Next stop is Zhejiang University Pier!

The breath of spring awakens the earth, setting all things into graceful motion. Over the years, Hangzhou and Zhejiang University have grown side by side, their connections deepened not only by minds at work but by roads, rails, and now, the gentle course of water. The newly added “Zhejiang University (Zijingang Campus)” stop on Water Bus Line 2 is more than a pier on a map. It reflects the harmonious progress between the city and the university, marking the start of a cultural journey and a path of innovation.

This waterway, born of the Grand Canal, drifts through the whispering reeds of Xixi Wetlands, winding toward the Yuhangtang River. It is an invitation to drift, to see the city from a softer, quieter vantage.

Whether departing from Jiangcun Pier near Xixi Wetlands or the bustling Xinyifang Pier, you can enjoy a direct, easy ride. There are no hurried steps, no transfers — only the steady rhythm of water against wood. A single click can take passengers to popular tourist spots. The landmarks pass like pages in a well-loved book, each turn revealing something new. Here, the journey is as much about the path as it is about the destination, a quiet celebration of movement and discovery.

Jiangcun Pier rests near the tranquil Xixi Wetlands, where lucid waters mirror the sky, and reeds sway gently in the breeze. The Ten Scenic Spots of Xixi Wetlands are just a short distance away, waiting to be explored. When your visit draws to a close, step onto a boat at Jiangcun Pier, where rippling water and gentle breeze carry you toward the southern gate of Zhejiang University.

There, the imposing archway rises with quiet dignity, a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Zhejiang University. Its motto, “Seeking Truth and Pursuing Innovation,” stands prominently, embodying the spirit that guides generations of scholars.

Upon arrival at Zhejiang University Pier, passengers will feel like stepping into a living painting. Along the banks of the Yuhangtang River, the water shimmers under the light, and a wooden pavilion stands in serene grace. Visitors linger, soaking in the stillness as boats drift in and out.

If you set off in the other direction from Xinyifang Pier, a journey rich with history and charm will unfold before you. The lively pedestrian street of Xinyifang buzzes with energy, leading the way as the water bus glides forward. Here, the echoes of the industrial past blend seamlessly with the pulse of modern culture. Further ahead, Xiaohezhi Street captures the essence of a water town, its gentle elegance drawing in those who pass by, inviting them to lose themselves in its timeless allure.

“An archway, half the history of Hangzhou.” As you move forward, the iconic Gongchen Bridge, a timeless landmark of the city, comes into view. Four centuries of history ripple in the river’s surface, while the historical districts and cultural venues on both banks exude the unique charm of intangible cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Here, history meets the present, and tradition dances with innovation.

After exploring these cultural treasures and soaking in the spirit of Hangzhou, this journey reaches its climax. Along this route, there lies a place where culture is gathered, shared, and created — our final stop: “Zhejiang University (Zijingang Campus)” Pier.

From the pier, take a leisurely five-minute walk along the Yuhangtang River Greenway and ascend the steps to reach the southern gate of Zhejiang University. As you approach, feel the pulse of the university’s vibrancy and prestige, marking the start of a fresh cultural journey.

With its rich variety of stops, this route serves as a bridge between past and present, inviting exploration and offering a deeper understanding of the city’s spirit.

“Spring waters are clearer than the sky. On a painted boat, we drift and lie, listening to the soft rain’s sigh, as dreams of nature whisper by.” Embrace the beauty of spring, invite a few friends, and board on the next water bus to the “Zhejiang University” stop where a new adventure begins.

Adapted and translated from the article by HUA Xiale, ZHOU Jiali and HAN Mingzheng
Translator: FANG Fumin
Photo: HAN Mingzheng, CAO Zhijun and FU Hangying
Editor: ZHU Ziyu, HE Jiawen