Where tradition never fades

Xixi Wetland is more than just a beauty spot on a map; it has been a thriving cultural center for more than 1,800 years. Unlike many historic sites where heritage is neatly kept in glass cases, Xixi lets you step into tradition. Here, not only can you watch the artisans at work, but you can also roll up your sleeves, dive in and become part of the legacy. Every festival, every craft, every sip of tea holds centuries of wisdom. There is so much to explore that it will take you a whole day to take it all in.

Dragon Boat Racing

Forget the dragon boat races you've seen on TV - nothing compares to a real dragon boat race in Xixi! It's a race that's been passed down from generation to generation and is deeply rooted in the blood and sweat of the locals. Standing on the banks of the narrow, winding canal, the air is filled with excitement. Suddenly, a drumbeat thumps out, like a heartbeat, shaking the water. Unconsciously, the long, sleek dragon boat came into view, cutting through the water like lightning. Drummers stand at the bow of the boat, pounding out a soul-stirring rhythm, while the paddlers' muscles are taut and their steps are in unison as they paddle hard. The Dragon Boat Festival in Xixi is not just a sport, it is also a spiritual event, a tribute to ancestors and a symbol of unity. Visitors are allowed to get on board and learn the art of rowing. If you're up for the challenge, then pick up an oar, feel the adrenaline rush, and become part of a centuries-old tradition!

Bamboo Weaving

After the excitement, sit down with the true masters of the craft - local bamboo weavers, who have spent decades with their hands weaving simple bamboo stalks into breathtaking works of art - in a cozy workshop by the river, where you sit on a small wooden bench and the smell of fresh bamboo fills the air. In front of you, bundles of slender, supple bamboo strips await your touch. With a wise smile and sage-like patience, the weaver shows you how to bend, twist and weave the fibers into intricate patterns. It looks easy until you try it yourself! First few attempts? A mess. But stick with it, and soon your fingers begin to move to the traditional rhythms and shape something real and old. Maybe it's a simple basket, maybe it's an elaborate ornament - either way, it's your own handmade Westbrook tradition. You can take it home with you, and every time you look at it, you'll be reminded of the touch of bamboo on your fingertips, the magic of Xixi.

Silk Embroidery

You've certainly seen paintings, but have you ever seen a masterpiece woven entirely from silk threads thinner than a hair's thread? Come to the world of Xixi Silk Embroidery, where patience and precision combine to create magical pieces. In a quiet corner of the wetlands, a master embroiderer sits in front of a wooden frame, meticulously stitching landscapes, flowers, and birds so realistically you'd swear they could fly off the fabric. You can try it too! Thread the needle, steady your hands, and create your own piece of silk art. It may take you a while to get the hang of it, but once you do, you'll realize it's more than just art. It is meditation in motion, a craft that embodies the soul of China's intangible cultural heritage.

Hand-pulled tea

What's the point of digging deeper into culture without the flavor of the past? In Xixi, one drink reigns supreme - hand-pulled tea brewed in the traditional way. Here, tea is an art form. In a traditional tea pavilion, tea masters in flowing robes are demonstrating the ritual of hand-pulling fresh tea leaves. It's a dance of movement and aroma - kneading, rolling, roasting - all done by hand, just as it was centuries ago. The result? A steaming cup of Xixi's signature green tea, so fragrant and refreshing that it's like drinking in the morning mist. Yes, you can also try making it! Feel the warmth of dry tea leaves between your palms, breathe in the sweet scent of grass, and learn the subtle techniques of brewing a perfect cup. As you take your first sip, you'll realize that this is more than just tea. It's the history of Westbrook poured right into your cup.

Xixi Wetland is more than just a place. It is a living heritage, a sanctuary where ancient crafts, customs and cultures do not fade away. Today, you not only witness it, you become part of it. As the sun sets and the Xixi Wetland sky is tinted with splashes of gold and crimson, you'll find yourself carrying more than just a souvenir. In your hands - a piece of hand-woven bamboo jewelry, a piece of silk thread embroidery, or even a bouquet of freshly dried tea leaves. But in your heart? A connection to something timeless.