One of the traditional "Ten Views of West Lake," the sight of the lake under an autumn moon so struck Qing Emperor Qianlong that he had a pavilion specially constructed on the Bai Causeway from which to view the moon reflecting off the calm waters.
As with other views of the lake, such as the Su Causeway's "Spring Dawn," timing is important. If, however, you find yourself in Hangzhou in the middle of the summer and only have an afternoon to do the lake, you'll still find the pavilion a pleasant spot for a moment's rest and a view of Hangzhou's best-loved body of water.
The Bai Causeway connects the north shore of the lake to Gu Shan (Solitary Island), and the area immediately surrounding the pavilion is beautifully landscaped, with verandas and additional pavilions creating a marvelous—if awfully crowded during high season—classical Chinese tableau.