Three Pools Mirroring the Moon(Xiao Weizhou)

Finally I visited the legendary West Lake in Hangzhou during my short business trip to China. My day at Hangzhou’s West Lake began early with a peaceful boat ride to the iconic Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Floating gently across the still waters, I admired the reflections of pagodas and clouds. On the islet, I took my time soaking in the quiet, watching the stone pagodas partially submerged in water — poetic and serene. From there, I continued my journey on foot along the scenic Su Causeway, one of the lake’s most picturesque walks. Flanked by willow trees and arched stone bridges, the path offered endless photo spots and a refreshing breeze. Locals cycled by, birds chirped overhead — it felt like time slowed down. Next, I arrived at 花港观鱼 (Viewing Fish at Flower Pond). The koi-filled ponds, colorful flowers, and quiet pavilions made this one of the most relaxing stops of the day. Children laughed as fish swirled around in the clear waters, and I paused to enjoy the harmony of nature and landscape design I ended my visit at 曲院风荷 (Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard) — the perfect finale. Even without full lotus bloom, the view over the water, dotted with lotus leaves and backed by mountains, was stunning. I could imagine how breathtaking it must be in summer when the lotus flowers are in full bloom.

Traveling to Hangzhou with kids in spring? Stay at a unique homestay next to Wushan Square, within walking distance to West Lake and Intime Department Store. Follow this West Lake spring family route to check in at the 400,000 tulips sea at Taiziwan, and participate in the cloud tree-planting charity with your kids by planting a saxaul tree in Minqin, Gansu. This adds warmth and meaning to your spring family trip, all for free and easy to explore! 🌷Morning: Taiziwan Tulip Sea, Top Spring Scenery at West Lake The Taiziwan Tulip Exhibition officially opens on March 6, with 400,000 tulips blooming in red, pink, yellow, and purple, layered like Monet’s garden. Reserve for free in advance on the “West Lake Tourism” WeChat official account, and scanning the code to enter is super convenient. 📸Must-take family photo spots: the vast tulip sea at Xiaoyao Slope, the iconic big windmill, and the floating island flower sea at Yulu Pond. Hold your child’s hand walking through the flowers, with spring breeze and petals falling, creating super romantic family photos. Kids can run, fly kites, and blow bubbles on the big lawn, fully enjoying the spring joy. The wooden boardwalk inside the park is flat and stroller-friendly. After visiting Taiziwan, slowly walk along Nanshan Road, enjoying the lake and mountain views of West Lake, watching the willows sway and the sparkling water. Walk and watch with your kids to feel the spring beauty of West Lake. The route is gentle and easy for kids to finish. 🌱Afternoon: Intime Department Store West Lake Branch · Cloud Tree Planting, Meaningful Family Charity At the end of Nanshan Road is Intime Department Store West Lake Branch. Join the cloud tree-planting charity with your kids. The whole process is simple and fun, suitable for children to participate, teaching them to care for nature and cultivate a charitable heart during the trip. 1️⃣Get a puzzle piece: Take your child to any high-end beauty counter on the 1st floor (Dior/Kiehl’s, etc.) to receive a puzzle piece. Kids can hold it themselves and feel the joy of participation. 2️⃣Assemble the puzzle and plant a tree: At the mall’s Gate 7, Ziwei Origin, work with your child to complete the puzzle. After finishing, scan the Meow Street QR code to receive an exclusive saxaul tree planting certificate. Each certificate corresponds to a real saxaul tree planted in Minqin, Gansu. Holding the certificate gives kids a strong sense of achievement and a chance to learn about desertification and environmental protection. 3️⃣Receive Hangzhou limited edition cultural souvenirs: Post on Xiaohongshu with the topic check-in to get a Three Pools Mirroring the Moon fridge magnet at Gate 1. This exquisite Hangzhou limited edition is a perfect travel souvenir for kids to cherish this special spring memory. 💗Family Travel Benefits Tips With an ID card plus a hotel or travel bill from Hangzhou within three days, you can get a travel gift pack, free taxi coupons, and Hangzhou cultural souvenirs at Intime, saving a lot on family trips with full benefits. 📍【Key Family Food & Sightseeing Route】 Taiziwan (Tulips) → Nanshan Road (Lake View) → Intime Department Store West Lake Branch (Cloud Tree Planting + Souvenirs) → Hefang Street (Shopping and Dinner). The whole route is convenient with no backtracking. Take Metro Line 7 to Wushan Square Station Exit C, and the homestay is nearby, making family travel super easy. Hefang Street offers many Hangzhou specialty snacks like Ding Sheng Cake, Scallion Pancake Soup, Osmanthus Cake, and Small Wontons, all mild flavors suitable for kids. One-stop shopping and dining make for a warm family dinner. Accommodation 🏨Wushan Square Yunqi Homestay Close to Wushan Square Metro Station, walking distance to Intime, Hefang Street, and West Lake. Family rooms come with children’s tents and offer Hangzhou-style breakfast. 🏨Taiziwan Park Creekside Homestay 5 minutes walk to Taiziwan Flower Sea, with creek and flower views from the window. Family rooms include children’s toiletries, making spring viewing super convenient. 🏨Intime West Lake Branch Yue Stay Near Intime, walking distance to the cloud tree-planting check-in point. Cozy family rooms with 24-hour hot water, making family travel worry-free.

This is your scroll-ready, no-sweat guide for an Insta-perfect West Lake day trip! Epic views, zero stress, and ✨max chill vibes✨—let’s roll! 🌿 Chill Route (Lazy Girl Approved) Liulang Wenying (柳浪闻莺) Qianwang Temple Pier (钱王祠码头) Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭映月) Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond (花港观鱼) Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔) Su Causeway (苏堤) Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake (平湖秋月) Bai Causeway (白堤) Broken Bridge (断桥残雪) in77 Plaza (in77广场) 📸 Must-Snap Spots + Real Pro Tips 1️⃣ Liulang Wenying Plug “Xin Henghe Bridge” (新横河桥: No. 4, Nanshan Rd, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou) into your map for those Secret Garden vibes. Sunbeams filtering through lush leaves—fairytale level magic! 🍃 Tip: Arrive before 9am for solo shots—no photo-bombers, just zen energy. 2️⃣ Qianwang Temple Pier Boat time! Grab a ticket for only ¥70 and cruise right to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (Pier open 8:30am-4:30pm, 6, Nanshan Rd, Shangcheng District). Pro hack: Hop on a Flower Pond–bound boat for smooth sailing and panoramic lake views 🚤. 3️⃣ Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Icon status: This is THE view from China’s one yuan bill! For a legendary snap, shoot through the “Woxinying Pavilion” door. Insta-fame unlocked 💴. Address: Middle of West Lake, boat-access only. 4️⃣ Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond Catch those energetic goldfish at Red Fish Pool, with West Lake sparkling in the background—pure “chef’s kiss” content 🐟. Don’t miss the peony garden if you visit in bloom season—color bomb! 5️⃣ Leifeng Pagoda Hike up for 360° lake panoramas (15 Nanshan Rd, open 8:00am-5:30pm). Hot tip: Real ancient vibes hit hardest when you snap Leifeng Pagoda from nearby Jingci Temple. That combo? Major classic aesthetic goals ⛩️. 6️⃣ Su Causeway Find the bend near Xiling Bridge (West Lake District) for weeping willows over shimmery water. Major wallpaper energy 🌿. No need to trek forever—just hop between a few scenic spots! 7️⃣ Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake Yes, even in summer it’s a stunner. Classic white walls + roof tiles + lotus leaves = that chill Jiangnan filter 🪷. Extra dreamy in fall, with golden leaves everywhere! 8️⃣ Bai Causeway Way less crowded than Su Causeway. Stroll through willow tunnels dipped into the lake—you’ll feel like a legend! Shoot from Jindai Bridge for epic wide shots of the lake, willows, AND Broken Bridge at once. 9️⃣ Broken Bridge Home of “White Snake” romance vibes 🐍. For max drama, snap the bridge from the side—curvy silhouette FTW. Visit mid-summer for a lotus explosion, or anytime for a raw, moody vibe! 🔟 in77 Plaza Recharge! Find the Insta-famous “I ❤️ Hangzhou” sign (No.501, Jie Fang Rd) and snap a few high-tech shots in front of giant digital screens. Bonus: San Park has fountain shows nightly at 7:30pm—don’t miss the music & twinkly lights! 🎵 💡 Pro Tips ✅ Boat rides = time saved + totally unique perspectives! #travel #hangzhou #westlake

Do you all like "Song Culture"? It refers to the culture of the Song Dynasty, a period that achieved remarkable accomplishments in philosophy, literature, historiography, art, and science and technology. It also produced a group of renowned scholars, poets, and painters, leaving us with a precious legacy! Moreover, among the "Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties," six were from the Song Dynasty. Besides the "Three Sus"—Su Xun, Su Shi, and Su Zhe—there were also Wang Anshi, Zeng Gong, and Ouyang Xiu, whose works remain an important cultural heritage for us to study today! So, the question arises: Where can one experience the thousand-year-old Song culture? We recommend the "Hangzhou West Lake Night Tour." Here are the details: Theme: "Seize the Day with Poetry and Wine" — A Night Tour of Song Dynasty Poetry on West Lake's Islands Time: Starting June 21, 2025, with the first boat at 18:45 nightly. The last boat departs the island by 22:00. Cost: 188 yuan, tickets available for purchase via on-site QR code. Docks: Hubin Second Park, Children's Palace, and Qianwang Temple. Content: A night tour centered around the poetic life of Song Dynasty literary giant Su Dongpo. Highlights: Experience the refined and lively customs of the Song Dynasty, fully recreating the literati gatherings of the era with activities like hairpin throwing, tea tasting, poetry recitals, and guessing games to win prizes. The "Hangzhou West Lake Night Tour" has two major highlights: 1. **Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (Xiaoyingzhou)**: One of the "Ten Scenes of West Lake" and hailed as the "Top Scenic Spot of West Lake," it is the largest island on the lake. It features attractions like the "Open Net Pavilion," "Leisure Terrace," "Sages' Shrine," "Emerald Greeting Pavilion," "Flower and Bird Hall," "Heart-to-Heart Pavilion," "Winding Bridge," and "Nine Lion Rock." Additionally, the iconic scene of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is depicted on the back of China's one-yuan banknote! At night, the island seamlessly blends the poetic landscape of West Lake with the cultural ambiance of the Song Dynasty, offering an experience that is "explorable, appreciable, and enjoyable." 2. **New Addition: "West Lake Dongpo"**: Professional actors portray "Su Shi" and "Biancai," performing programs like "Drunkard’s Song," "Prelude to Water Melody," and "Spring Dawn at Su Causeway." Amidst the misty waters and pavilions, enjoy ancient magic tricks, tea and wine blending, musical feasts, and dance performances—truly a delightful experience! However, there are two important points to note: 1. Day and night tickets are not interchangeable. Some might think of buying the 55-yuan day cruise to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and staying on the island for the night tour, but this is not allowed. 2. For those leaving by boat around 22:00 and needing to take the metro: · Choose "Children's Palace" (Line 1/2, Fengqi Road Station). · "Hubin Second Park" is near Line 1's Longxiangqiao Station. · "Qianwang Temple" is farther and not recommended. For those who enjoy lively night markets, "Wulin Night Market" is a must-visit. Since its opening in 2013, it has been Hangzhou's "No. 1 Night Market." This 300-meter-long street is packed with food stalls, snacks, and creative handicrafts, making it a well-known nighttime hotspot. Highlights include "Boss Pan's Fried Chicken," "Sausage Wrapped in Rice," "Ironing Lady's Scallion Pancakes," "Old Beijing Tripe," and "Li Xihuan's Handmade Shrimp Balls." Transportation: · **Hubin Second Park Dock**: 10-minute walk from Line 1's Longxiangqiao Station, Exit C. · **Children's Palace**: 15-minute walk from Line 1/2's Fengqi Road Station, Exit B, or take Bus 7 to "Children's Palace." · **Qianwang Temple**: Take Bus 12, West Lake Inner Loop, or West Lake Outer Loop to "Qianwang Temple" Station. So, are you interested in the "Hangzhou West Lake Night Tour"? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

Introduction to the Scenic Beauty of Hangzhou West Lake The West Lake in Hangzhou boasts numerous scenic attractions. Here are some key highlights: · *Natural Landscapes** · Lake and Shore*: The crystal-clear waters of West Lake resemble a mirror, with an oval-shaped outline covering an area of 6.03 square kilometers (5.66 sq km water surface). The winding lakeshore is surrounded by mountains on three sides and the city on one, with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and a harmonious blend of peaks, rocks, caves, springs, ponds, streams, and ravines—forming a natural landscape painting. · Dikes, Islands, and Bridges*: The Bai Causeway and Su Causeway divide the lake into five sections: Outer Lake, Inner Lake, Yue Lake, West Inner Lake, and Little South Lake. The lake features four islands—Solitary Hill, Lesser Yingzhou, Mid-Lake Pavilion, and Ruan Gong Islet. The causeways are lined with weeping willows, the islands are elegantly scattered, and the bridges, such as Broken Bridge and Long Bridge, add a touch of antiquity and romance. · *Cultural Attractions** · Ten Scenes of West Lake* 1. **Spring Dawn on Su Causeway**: Stretching across the lake, this causeway was built by Northern Song poet Su Shi using dredged silt. In early spring, the willows and blooming peach trees make it a vibrant herald of the season. 2. **Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard**: Located in the northwest, this area is famed for its lotus-filled lake views. Summer breezes carry the fragrance of lotus and wine, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. 3. **Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake**: Situated at the west end of Bai Causeway, this spot offers serene views of the moon reflecting on the lake, evoking the poetic line, "A single hue of lake light stretches for miles in autumn." 4. **Melting Snow on Broken Bridge**: At the east end of Bai Causeway, the bridge appears "broken" when snow melts on one side but lingers on the other. It’s also the legendary meeting place of Lady White and Xu Xian. 5. **Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds**: The South Peak and North Peak, southwest and northwest of the lake, were once topped with pagodas. On misty days, their peaks seem to vanish into the clouds, creating a fairy-tale scene. 6. **Three Pools Mirroring the Moon**: The iconic three stone pagodas (featured on China’s 1-yuan bill) create a magical illusion of 33 "moons" when candles are lit inside on moonlit nights. 7. **Viewing Fish at Flower Pond**: Named for its flower-lined streams and colorful koi ponds, this area near Su Causeway is a tranquil retreat. 8. **Evening Bell at Nanping Hill**: The evening chimes from Jingci Temple on Nanping Hill have inspired artists since the Northern Song dynasty. 9. **Leifeng Pagoda in Sunset Glow**: This pagoda on Sunset Hill glows golden at dusk, casting a striking silhouette. 10. **Orioles Singing in the Willows**: A former imperial garden, this southeastern lakeside area is alive with willow trees and birdsong, offering picturesque views. · *Historic Sites and Temples** · **Leifeng Pagoda**: A landmark on Sunset Hill, originally built by King Qian Hongchu of Wuyue, it’s famed for its sunset views. · **Baochu Pagoda**: On Precious Stone Hill, this slender pagoda contrasts beautifully with Leifeng Pagoda across the lake. · **Lingyin Temple**: One of Hangzhou’s oldest Buddhist temples, nestled near Feilai Peak, features awe-inspiring rock carvings and serene architecture. · **Yue Fei Temple**: Dedicated to the Song dynasty general Yue Fei, this solemn shrine on Beishan Road honors his loyalty and valor.

In spring, take your kids to visit West Lake in Hangzhou and stay in a unique guesthouse by the lake. Open the window to see a sea of tulips, follow this hidden spring family route to not only enjoy the top flower fields of West Lake but also stop by Intime Department Store to do charity work by planting a saxaul tree in the desert for your child. The whole trip is free and without backtracking, making this family trip both romantic and meaningful! 🌷Morning: Family spring flower viewing at Prince Bay Tulip Garden, encounter the romance of West Lake in spring 400,000 tulips have bloomed into a Monet-like garden, stunningly beautiful. Book in advance on the “West Lake Tourism” WeChat public account for free admission, super convenient. 📸Must-visit family photo spots: Xiaoyao Slope flower sea, big windmill, Yulu Pond floating island. Hold your child’s hand and walk through the flower sea to capture warm family photos. Kids can run on the lawn and chase butterflies, feeling the beauty of spring. After visiting, walk from Nanshan Road towards the city center, enjoying the lake views along the way, strolling and playing without rushing. 🌱Afternoon: Intime Department Store West Lake Branch · Cloud Tree Planting, do meaningful charity with your kids At the end of Nanshan Road, conveniently enter Intime Department Store and complete a charity check-in with your child, unlocking the joy of planting trees in the desert. The whole process is simple and fun, and kids can easily participate. 1️⃣Get a puzzle piece: First, go to the Dior/Kiehl’s/Shu Uemura/Sisley/Origins/Yiling counters on the 1st floor. Choose any one to receive a puzzle piece. Kids can hold the piece themselves, enhancing their sense of involvement. 2️⃣Cloud tree planting: At Gate 7, Ziwei Origin, assemble the puzzle pieces with your child into a complete picture. Scan the QR code on Miao Street📱 to receive an exclusive saxaul tree planting certificate! Staff explanation: Intime Department Store, in cooperation with the China Green Foundation and Ant Forest, plans to plant 193,500 saxaul trees in Minqin, Gansu within 3 years, covering 2,900 acres of desert. For every certificate received, a real saxaul tree will be planted in Minqin! Kids are thrilled holding the certificate, feeling a great sense of achievement. 3️⃣Get creative souvenirs: Post on Xiaohongshu with related topics to participate in the check-in. At the visitor benefits redemption point No. 1, you can get a Hangzhou-exclusive Three Pools Mirroring the Moon fridge magnet, exquisitely crafted and perfect as a travel souvenir for kids. 💗Exclusive family tips, full of benefits If you happen to be traveling in Hangzhou, show your ID + hotel or travel bill within three days in Hangzhou to receive a beautiful travel gift pack + free taxi coupons + Hangzhou cultural creative souvenirs (different from the spring planting souvenirs). Traveling with kids is super cost-effective. 📍【Family route highlights】 Prince Bay (Tulips) → Nanshan Road → Intime Department Store West Lake Branch (Cloud Tree Planting + get fridge magnet) → Hefang Street for dinner. The whole route is convenient with no backtracking. Take Metro Line 7 to Wushan Square Station Exit C, very convenient for traveling with kids. Hefang Street offers plenty of delicious food, including kids’ favorites like Ding Sheng Cake, Scallion Pancake Soup, and small wontons. It’s a one-stop spot for strolling and eating, making family dinner very rich. Accommodation 🏨West Lake Liulang Wenying Guesthouse Close to Prince Bay Park, within walking distance to the flower sea, window views of West Lake, family rooms with small balconies, offering fresh spring flower breakfast 🏨Lakeside Guesthouse near Wushan Square Near Metro Line 7 Wushan Square Station, walking distance to Intime and Hefang Street, family rooms with children’s play area, close to check-in spots 🏨Nanshan Road Huajian Guesthouse Along Nanshan Road, a must-pass route for spring viewing, cozy family rooms with afternoon tea for kids, great for photo shoots

Xihu Lake is vast and boasts numerous attractions, including Su Causeway Spring Dawn, 🪷 Quyuan Wind Lotus, and Broken Bridge Residual Snow🌇, offering endless breathtaking views.💗 Here's a visitor-friendly route that's easy on the legs and covers the best of Xihu Lake🔥 1️⃣ Hubin: Exit from Longxiang Bridge Station, Exit C, and walk 5 minutes to reach the First Park Pier. Here, you can spot lively squirrels leaping among the trees and mandarin ducks swimming gracefully in the lake—a vibrant scene!🍃 2️⃣ Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: One of the Ten Scenes of Xihu Lake and arguably its most iconic sight, this is the largest island on the lake. A boat trip is a must! The boat ticket costs CNY 70. The "My Heart Imprinted Pavilion" on Xiaoyingzhou Island offers the perfect vantage point for capturing the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon—the same view featured on the back of the one-yuan banknote!💗 3️⃣ Flower Harbor Viewing Fish: Take a boat directly from Three Pools Mirroring the Moon; no additional ticket is required. See the golden light piercing through the bridge hole near Yanggong Causeway. The west side faces Leifeng Pagoda and Jingci Temple across Su Causeway, exuding the charm of a classic Jiangnan garden.✅ 4️⃣ Crown Prince Bay Park: Exit through the south gate of Flower Harbor Viewing Fish, and you'll find it right across the road. This park feels like a movie set, with a blend of idyllic countryside and untamed nature. Every photo is a masterpiece, making it a perfect spot for capturing Instagram-worthy moments.📸 5️⃣ Leifeng Pagoda: The entrance fee is CNY 40. Walk from Crown Prince Bay Park. The main hall of Jingci Temple provides an excellent vantage point for photographing Leifeng Pagoda, bringing the legend of the White Snake to life.😌 6️⃣ Quyuan Wind Lotus: Take the sightseeing tram directly across Su Causeway for CNY 10. In summer, admire the breathtaking expanse of lotus leaves from the Zhanbi Tower.🫰 7️⃣ Xiling Bridge: Known in ancient poetry and paintings as the "West Village Ferry Crossing," this is the most picturesque corner of Xihu Lake. Capture the entire lake and the romantic Bus No. 1314.🔥 8️⃣ Beishan Street: A 10-minute bike ride is recommended. Known as the "Museum of Republic of China Architecture," this street offers panoramic views and stunning photo opportunities along its S-shaped curves, with Xihu Lake as the backdrop.🍃 9️⃣ Wulin Night Market: Don't forget to capture the sunset glow as you pass the Broken Bridge. Finally, arrive at Wulin Night Market and end your day with a feast of delicious food. Pure bliss!🌷 💗Food: ✅ Tongbao Noodle Restaurant near Wushan Square subway station: Try the pork liver banmian. ✅ Longtangli, a Hangzhou restaurant in Hubin Intime City: Enjoy local cuisine and then catch the Xihu Lake fountain show at 7:30 p.m.⛲ Tag your bestie and try this City Walk route in Hangzhou!❣️❣️ .

🌕 Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: Iconic Lake Serenity in Hangzhou 💴 Ready for postcard-perfect Hangzhou? Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is West Lake’s most famous spot—so iconic, it’s featured on China’s RMB cash! Glide over shimmering water on a traditional boat; breathtaking views await at dawn and dusk, with the famed moon-shaped stone pagodas dotting the lake. Recommended Route: Enter from the West Lake’s Santan Yinyue Pier and hop onto a “scenic boat” (a must for getting the full panorama). Cruise close to the three mini pagodas in the lake—capture your best shot with all three in frame, especially at sunset for that golden Insta-worthy glow. For a classic RMB money shot, position yourself so the pagodas line up with the mountains in the background. Must-Do Activities: · Boat ride around the pools (essential for the view and serenity!) · Walk the lakeside paths for nature-filled moments and distant pagoda peeks Top Photo Spots: · Stand on the boat for the famous cash-view shot with all pools visible · The lakeshore at dusk, capturing the moon mirrored in the water, pagodas glowing #Hangzhou #WestLake #ThreePoolsMirroringTheMoon #ChinaTravel #TripNotes

Hey girls, a 3-day tour of Suzhou, Wuzhen, and Hangzhou is the best way to explore the water towns of Jiangnan! This super practical guide will help you not miss any beautiful scenery. Save it now! · ------------------- 🛣️ Itinerary: Day 1: Lingering Garden > Xitang Scenic Area > Wuzhen > Xizha Visit the classical Lingering Garden and enjoy its antique charm. Head to Xitang to enjoy the ancient town. Take a night tour of Xizha in Wuzhen, where the lights are dazzling and the scenery is dreamlike. Day 2: Lu Xun's Hometown Scenic Area > Shaoxing Keyan Scenic Area > Jianhu > Hangzhou Songcheng Visit Lu Xun's Hometown and enjoy the literary atmosphere. Visit Keyan Scenic Area and Jianhu to experience the integration of nature and culture. Head to Hangzhou Songcheng in the evening to experience a wonderful journey through time and space. Day 3: West Lake Scenic Area > Three Pools Mirroring the Moon > Qinghefang Street Stroll around West Lake Scenic Area and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Visit Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and enjoy the charm of classical gardens. Visit Qinghefang Street to experience the charm and cuisine of old Hangzhou. · ------------------- Must-visit attractions: · 🌄 West Lake Scenic Area: A beautiful blend of nature and culture. Walk around the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery. · 🏞️ Wuzhen: Want to experience the historical charm of an ancient town in Jiangnan? Don't miss the filming location of "Time Passes Like Water". · 🎭 Hangzhou Songcheng: Travel back to the Song Dynasty in an instant. The charm of Jiangnan here is intoxicating, and the prosperity of the Song Dynasty seems within reach. · 🌉 Xizha: A model of the water towns of Jiangnan, with small bridges, flowing water, and houses, full of poetic charm. · ------------------- Travel checklist: 👗 Clothing: Thick coat, scarf, long pants, and sneakers to cope with the cold weather in January. 🎒 Personal items: Mobile phone, wallet, and charger, the three essentials for going out. 💊 Medicine: Cold medicine and stomach medicine, just in case. 🎩 Other: Rain gear, sunscreen, and water bottle to ensure a comfortable travel experience. · ------------------- The gardens of Suzhou, the water towns of Wuzhen, and West Lake in Hangzhou, each has its own unique charm waiting for you to explore. Don't forget to share your travel stories!

Xiaoyingzhou Island is the location of "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon," one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. It is an island in the lake. The island is surrounded by water, and the island itself is full of ponds, pavilions, and trees. The reflections of the island and its visitors can be seen in the water, as if in a mirror. Xiaoyingzhou Island is also a great place to view Su Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda, and the distant mountains.

| Hangzhou Scenery. 🌟 West Lake, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon After leaving Shaoxing, I headed straight to Hangzhou. Upon arriving by West Lake, I couldn't help but marvel—the books weren't lying when they described this place as "scenic and heavenly." It was also in Hangzhou that I first learned cars would yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. I chose to take a boat tour of West Lake one evening. The guide's commentary flowed, but all I retained were the phrases "Broken Bridge isn't broken, Long Bridge isn't long, Solitary Hill isn't lonely." Still, I found the names of West Lake's Ten Scenes utterly poetic: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake, Melting Snow on Broken Bridge, Viewing Fish at Flower Pond, Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset Glow, and more. Perhaps I should return on a sunnier day. 🌟 Lingyin Temple My first impression of Lingyin Temple came from childhood memories of watching the legendary monk Ji Gong. Finally, I got to see the temple in person. With its ancient history, serene environment, and groves of old trees, Lingyin Temple is a tranquil retreat. Mountain springs converge into small streams that flow endlessly down. On a hot day, some adults even brought their kids to splash in the cool water—scooping it up to wash their faces or wading back and forth. The Feilai Peak cliffs are carved with lifelike Bodhisattvas from various traditions, wrapped in lush greenery that seems to breathe even more vitality into them. Incense offerings are allowed in the temple, but unsure of what to pray for, I simply lingered at the entrance.

#discoverchina As one of the “Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake,” Santanyinyue stands out as the most iconic and breathtaking destination. Known as the “First Wonder of West Lake,” this largest island in the lake offers visitors a serene escape into nature and cultural charm. A boat ride, priced at 70 RMB, takes you to this enchanting spot, where you can explore Xiaoyingzhou—the island’s heart. Don’t miss the "Woxinxiangyin Pavilion," the ultimate vantage point for capturing the essence of Santanyinyue. This view is so emblematic that it’s immortalized on the back of China’s one-yuan note. Santanyinyue is not just a scenic spot; it’s an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and timeless cultural heritage. 🌿🛶✨