The environments of Xixi National Wetland Park and West Lake have been significantly enhanced since a project was initiated to integrate protection and improvement efforts in Hangzhou, capital city of East China's Zhejiang province, in 2020.
On the first Westlake Day in 2020, Hangzhou authorities started the long-term protection and improvement of the Xixi National Wetland Park (commonly known as Xixi or Xixi Wetland)and West Lake. Besides protecting the environment, authorities are also promoting the culture and tourism, and improving the public service in these two areas.
In the last two years, the water quality of both West Lake and Xixi has improved significantly. The water quality in the core area of Xixi has remained stable at Class II.
In West Lake, 317,000 square meters of underwater forest was artificially planted to purify the water. This coverage would be extended by 30,000 square meters in 2022.
The biodiversity of the Xixi National Wetland Park has also increased – it currently has 73 species of vascular plants, 10 species of birds and 6 species of insects.
To improve public services, Xixi expanded the area open to the public in October 2020. Furthermore, the integrated transportation of West Lake and Xixi National Wetland Park has provided more convenience for people.
To celebrate West Lake's status as a world cultural heritage, June 24 was designated by local authorities as Westlake Day. All tourist attractions around West Lake and Xixi National Wetland Park would be free of charge on this day.