Autumn Moon on a Quiet Lake, Historic garden at West Lake, China.
The Autumn Moon on a Quiet Lake garden sits at the southeast corner of Gushan Hill and opens directly onto West Lake's waters. The compact space is carefully arranged with pathways and viewing platforms that frame different angles of the water and surrounding shoreline.
The site earned recognition during the Southern Song Dynasty as one of the Ten Poetically Named Scenic Places of West Lake. Later, Emperor Kangxi himself inscribed the location's name, granting it imperial authority and enduring prestige.
The site holds deep meaning in classical Chinese art and poetry, serving as inspiration for countless creative works throughout history. Today, visitors can sense this artistic significance simply by standing in the space and observing how the landscape invites contemplation and creative expression.
The garden welcomes visitors during daylight hours and offers the most rewarding experience during quiet evening times, especially in autumn months. Visit when the moon is visible to fully appreciate how its light plays across the water's surface and illuminates the garden's features.
The garden features a specific vantage point where the moon's reflection seems to merge completely with the lake surface, creating a mirror effect. This optical phenomenon appears most striking on clear autumn nights and has captivated observers for centuries.
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