Mid-lake Pavilion is an islet located in the center of West Lake. It's the oldest of the three islets in West Lake. Its unique view "Viewing West Lake around Mid-lake Pavilion (湖心平眺)" is one of "Eighteen Scenes of West Lake in the Qing Dynasty" (清代西湖十八景).
Mid-Lake Pavilion is named after a pavilion on it. The pavilion, constructed in 1552 during the Ming Dynasty, is the largest pavilion on the lake. First called the Fluttering Egret (振鹭亭), the pavilion features typical Chinese traditional architecture such as dovetailed eaves and upturned roof corners. Its construction style is rather sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing. Viewed from outside, it appears to be a two-storey pavilion, but in fact, it has only one storey. The yellow glazed tiled pavilion looks like a water palace, giving people a feeling of solemnity and grandeur. Also on the islet there is an ornamental stone arch with Emperor Kangxi (康熙皇帝)’s personal inscription.
Viewed from afar in the morning haze, the islet appears as a mirage rising above the lake. Surrounded by water, it becomes a favorable alternative with fantastic views 360 degrees around it. — It is a picture of - loveliness - the blue rippling water, with the distant reflection of the crystal sky on the lake.
Source: New Greater Hangzhou: A New Guide by George Chen