The Red Carp Pond is the heart of Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor Park (Huagang Guanyu), one of the ten places of interests at West Lake. Countless carps live and play in Red Carp Pond, fascinating thousands of tourists each year.

Located west of South Su Causeway, Flower Harbor dates back to the South Song Dynasty. Originally it was a private garden near Huajia (Flower) Hill, hence the name Flower Harbor. In the year 1699 Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty visited West Lake and wrote "Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor," which was later inscribed on a stone stele standing near the pond. Emperor Qianlong also wrote a poem about Flower Harbor.

Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor has developed into a large park of over 20 hectares (about 49.42 acres) made up of five scenic spots; namely, Red Carp Pond, peony park, flower harbor, lawn, and grove.

With its winding shores, Red Carp Pond is located in the middle of the park's south end where tourists lean on the rails of a zigzag bridge. As they enjoy the antics of the swarms of carp, breezes create a picturesque snowfall of petals to float on the water.

West of Red Carp Pond is a unique peony park, with a peony pavilion centered on a rise. Around the pavilion various peonies and hundreds of herbaceous peonies are planted, classified into a dozen flower patches. Every year on about April 20 in the lunar calendar, these King of Flowers bloom. On the path to the pavilion stands an ancient plum tree. A black and white pebble design under the plum tree duplicates its shadow. The peonies contrast beautifully with the serene plum tree.

The peony pavilion affords a panorama view. To the east, lush trees extend to the Su causeway. The south view reveals the verdant Nanping Hill with a jade belt of water. An arch bridge connects shimmering Inner West Lake and Lesser South Lake, like two mirrors framed in emerald. To the north a large broad lawn interspersed with arbors provides retreat for tourists.

For centuries, like the West Lake itself, the Red Carp Pond has afforded beauty and cultural respite to emperors and poets alike who expressed their admiration through poems, calligraphy, and drawings.