24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks of Hangzhou’s West Lake. Known for its serene beauty and cultural significance, this site has captivated visitors for centuries. The name comes from the three small stone pagodas in the water, whose reflections merge with the moonlight, creating a magical and poetic scene. As a symbol of Hangzhou’s rich history and scenic charm, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon offers travelers a perfect blend of natural beauty, traditional architecture, and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination when exploring West Lake.
Information
Address: West Lake
Type: Natural Scenary
Opening time: 8:00-17:00
District: West Lake Scenic Area
Ticket: 45 yuan(boat rent included)
History and Significance
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279) and is considered one of West Lake’s most historically significant landmarks. The site features three small stone pagodas built in the lake, each with openings that create reflections of the moon on the water at night. This poetic effect inspired countless poems, paintings, and cultural references over the centuries. The pagodas were originally constructed as water markers and to improve the lake’s irrigation system, blending practical function with aesthetic appeal. Today, the site symbolizes Hangzhou’s rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Chinese art, architecture, and philosophy while providing a serene and picturesque setting in the heart of West Lake.
Structure
The three gourd-shaped stone pagodas jut about two meters above the water. They form an equilateral triangle with each side sixty-two meters in length. They are all hollow and each of them has five equally shaped small round holes on their bodies.
Highlight
During the night of Mid-autumn Festival, when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky, local people love to ride boats there, put a lit candle into each of the pagodas and seal the holes with thin white paper. The candlelight reflected on the water surface resembles the reflection of the moon. Near the three pagodas you may find fifteen candles that reflect onto the water’s surface like tiny moons, along side the actual moon.
The soft glow of candles and the shimmering lake together create a serene and enchanting scene for many visitors.
Photography Tips
Boat Ride Around the Lake:
Take a boat around West Lake to get dynamic, panoramic shots of the three pagodas from different angles. Early morning or late afternoon light adds warmth and soft reflections to your photos. The gentle movement of the boat can help capture creative compositions with water reflections.
Xiaoyingzhou Island – “From My Heart Pavilion”:
For a more iconic and stable shot, walk onto Xiaoyingzhou Island and photograph the three pools from the “From My Heart” Pavilion. This vantage point aligns the pagodas with surrounding willow trees and lake reflections, perfect for capturing symmetrical shots and the classic “mirroring the moon” effect.
Tour The Three Pools Mirroring the Moon with Your Way Holiday
We design private and tailor-made Hangzhou Tours customized to your style of travel at affordable local prices. We will provide a private & spacious car and a local professional tour guide with over 5 years guiding experience only work for you or your group. Transport, ticket, and dining (We find the most authentic dishes popular with locals) all we will arrange for you according your requirements. Please check our most popular Hangzhou Tours including The Hangzhou Westlake as below:
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Are the above sample tour programs not suitable for you? Dont worry, our tours can be tailor-made based on your requirements and budget to create unique Hangzhou experiences that allow you to interact with the local people and culture. We are Hangzhou travel experts who know what your guidebook and foreign agencies don't. Our enthusiastic tour expert will promptly reply you in details within 24 hours.
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Tour Style：Discover the renowned Paradise City, Hangzhou, on a fully customized day trip from Shanghai by bullet train. Accompanied by your private guide, stroll through Flower Harbor Park, take a relaxing boat ride on West Lake, and visit the historic Lingyin Temple. Explore the traditional Meijiawu Tea Mountain, wander along the charming Hefang Street, and enjoy the spectacular Impression West Lake show. The tour includes local lunch and dinner, tea tasting at Meijiawu, round-trip bullet train tickets, private guide, and private vehicle service, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
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