【Ming Dynasty】 Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (Xiaoying Island)

The Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is one of the Top Ten Scenes of West Lake in Hangzhou, and is reputed to be "the No. 1 Scenic Spot of West Lake". Being the largest island in West Lake, it features intoxicating scenery and a serene and peaceful environment. Major attractions on the island include "Kaiwang Pavilion", "Xianfang Terrace", "Xianxian Hall", "Yingcui Pavilion", "Flower and Bird Hall", "Woxin Xiangyin Pavilion" ", "Zigzag Bridge” and "Nine Lions Stone". It boasts the artistic characteristics of a Jiangnan water garden with a special landscape of "the island in the lake, part of the lake inside the island, small gardens scattered in the garden, changeable twists and turns, and new scenery seen every step of the way”. The grand scene of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is used on the reverse side of one Chinese yuan banknote, which shows the sight’s extremely significant role among Chinese tourist spots.

In 2021, it was selected into the list of "Top Ten Representative Historical and Cultural Buildings in Hangzhou" by the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism. The reason for the selection: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (Xiaoying Island) is one of the representative landscapes of the West Lake Scenic Area, which reflects the ingenuity of people managing West Lake in the past dynasties. Three Pools, as a structure with the charm of Jiangnan Region, is also one of the most important city symbols of Hangzhou.