How do I actually get to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon?

It is a lake island reachable only by boat, not on foot. Board a sightseeing boat at Hubin pier or the Mid-Lake Pavilion pier; the round-trip ticket (around 55 yuan) includes a multi-stop lake cruise, and the island itself charges a small separate entry fee. Allow roughly an hour to walk the garden.

Why is Three Pools Mirroring the Moon on the one-yuan note?

The three small stone pagodas standing in the water are the scene printed on the reverse of China's 1-yuan banknote, making this West Lake's most reproduced image. The pagodas date to 1089, built when poet-governor Su Dongpo dredged the lake. Holding up a 1-yuan note beside the real pagodas is the classic photo here.

Is the 'moon reflection' effect something I can actually see?

The namesake effect only appears on full-moon nights, when candles placed inside each pagoda glow through five circular openings and cast moon-like reflections on the water. On ordinary days you simply see the pagodas by daylight. Sunset is the most reliable time for atmosphere if you cannot time a full moon.

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Hangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

West Lake's most iconic island — three small stone pagodas in the lake form the image on the back of the ¥1 note. 'Ten Scenes of West Lake' #5.

At a glance

What it is: Landmark
Also known as: 三潭印月 (Sān Tán Yìn Yuè)
Opening hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Sunset / full moon nights for the namesake effect
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Central island, West Lake · 西湖中心岛

See Three Pools Mirroring the Moontickets & tours

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Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月) is the image on the reverse of the 1-yuan banknote — three small Song-dynasty stone pagodas (built 1089 by Su Dongpo during West Lake dredging) standing in the lake about 100 m off the south shore of Xiaoying Island, the lake's largest island. At full moon, candles inside the pagodas through five circular cutouts each create 'reflections of the moon' on the water — hence the name. The island itself is a man-made garden (Su Dongpo's silt-piles) with bridges, pavilions, lotus ponds, and one of West Lake's prettiest 'curvy bridge through nine bends' (九曲十八折). Access by boat only: from Mid-Lake Pavilion pier or Hubin pier, ¥55 round-trip including a 4-stop lake cruise. The island itself entry ¥20. Allow 1 hour on the island. Best at sunset.

Highlights

On the ¥1 banknoteReverse of 1999-design 1-yuan bill
Built 1089 by Su DongpoSame poet-governor who built Su Causeway
Boat from Hubin / Mid-Lake¥55 RT, multi-stop cruise included

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸The pagodas sit offshore, so you photograph them from the boat or island edge, never up close — bring a zoom or use the boat's slow pass.
▸Aim for the last afternoon boats so you reach the island near golden hour, when the water and pagodas glow.
▸The island's nine-bend zigzag bridge is the prettiest spot and far quieter than the pier area; walk to its far end.
▸Boats run a fixed multi-stop loop, so check the last return departure before you linger — missing it means a long wait.
▸Skip the island entirely if the lake is windy or grey; the whole appeal is calm water and reflections.
▸A full-moon evening is the only time the candle-and-pagoda effect appears, so plan around the lunar calendar if that is your goal.
▸Combine it with Su Causeway, also built by the same governor, for a coherent half-day on the lake's southern side.

Photos

A large body of water surrounded by mountains

Beautiful view of traditional Chinese architecture along West Lake in Hangzhou with boats and lush greenery in the background.

A large field with a pagoda in the middle of it

Scenic view of Leifeng Pagoda over West Lake, Hangzhou with lush greenery and tranquil waters.

A gazebo with a view of a lake and mountains

Silhouettes at West Lake in Hangzhou during a serene sunset with a traditional pagoda view.

Peaceful lake reflecting traditional buildings and trees

Capture of Leifeng Pagoda amidst autumn foliage at West Lake, Hangzhou, China.

Picturesque view of West Lake with pagoda and boat, Hangzhou, China.

Calm West Lake waters with Leifeng Pagoda and misty mountains in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Serene twilight scene of West Lake in Hangzhou, showcasing a silhouetted pier and pagoda.

Picturesque scene of West Lake in Hangzhou, featuring a traditional Chinese pagoda and lush foliage.

Serene view of traditional Chinese pavilion on reflecting water, surrounded by lush greenery.

Tranquil scene of West Lake in Hangzhou, featuring a Chinese pagoda and lush surroundings.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

WestLakeFan·TripAdvisor·5/5

On the back of the ¥1 bill! Three Song-era stone pagodas (1089, built by Su Dongpo). Boat from Hubin pier ¥55 RT, 4-stop lake cruise.

2026-04-15

三潭印月·Xiaohongshu·5/5

西湖十景 No.1！登小瀛洲岛，曲桥九折，传统亭台。¥20 上岛 + ¥55 船票。傍晚月升时最美。

2026-03-08

Rachel M.·Google Maps·4/5

Tiny island reached only by boat. Full moon viewings happen on Mid-Autumn Festival. Otherwise the pagodas alone are the photo prize.

2026-02-12

Frequently asked questions about Three Pools Mirroring the Moon

How do I actually get to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon?: It is a lake island reachable only by boat, not on foot. Board a sightseeing boat at Hubin pier or the Mid-Lake Pavilion pier; the round-trip ticket (around 55 yuan) includes a multi-stop lake cruise, and the island itself charges a small separate entry fee. Allow roughly an hour to walk the garden.
Why is Three Pools Mirroring the Moon on the one-yuan note?: The three small stone pagodas standing in the water are the scene printed on the reverse of China's 1-yuan banknote, making this West Lake's most reproduced image. The pagodas date to 1089, built when poet-governor Su Dongpo dredged the lake. Holding up a 1-yuan note beside the real pagodas is the classic photo here.
Is the 'moon reflection' effect something I can actually see?: The namesake effect only appears on full-moon nights, when candles placed inside each pagoda glow through five circular openings and cast moon-like reflections on the water. On ordinary days you simply see the pagodas by daylight. Sunset is the most reliable time for atmosphere if you cannot time a full moon.