bike

Time: Starting from April 20

Details: This event involves cycling, incorporating interactive NPCs from the Water Margin characters, cycling checkpoints for stamp collection, and puzzle-solving tasks. It creates a brand-new immersive experience that combines orientation-based puzzles with City riding.

6. Xixi Water Town Wedding

Time: May 1 - May 5

Location: Shentankou Area

Performance Times: 09:30, 10:20, 11:10 in the morning; 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 in the afternoon, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. (Performances will be suspended in case of rain)

Details: Through immersive performances and deep interaction, this event will showcase the romantic atmosphere of Xixi Water Town's wedding traditions.

7. Colorful Cherry Orchard

Location: Xialongtan Cherry Orchard

Time: April 20 - Mid-May (subject to the ripening of cherries)

Details: Experience the joy of cherry picking, immerse yourself in the fragrance and vibrant colors of the cherries, and enjoy the gifts of nature.

8. "Song Dynasty Flower Boat" Rowing Package

Time: March 24 - May 11

Location: Zhoujia Village Fisherman’s Tour Dock

Details: Ride the Song Dynasty flower boat, enjoy flower-themed tea treats, and experience the springtime romance. Reservations need to be made one day in advance.

9. Impression Sculling Boat

Location: Longshezui Impression Rowing Boat Dock

Tickets: 69 RMB per person (shared boat, includes rowing boat fee and cultural creative souvenir)

Details: The duration of the event is approximately 45 minutes, with a limit of 6 people per boat. Ride a traditional sculling boat to experience the tranquility and beauty of the water town. The beautifully crafted souvenir offered is designed to serve as a unique memory of this water journey.

Source:Hangzhoufeel