Overview
Nestled in the southern-central waters of Hangzhou’s legendary West Lake, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (San Tan Yin Yue) is one of the most enchanting and symbolic attractions within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as "Lesser Yingzhou," it is the largest and only publicly accessible island among West Lake’s three islets. Shaped like the Chinese character “田” (meaning “field”), the island masterfully blends classical Jiangnan garden design with poetic natural scenery, creating a harmonious landscape that has inspired poets, painters, and emperors for centuries.
Historical Background
The origins of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon trace back to the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127), when renowned poet and statesman Su Dongpo (Su Shi) oversaw dredging projects to preserve West Lake. During this effort, silt was piled into islands, including the foundation of what would become San Tan Yin Yue. The three iconic stone pagodas were erected in 1552 during the Ming Dynasty by local official Nie Xie to mark boundaries and prevent illegal fishing—a practical measure that later evolved into a celebrated aesthetic symbol. By the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong immortalized the site by inscribing a stele that still stands on the island today, cementing its status as one of the “Ten Scenes of West Lake.”
Layout and Key Attractions
The island’s ingenious layout features an outer ring of traditional pavilions, corridors, and rockeries surrounding a central cross-shaped waterway divided by bridges—creating four miniature lakes within the island itself. Visitors typically begin their exploration at the northern end, where highlights include the Xianxian Shrine (dedicated to local cultural heroes), Kaiwang Pavilion, Tingting Pavilion, and the ornate Nine-Lion Stone. The famed Nine-Bend Bridge (Jiuqu Qiao) winds gracefully over the inner waterways, offering picturesque views at every turn.
At the heart of the island stands the Imperial Stele Pavilion, housing Emperor Qianlong’s calligraphic tribute to “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon”—a favorite photo spot for tourists. Continuing southward leads to the “I Heart You” Pavilion (Wo Xin Xiang Yin Ting), beyond which lies the open southern shore. Here, visitors gaze upon the lake’s expanse and the trio of hollow stone pagodas rising from the water—each about 2 meters tall, adorned with circular openings that once held candles.
The Legend of the Moonlight Reflection
Historically, on clear autumn nights—especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival—locals would place candles inside the pagodas and cover the apertures with thin paper. As moonlight mingled with the soft glow reflected on the lake’s surface, the illusion of 32 moons (one real, three from the towers, and their countless ripples) would dance across the water. This magical phenomenon gave the site its name and earned it a permanent place among West Lake’s Ten Scenic Views. Though modern light pollution makes this effect rare today, the romantic legacy endures.
Iconic Recognition: The 1-Yuan Note Connection
Many international visitors instantly recognize the three pagodas—they form the backdrop of China’s 1-yuan banknote. Countless tourists attempt to recreate the note’s composition, though the exact angle isn’t achievable from the island itself due to distance and perspective. For the best view, consider taking a hand-rowed boat from Hua Gang Park (Flower Harbor) pier; skilled boatmen can navigate within 100 meters of the towers for approximately ¥150 per hour, offering unmatched photo opportunities.
Access and Practical Information
Access to the island is exclusively by boat. Multiple piers around West Lake—including Hua Gang (Flower Harbor), Zhongshan, Yuewang Temple (Hangzhou Hotel), and Lakeside (Hubin)—offer regular ferry services. Boats from western piers dock on the island’s west side, while those from downtown Hubin arrive on the east. Your return ticket is valid for any departure pier, allowing flexible itinerary planning. Once ashore, the compact island (roughly 7 hectares) is easily explored on foot in under two hours, though many linger longer to soak in the serene ambiance.
Cultural Significance and Visitor Experience
Beyond its visual beauty, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon embodies the Chinese aesthetic ideal of “harmony between humanity and nature.” Every bridge curve, rock placement, and pavilion orientation reflects Daoist and Confucian philosophies. For foreign travelers, it offers a tranquil escape from urban bustle and a tangible connection to China’s literary and artistic heritage. Whether strolling under willow branches, capturing the pagodas at sunset, or simply sitting by the water listening to lapping waves, visitors consistently rate this experience as a highlight of their Hangzhou trip.