Introducing The Moon Mirrored in Three Pools
The Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is one of the ten scenic spots of West Lake and is known as the "No. 1 scenic spot in West Lake". The Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is the largest island in West Lake. It has beautiful scenery and quiet views. The view of the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is especially famous both at home and abroad.
On the bank, swaying golden osmanthus, green willows and bright flowers complement the buildings with carved railings and painted rafters. It has the artistic characteristics of a Jiangnan water garden with an island in the lake, a lake in the island, and a garden within the garden, with winding and ever-changing scenery as you walk.
The back of the RMB one-yuan banknote features the magnificent scene of the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, which shows that the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon also occupies an extremely important symbolic role among my country's scenic spots.
Three stone pagodas stand gracefully on the rippling blue waters of the lake. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, candles are lit inside the pagodas, and the openings are covered with thin paper. The light shines through the paper, resembling bright moons reflected in the lake. When the moon is at its highest point, the moonlight, the candlelight, and the lake's reflection complement each other. The shadows of the moon, the pagodas, and the clouds complement each other, creating a beautiful scene of "a lake of golden water, melting autumn," a scene that beckons visitors to linger.
Climate and best time to travel
The Three Pools Mirroring the Moon has been a popular spot for moon-viewing since ancient times. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival when the moon is bright, you can go boating on the West Lake in Hangzhou and appreciate the beautiful scenery of "mist shrouding the autumn water and the moon shrouded in gauze".
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
The main scenic spots include "Kaiwang Pavilion", "Xianfang Terrace", "Hall of the Sages", "Yingcui Pavilion", "Hall of Flowers and Birds", "Wu Xin Xiangyin Pavilion", "Curved Bridge", "Nine Lions Stone", etc.
Recommended playing time: about 2 hours
Tickets
55 yuan/person
(Includes ferry tickets, Xiaoyingzhou Island, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon)
Attraction opening hours
Attractions open all day
Boat trip time: 8:00-16:00 (subject to adjustment according to weather and season)
Most Popular FAQs for Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is a historical site on West Lake, Hangzhou, built during the Southern Song Dynasty. The three small pagodas in the lake were designed for moon-gazing and traditional Chinese festivals, particularly the Mid-Autumn Festival. The site is one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake and symbolizes tranquility and poetic charm.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located in the southern part of West Lake, Hangzhou.
- Accessible by Hangzhou Metro: Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station, then a short taxi or walking ride.
- Public buses stop near the West Lake Scenic Area entrances.
- Taxi or ride-hailing services provide direct access.
- Walking along West Lake paths is scenic and recommended.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Open daily; West Lake paths are accessible 24 hours, but pagoda illumination is best viewed in the evening.
- Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and clear reflections on the water.
- Full moon nights enhance the visual experience of the pagodas.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- The pagodas are within West Lake, which is free to enter, though some nearby attractions require tickets.
- Tickets for other West Lake scenic zones can be bought online or at ticket counters.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Advance booking is generally not required for this specific site, but for peak season or nearby West Lake attractions, book a few days in advance.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
- 30–60 minutes to view the pagodas and their reflections.
- 1–2 hours if combining with surrounding West Lake attractions.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- The three small stone pagodas rising from the lake.
- Moon reflections on calm waters, especially during evening or full moon nights.
- Surrounding gardens and bridges for scenic viewpoints.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
- Guided tours in Mandarin are available around West Lake.
- English-language tours can be arranged through travel agencies.
- Audio guides may be offered for broader West Lake sightseeing.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- From the lake shore, facing the pagodas with water reflections.
- On a boat in the lake for full-frontal views and symmetrical reflections.
- During evening when pagodas are illuminated for night photography.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start at the southern part of West Lake, walk along the lakeside paths, view the pagodas, and then continue to nearby attractions like Leifeng Pagoda or Broken Bridge.
- Optionally, take a boat ride to circle the pagodas for a different perspective.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
- Evening visits are popular for illuminated views.
- No formal light shows, but seasonal special tours may be arranged around full moon or festivals.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Busy during holidays, weekends, and full moon nights.
- Weekdays, early mornings, or late evenings are less crowded.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Public toilets near main West Lake entrances.
- Rest areas along walking paths.
- Cafés and snack stalls nearby.
- Souvenir shops at major entrances.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- Flat lakeside paths make it suitable for elderly, children, and wheelchair users.
- Some wooden piers or boat access may require caution for mobility-impaired visitors.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Most vendors and nearby restaurants accept mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay) and cards.
- Carrying small cash is useful for minor purchases.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Tea houses and cafés along West Lake with lake views.
- Restaurants serving Hangzhou cuisine near Broken Bridge and other entrances.
- Snack vendors and small eateries along lakeside walking paths.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
- Vegetarian options are available at tea houses and local restaurants.
- Halal options are limited; check specific restaurants in Hangzhou city.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Hotels near West Lake, including luxury, mid-range, and boutique options.
- Guesthouses and inns with lake views are available for a more scenic stay.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Leifeng Pagoda, Broken Bridge, Huagang Park.
- Lingyin Temple and Longjing Tea Plantations.
- Other West Lake boat rides and walking paths.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Postcards, silk items, tea, and local handicrafts themed around West Lake.
- Small trinkets and lanterns reflecting Chinese culture.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Walking or cycling around West Lake to nearby attractions.
- Taxi or ride-hailing to Hangzhou city center or Lingyin Temple.
- Public buses connect to other scenic spots and train stations.
