About Sun and Moon Pagodas
“Serene and photogenic — twin towers glowing gold and silver over still water, with karst mountain silhouettes in the background and the hum of Guilin's evening life drifting across the lake.”
The Sun and Moon Pagodas are twin towers rising from Shanhu Lake in central Guilin — the golden Sun Pagoda (41 meters, 9 stories, world's tallest copper tower) and the silver Moon Pagoda (35 meters, 7 stories, glass and glazed tile). Connected by an 18-meter underwater tunnel with glass panels for viewing lake fish, they're the centerpiece of the 'Two Rivers and Four Lakes' scenic water system. The pagodas were rebuilt in 2001 based on Tang dynasty originals and serve as a cultural landmark blending Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist elements. The nighttime illumination is genuinely spectacular — the golden and silver towers reflected in the calm lake create postcard-perfect images. The daytime visit is less impressive — the towers look similar without their distinctive lighting. The interior exhibits are modest, and the underwater tunnel is brief. The downsides: the entrance fee (¥25-55 depending on what you access) feels overpriced for what's essentially a 30-60 minute visit. Many visitors say the best views are from the lake shore (free) rather than inside the towers. The surrounding lakeside promenade is pleasant for evening walks. Best for photographers and anyone who wants Guilin's most recognizable landmark photo.
Top Questions from Travelers
Why This Place Matters
The original pagodas date to the Tang Dynasty but were destroyed over centuries. The 2001 reconstruction used historical records and represents a fusion of China's three philosophical traditions: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism — symbolized in the architectural details. The Sun represents Yang energy (masculine, active) and the Moon represents Yin energy (feminine, passive), reflecting the fundamental duality in Chinese philosophy. The copper and glass materials echo the gold and silver imagery of sun and moon. The pagodas have become Guilin's most recognized symbol, featured on postcards and tourism materials worldwide, and represent the city's commitment to integrating its natural karst landscape with cultural landmarks.
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Highlights
3 iconic experiences that define a visit
Nighttime Illumination and Lake Reflections
After dark, the Sun Pagoda glows golden and the Moon Pagoda shines silver, their light reflecting perfectly in the still lake water. The effect is genuinely stunning — doubled towers of gold and silver against the dark sky with Guilin's karst mountains silhouetted in the background.
This is Guilin's signature image — seen on every postcard, guidebook, and travel website about the city. Seeing it in person is more impressive than photos suggest because of the scale and surrounding atmosphere.
Culturally InterestingSun Pagoda (日塔) — World's Tallest Copper Tower
Standing 41 meters tall with 9 stories, the Sun Pagoda is constructed from 350 tons of pure copper. An elevator takes visitors to upper floors for pan...
Culturally InterestingUnderwater Glass Tunnel
An 18-meter tunnel beneath the lake connecting the Sun and Moon Pagodas, with glass panels allowing views of fish and aquatic life in the lake water a...
What Most Visitors Miss
Walking the full lakeside promenade around Shanhu and Ronghu
The Two Rivers and Four Lakes area extends well beyond the pagodas. The full lakeside loop takes about 45-60 minutes and passes illuminated bridges, traditional buildings, and beautiful gardens — all free and atmospheric at night.
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street (正阳步行街) connection
Guilin's main pedestrian street runs directly to the pagoda area — walking from the street to the lake for the night view is a natural and enjoyable route. Many visitors take a taxi when walking is better.
Viewing from multiple angles around the lake
Most visitors stand at the closest point to the towers. Walking around the lake reveals different compositions — the view from the south includes the arched bridge, the east view gives the classic symmetrical reflection shot.
Plan Your Visit
How Long to Visit
30 minutes (walk the lakeside, photograph the exterior — free
1-1.5 hours (exterior viewing, enter one or both towers, underwater tunnel
combine with a full lakeside walk around Shanhu and Ronghu lakes, visit during both day and night
Smart Route
Late afternoon: walk Zhengyang Pedestrian Street for shopping and snacks
arrive at Shanhu Lake by sunset
walk the east lakeside for pre-dark photos
watch the towers illuminate
photograph from multiple angles around the lake
optional: enter the towers if desired
continue walking around the lake system for the full illuminated experience.
Best Time to Visit
Arrive at sunset (around 6-7 PM depending on season) to catch the towers transitioning from daylight to illuminated
Midday — the towers look unremarkable without illumination and the lake area is hot
By Season
Spring
Summer
nights are warm and pleasant but humid. The best reflection photos require calm, windless evenings.
Autumn
Winter
evenings often have mist that adds atmosphere. Summer nights are warm and pleasant but humid.
Walk to the viewing point on the east side of the lake (near Wenming Road bridge) for the classic symmetrical shot of both towers reflected in the water. A tripod helps enormously for night photography.
What to Skip
The interior tower visit is optional — most visitors agree the exterior view is the main event. The underwater tunnel is underwhelming. Don't visit only during the day — you'll miss the entire point.
Pro Tips
Bring a tripod or rest your phone on the lakeside railing for sharp night photos. The classic Instagram/postcard shot is from the east side with both towers and their reflections perfectly centered. Visit Elephant Trunk Hill during the day and save the pagodas for the evening — they're 10 minutes apart on foot.
Photo Spots
East lakeside (Wenming Road bridge area)
Use a tripod. Shoot about 30-45 minutes after sunset for the best balance between sky color and tower illumination. A calm evening produces mirror-like reflections.
South lakeside near the arched bridge
Include the bridge in the foreground for depth. Evening light creates a romantic composition.
Pair With
Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山)
10-minute walk
Guilin's other iconic landmark, just a 10-minute walk south along the lake. Visit Elephant Trunk Hill during the day and the pagodas at night for a perfect Guilin day.
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street (正阳步行街)
5-minute walk
Guilin's main shopping and food street, connecting directly to the pagoda area. Great for dinner and snacks before the evening pagoda viewing.
Tickets & Access
Lakeside viewing and photography
The best views are actually from outside — no ticket needed
Tower entry (basic)
Access to one tower interior
Full access (both towers + underwater tunnel)
Includes elevator to top of Sun Pagoda and underwater glass tunnel
Opening Hours
Daily 08:00–22:00. Lights illuminate until 23:00.
How to Buy
Buy tickets at the entrance or on Trip.com/Klook for small discounts.
Passport: Yes if tickets required. The free lakeside viewing needs no ID.
Queue Situation
Minimal queues except during Chinese national holidays.
Tips & Warnings
The daytime visit is significantly less impressive
The towers' appeal is almost entirely about the nighttime illumination and reflections. A daytime-only visit will leave you wondering what the fuss is about. Always plan for an evening visit. If your schedule is tight and you need help planning a Guilin itinerary that fits the pagodas at night alongside your other sightseeing, message our concierge team — we can build you a route that makes the timing work.
The interior doesn't match the spectacular exterior
The inside of the towers is modest — small exhibits, a brief elevator ride, and the short underwater tunnel. Many visitors feel the entrance fee isn't justified. The free exterior viewing is genuinely the superior experience.
What to Bring
Wear
Casual, comfortable clothing. Comfortable walking shoes for lakeside walking.
Bring
Camera with tripod for night photography. Phone for casual shots. Light jacket for cooler evenings.
Don't Bring
Nothing specific to avoid.
Physical Reality
easy
Flat lakeside paths. The Sun Pagoda has an elevator. The bridge and tunnel connecting the towers are flat and accessible. Total walking distance for the basic visit: under 1 km.
Foreigners Watch Out
- The best views are free — you don't need to buy a ticket to see the towers. Walk the lakeside for the full exterior experience.
- Visit at night, not during the day. The illumination is the entire point.
- The surrounding area is well-lit, safe, and walkable in the evening. It connects directly to Guilin's main pedestrian shopping street.
- Wind disrupts the lake reflections — a calm evening produces the best views and photos.
- Minority costume photo opportunities (dress up in ethnic minority clothing for photos) are available around the lake area — a fun souvenir but negotiate the price first. If you're unsure about fair pricing for the costume photos or any other vendor services around the lake, message us and we can tell you what the going rate should be.
If Things Go Wrong
Windy evening — no reflections in the lake
→ The towers are still beautiful without reflections. Walk closer for detail shots instead of reflection compositions. The illuminated bridges and surrounding area are still worth exploring.
Useful Chinese
Tap to reveal the English meaning