There are three islands in the Outer West Lake: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (Santan Yunyue), Mid-Lake Pavilion (Huxinting), and Lord Ruan's Mound(Ruangongdun).

During a major facelift in 1982, trees were planted and new settlers accommodated on Lord Yuan's Mound, the youngest of all man-made isles on the West Lake. Today, as an imitation ancient water-bound village, the mound is a favorite nightlife paradise. It like a fairy islet only accessible by boat.