Sun and Moon Pagodas
The Sun and Moon Pagodas, nestled in the heart of Guilin's Shan Lake Scenic Area, are the iconic twin towers of China’s "Two Rivers and Four Lakes" water system. The golden Sun Pagoda, standing 41 meters tall as the world's tallest copper tower, is crafted from 350 tons of pure copper with a vertical elevator. The silver Moon Pagoda, a 35-meter-high seven-story glass tower, connects to the Sun Pagoda via an 18-meter underwater tunnel. Rebuilt in 2001 on the site of Tang Dynasty relics, they symbolize harmony among Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Designated a 5A national tourist attraction, they offer panoramic views of Guilin's cityscape and Li River, with nightly light shows transforming them into a dreamlike spectacle.
Historical Overview
Constructed during Tang Tianbao Year (750 CE) by Master Jianzhen, the original wooden towers housed statues of Sun and Moon Bodhisattvas. Destroyed in late Tang wars, their legacy was rediscovered in 1999 when Tang-era underground chambers unearthed precious artifacts. The modern copper-and-glass towers, completed in 2001, inherit the "Sun and Moon" name while incorporating advanced anti-seismic foundations and nano-coating for longevity. They witnessed the 2014 fire incident and subsequent restoration, now standing as technological marvels blending ancient wisdom and modern engineering.
Architectural Layout
The complex follows a north-south axis divided into three sections:
- Waterfront Plaza: Cultural performance space with bamboo groves and fountain displays.
- Pagoda Zone: Sun Pagoda (copper structure with elevator) and Moon Pagoda (glass facade with underwater tunnel).
- Landscape Integration: Surrounded by Shan Lake’s lotus ponds, willow-lined paths, and bridges connecting to Elephant Trunk Hill and Four Lakes cruise terminals.
Key structures include the 18m underwater corridor with fish-viewing windows, Moon Pagoda’s Taiji Drum plaza, and Sun Pagoda’s 9th-floor observation deck.
Major Attractions
- Sun Pagoda: 41m copper tower with elevator to 9th floor; features prayer bells and tea houses on lower floors.
- Moon Pagoda: 35m glass tower showcasing Ming Dynasty blue-and-white Porcelain murals in its basement.
- Underwater Corridor: Glass-enclosed tunnel revealing lake biodiversity and Tang-era relics.
- Cultural Hall: Displays bamboo-leaf steles and Three Religions Harmony stone carvings.
- Night Light Show: Golden and silver hues reflected on Shan Lake from 19:00-23:00.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Daytime: Shan Lake North Shore photography → Underwater Corridor → Moon Pagoda drum plaza → Sun Pagoda 7th-floor panorama.
Nighttime: 19:00 light show entry → Sun Pagoda top-floor sunset view → Moon Pagoda night scenery. - Extended Route (4–5 hours):
Sun Pagoda elevator tour → Moon Pagoda basement artifacts → Four Lakes cruise departure → Elephant Trunk Hill linkage. - Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Morning tea at Sun Pagoda → Moon Pagoda cultural exhibits → Shan Lake cycling trails → Evening light show finale → Night market strolls.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via official WeChat mini-program or travel platforms (up to 7 days ahead).
On-site: Limited tickets at entrance gates; queues peak during holidays.
Prices:
- Peak Season (Apr–Oct): ¥55/adult, ¥27/student.
- Off-season: ¥27/adult.
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, active military.
Combination tickets available with Four Lakes cruise and Elephant Hill.
Transportation
By Bus: Routes 2/5/16/23/88 to Wenming Road Station or Xiangshan Park Station.
By Subway: Line 1 to Zhongshan Road Station then 10-min walk.
By Taxi: Direct to Shan Lake East Entrance; parking at nearby shopping malls.
Departure: Exit to Jingjiang Royal Palace or Beihai Park via Four Lakes terminals.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (8:30 AM opening) or late (after 3 PM).
Seasons: spring (Apr–May) for blooms, autumn (Oct–Nov) for crisp air.
Essentials: Wear walking shoes (20,000+ steps possible), carry water bottles, and use tripods for night photography.
Prohibited: Selfie sticks, drones, and large bags; no flash in galleries.
Local Tip: Combine with nearby Zhengyang Pedestrian Street for culinary experiences.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
