Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas

Rising from the still waters of Shan Lake in central Guilin, the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas are a striking pair of Tang-style towers—one clad in bronze, the other in glazed glass. By day they mirror the city skyline; by night they glow like lanterns, creating one of Guilin's most photogenic scenes. With our private guide, you'll skip the guesswork and experience the pagodas at their luminous best.

Bronze Sun Pagoda and glass Moon Pagoda side by side on Shan Lake

What it is

The Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas were completed in 2002 as part of a major urban renewal project that transformed Shan Lake into a scenic park. The taller Sun Pagoda, standing 41 meters, is the world's highest bronze pagoda, its surface cast with intricate Buddhist motifs. The Moon Pagoda, at 35 meters, is made of glazed glass that shimmers in daylight and becomes translucent at night. Together they symbolize harmony and are now a proud emblem of Guilin, often visited alongside the nearby Elephant Trunk Hill.

The pagodas are set within the Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park, a free public area that also includes the ancient South Gate and a pleasant lakeside promenade. While the towers themselves are modern, they reflect Guilin's long history as a cultural crossroads. Visitors can climb the Sun Pagoda for panoramic views of the city and karst hills, or simply stroll the lakefront. The site is particularly enchanting after dusk when both pagodas are illuminated, casting colorful reflections on the water.

Highlights

Bronze Sun Pagoda — Climb the world's tallest bronze pagoda for sweeping views over Shan Lake and Guilin's karst skyline.
Glazed Moon Pagoda — Admire the translucent glass tower that glows from within after sunset, creating a magical ambiance.
Nightly illumination — Both pagodas light up in changing colors, reflecting on the lake—a must-see for photographers.
Lakeside promenade — Stroll the free park around Shan Lake, passing ancient city gates and local performers.
Cultural performances — Occasionally, traditional music and dance are held on the pagoda grounds; check with our guide for schedules.

Visitors strolling lakeside path toward the Twin Pagodas in Guilin

How to get there

The Twin Pagodas are in central Guilin, a 10-minute walk from the Elephant Trunk Hill scenic area. Taxis from most downtown hotels cost around ¥15–20. If you're coming from the railway station, take bus No. 2 or 23 to the Shan Lake stop. We recommend visiting as part of a half-day city tour, combining it with Elephant Trunk Hill and the night cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. Our guide can arrange seamless transfers and timing to catch the illumination.

Tickets & practical info

Entry to the pagodas is free, but climbing the Sun Pagoda requires a ticket: ¥35 for adults, ¥20 for children (under 1.2m free). Opening hours are 8:30am–10:00pm daily, with illumination from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. No advance booking is needed for the park, but for the pagoda climb, we suggest going before 5pm to avoid queues. Foreign cards are accepted at the ticket office, and WeChat Pay/Alipay are widely used.

Best time to visit

Visit between April and October when the weather is mild and the lakeside is lively. The best time is just before sunset, around 6:30pm, so you can see the pagodas in daylight, watch the illumination switch on, and capture the reflections at twilight. Avoid weekends if you prefer fewer crowds.

Tips from our guides

Arrive by 6pm to secure a good spot on the bridge opposite the pagodas for the best night photos.
Bring a tripod if you're serious about photography; the reflections are stunning but require steady shots.
Wear comfortable shoes—the lakeside walk is paved but covers about 1.5km if you explore the whole park.
Combine your visit with a night cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes for a different perspective of the illuminated pagodas.
Check with our guide for any cultural performances; they often happen on weekend evenings and are free to watch.

Detailed bronze Buddhist motifs on the Sun Pagoda in Guilin

FAQ

Do I need a ticket to visit the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas?

The park is free, but climbing the Sun Pagoda costs ¥35. The Moon Pagoda is not open for climbing. Tickets can be purchased on-site with cash or mobile payment.

What are the opening hours?

The park is open 24 hours, but the pagodas are accessible from 8:30am to 10:00pm. Illumination runs from 7pm to 10pm nightly.

How do I get there from Guilin city center?

It's a short taxi ride (¥15–20) or a 15-minute walk from downtown. Buses 2 and 23 stop nearby. Our guide can arrange private transfers.

Is it worth visiting at night?

Absolutely. The illuminated pagodas reflecting on the lake are a highlight of Guilin. Go around sunset for the best transition from day to night.