Jiangyangfan Ecological Park

Jiangyangfan Ecological Park

The predecessor of Jiangyangfan Ecological Park was a silt-dredging landfill site for West Lake. After six years of drying in the sun, seeds of aquatic and terrestrial plants that had lain dormant in the West Lake silt for hundreds of years began to sprout, transforming Jiangyangfan into a secondary wetland dominated by weeping willows and moisture-loving plants.

In 2008, Hangzhou decided to turn the former silt depot into a new model of ecological park for West Lake in the 21st century.

During the renovation process, the garden authorities hardly removed any native plants, preserving the original vegetation intact. For replanting, only native species were selected: golden coreopsis with hues like flushed clouds, gracefully swaying pampas grass, undulating red smartweed, elderberry dotted with red berries, and naturally wild cosmos—all blending seamlessly with the willows that grew naturally from the West Lake silt.

In fact, Jiangyangfan Ecological Park is somewhat similar to Xixi Wetland, featuring multi-layered wetland landscapes such as moisture-loving forests, shallow marshes, lakes, and ponds, while also providing feeding and habitat environments for wildlife such as birds, fish, waterfowl, and amphibians.

Additionally, the construction of buildings and roads in the park prioritizes ecology—most pathways use gravel, and all load-bearing materials for park infrastructure are recyclable.

Most uniquely, the park’s two public toilets have no ceilings and are open to the sky. Some joke that even when using the facilities, you can breathe in the fresh air of nature.

Furthermore, Jiangyangfan Ecological Park has installed 78 educational signs, and the visitor center is equipped with comprehensive service facilities, including interactive e-books and real-scene broadcasting systems. The documentary about Jiangyangfan Ecological Park played in the exhibition hall showcases the past, the construction phase, and the completed park.

Jiangyangfan Ecological Park is a free-admission park, open from 8:30 to 17:00. To provide a quiet and safe environment for the wildlife within the park, visitor numbers are limited. After entering, please follow the designated wooden boardwalk routes and strictly avoid entering the silt depot area to prevent accidents.