Step into a living ink painting at Three Pools Mirroring the Moon! This iconic stone pagoda on West Lake's Lesser Yingzhou Island creates three magical moon reflections on calm nights. Glide past the towers on a traditional punt boat at golden hour for dreamy silhouette shots. Don't miss snapping pics from the 'Heart-Linked Pavilion' - the prime spot to frame all three moonlit pools perfectly!

This hotel boasts an unbeatable location – just 5 minutes’ walk to the subway and steps away from Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, with easy access to the Bund and Yu Garden. Its elegant, modern design has won prestigious awards, and the panoramic window rooms offer stunning night views. Amenities include a fitness center, spa, and family-friendly facilities. Thoughtful touches like UV sterilizers and high-pressure bidets ensure a comfortable stay. With great value for money, it’s perfect for both business and leisure travelers!
Everything you need to know about Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
Hangzhou West Lake Guesthouse is a top choice, located just steps from Sanyuan Yin Yue on the lake's central island. Its rooms feature panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the lake scenery and the iconic Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. The hotel provides private boat transfers, allowing guests to reach the site via water route for an immersive experience.
Conveniently situated, it takes only 10 minutes to walk from the hotel to the Sanyuan Yin Yue pier or 5 minutes by electric paddle boat. Nearby, traditional teahouses and ancient academies offer authentic Jiangnan cultural experiences, perfect for travelers seeking both elegance and tranquility.
Although Sanyuan Yin Yue is actually located in Hangzhou’s West Lake, not Shanghai, many visitors mistakenly assume it’s nearby. To reach it from Shanghai, take a high-speed train to Hangzhou East Station (approx. 45 minutes), then transfer by bus or taxi to the West Lake scenic area (about 20 minutes). The best option is HopeGoo a West Lake boat tour package, which includes direct shuttle from Hangzhou East Station to Su Causeway Pier, followed by a 30-minute boat ride to Sanyuan Yin Yue.
This route offers the most scenic and efficient access, allowing you to view the three moonlit pools framed by distant hills and lotus ponds—perfect for capturing the essence of classical Chinese landscape painting.
Beyond visiting the iconic Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, enjoy a Longjing Tea Ceremony Experience at a lakeside tea house, where you’ll learn hand-picking and pan-frying techniques, immersing yourself in authentic Jiangnan tea culture. Rent Hanfu traditional costumes and stroll along Su Causeway and Bai Causeway for vintage-style photos evoking Song Dynasty elegance.
Additionally, the nightly Lantern Light Show begins at 7 PM, illuminating the stone towers with colorful lights synchronized to music and projections, creating a magical "Moon Reflecting on Three Pools" spectacle. These activities blend nature, history, and art, enriching your visit with lasting memories.
While no hotels are directly on Sanyuan Yin Yue, properties like Hangzhou West Lake Guesthouse and Si Shui Hotel offer exceptional proximity and perks. Both provide private boat transfers to the island, saving time and avoiding crowds. Rooms feature lake-facing terraces, ideal for witnessing morning mist drifting over the water and evening sunsets casting golden hues on the three moonlit pools.
These luxury stays often host poetry gatherings and guqin concerts, fostering a serene atmosphere rich in classical Chinese aesthetics. Guests enjoy a tranquil retreat immersed in the timeless beauty of Jiangnan culture, making every moment feel like a brushstroke in a living scroll.
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