A large boat made of reeds is one of the exhibits at the museum. [Photo by Qin Jirong/China Daily]

In recent years, the wetland park has been scientifically developed and has been playing a vital role in the development of Hangzhou.

Learning from the success of Xixi, many other wetland areas across China have started to follow suit. From 2005 to 2019, the number of national wetland parks in the country grew from 1 to 898.

Lei Guangchun, dean of the School of Nature Conservation at Beijing Forestry University, hailed the conservation project on Xixi as the beginning of a new era for sustainable development in Chinese cities.

He said the project reflects the forward-looking vision of the Hangzhou government, "The wetland scenery that has lasted for over 1,000 years epitomizes the harmonious coexistence of local residents and the wetland ecosystem, represents the highest pursuit of the Convention on Wetlands and is a great contribution to global civilization."

There is a story about Xixi that has been told by Hangzhou people for many years.