I spent a perfect day exploring Guilin's most captivating landmark—the Sun and Moon Towers (Rìyuè Shuāngtǎ). Standing on the shores of Shan Lake, I watched these twin pagodas reflect in the water as the sun began to set. Walking through the underwater tunnel connecting the copper-clad Sun Tower to the elegant Moon Tower, I discovered a world of Buddhist art and cultural symbolism that most tourists barely scratch the surface of. With just 300 RMB and a spirit of curiosity, my husband and I uncovered why these pagodas have become Guilin's spiritual heart.
Trip Overview
When: July (Summer)
Duration: 1 day
Travelers: Couple
Budget: ~300 RMB (~$42 USD)
Transportation: Walking + Taxi
Morning: First Impressions of Shan Lake
When I first caught sight of the Sun and Moon Towers (Rìyuè Shuāngtǎ) rising from the center of Shan Lake, I couldn't believe I'd almost skipped them. Most international visitors rush to the Li River or Elephant Trunk Hill, but standing there on the lakeside promenade, I realized these twin pagodas are Guilin's true cultural soul.
The towers sit on an island in the middle of Shan Lake, part of the famous Two Rivers and Four Lakes (Liǎngjiāng Sìhú) water system that winds through the city. As my husband and I walked along the shoreline, locals practiced tai chi beneath the willow trees, and elderly couples fed fish with breadcrumbs. The morning light cast a golden glow on the water, and I could already see why this spot has been beloved for over a thousand years.
🎯 Practical Info
Entry Fee: ¥50 (~$7) for tower access; lakeside walking is free Best Time: Early morning (7-9 AM) for fewer crowds and soft light Location: Shan Lake (Shān Hú), Guilin city center Chinese Name: 日月双塔 (Rìyuè Shuāngtǎ)
I was surprised to learn that these towers are relatively recent reconstructions, built in 2001 on the foundations of Tang Dynasty pagodas that once stood here. But as I would discover, the spiritual significance and cultural depth are absolutely authentic.
Midday: Into the Sun Tower (Rì Tǎ)
My first stop was the Sun Tower, the golden pagoda that immediately caught my eye. At 41 meters tall with nine stories, it's entirely clad in copper—350 tons of it, to be precise. Standing at its base, I craned my neck to see the upturned eaves disappearing into the blue sky, each tier decorated with intricate Buddhist symbols.
But the real surprise came when I entered. Instead of climbing endless stairs, I descended into an underwater tunnel. For 18 meters, I walked through a glass corridor with fish swimming above and beside me—koi, golden carp, and spotted tilapia gliding through the lake water. It felt like walking through an aquarium, except I was the one being observed.
When I emerged inside the Sun Tower, I took the elevator—yes, there's an elevator in a pagoda!—to the top floor. The view took my breath away. From this vantage point, I could see the entire Two Rivers and Four Lakes system, with ancient bridges arching over green waterways and the karst mountains rising like silent sentinels in the distance.
On the first floor, I found a bronze bell for blessings. For a small donation, I rang it three times, sending a deep, resonant sound echoing through the tower. Nearby, a teahouse offered refuge from the summer heat. Sipping delicate Guilin osmanthus tea while looking out at the lake, I felt a sense of peace that I'd been missing in the rush of travel.
🌟 Why the Sun Tower Matters
World's tallest bronze-clad pagoda Highest bronze structure in the world Tallest pagoda built over water globally Contains Buddhist relics and cultural artifacts
Afternoon: Crossing to the Moon Tower (Yuè Tǎ)
After lunch at a nearby restaurant—where I tried Guilin's famous rice noodles (Mǐfěn) with pickled bamboo shoots—I returned for the second half of my adventure. The Moon Tower stands at 35 meters with seven stories, constructed from glazed tiles that give it a pale, luminous quality, especially in the afternoon light.
Walking back through the underwater tunnel, I noticed details I'd missed before—the way the light filtered through the water creating rippling patterns on the walls, the quiet hum of the filtration system, the occasional flash of silver as fish darted past. It's a brief journey, but one that feels magical every time.
The Moon Tower feels more intimate than its copper sibling. On the first floor facing the lake, I discovered the Tai Chi Drum (Tàijí Gǔ), a large ceremonial drum that visitors can strike. When I beat it, the sound rolled across the water like thunder, sending ripples through the lily pads. My husband laughed and tried it too—we must have looked like children with a new toy, but the joy was contagious.
Inside, the walls are decorated with colorful murals depicting scenes from Chinese mythology, Buddhist parables, and the history of Guilin. I spent nearly an hour just studying these paintings, noticing new details each time—the expressions on the faces, the delicate brushwork, the way the artists had captured light and shadow.
📸 Photography Tips
Best lighting: Golden hour (5:30-7:00 PM in summer) Reflection shots: Eastern shore of Shan Lake for mirror images Night photography: Towers are illuminated after dark—arrive 30 minutes before sunset Inside the towers: Wide-angle lens recommended for spiral staircases
Evening: Sunset and Reflections
As the afternoon turned to evening, I found a bench on the eastern shore of Shan Lake and waited. This is when the magic happens. The Sun Tower glows golden in the fading light while the Moon Tower takes on a silver luminescence. When both are lit from within after dark, they reflect perfectly in the still water, creating a double vision that's almost surreal.
A local man sat beside me and explained that the towers represent the harmony of yin and yang, sun and moon, the complementary forces that balance the universe. The Sun Tower symbolizes brightness, warmth, and masculine energy, while the Moon Tower represents coolness, reflection, and feminine grace. Together, they embody the Confucian-Buddhist-Taoist fusion that defines much of Chinese spirituality.
I watched as couples strolled hand-in-hand along the waterfront, families fed the fish, and photographers set up tripods for the perfect shot. There's a reason this place is called China's first cultural park themed on "the harmony of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism." It truly feels like a space where different traditions, and different people, can coexist peacefully.
As I sat there watching the light fade and the towers begin to glow from within, I realized something important. In our rush to see famous landmarks and check items off lists, we sometimes miss the places that truly speak to the heart. The Sun and Moon Towers aren't just beautiful structures—they're a meditation on balance, on the dialogue between light and darkness, movement and stillness.
Culinary Discoveries
No trip to Guilin is complete without sampling the local cuisine. After visiting the towers, my husband and I sought out a restaurant near the lake serving authentic Guilin rice noodles (Guìlín Mǐfěn). The chewy rice noodles in savory broth, topped with crispy peanuts and pickled vegetables, hit the spot after a day of walking.
We also tried osmanthus cake (Guìhuā Gāo), a sweet treat made from the fragrant flowers that bloom throughout Guilin in autumn. Paired with local tea, it made for the perfect afternoon refreshment.
🍜 Where to Eat Near the Towers
Chongshan Road Food Street: 5-minute walk, dozens of local restaurants Must-try dishes: Guilin rice noodles, beer fish (píjiǔ yú), stuffed Li River snails Budget: ¥30-60 (~$4-8) per person for a full meal Payment: Most places accept mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay); bring cash for street food
Reflections: What This Day Taught Me
As we made our way back to our hotel that evening, I kept turning to look back at the towers, now glowing like twin jewels against the darkening sky. This day had been about so much more than sightseeing. It was about discovering a place where ancient wisdom meets modern accessibility, where spirituality and tourism coexist in harmony.
The Sun and Moon Towers taught me that sometimes the best travel experiences aren't the most famous ones. While other tourists were fighting crowds at better-known attractions, my husband and I had found a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city. We'd walked through an underwater tunnel, rung a blessing bell, struck a ceremonial drum, and watched the sunset paint the pagodas gold.
If you're planning a trip to Guilin, I urge you not to skip the Sun and Moon Towers. Give yourself a full day—morning to evening—to truly experience them. Bring a camera, bring comfortable shoes, and most importantly, bring an open heart. These twin pagodas have been watching over Guilin for over a thousand years, and they have stories to tell to anyone willing to listen.
As for me? I'm already planning my return. Next time, I'll visit during autumn when the osmanthus flowers bloom and the entire city fills with their sweet fragrance. Some places capture your heart so completely that one visit is never enough. The Sun and Moon Towers did that for me. I have a feeling they'll do the same for you.
Quick Reference Guide
Essential Information
Chinese Name: 日月双塔 (Rìyuè Shuāngtǎ) Location: Shan Lake (Shān Hú), Guilin City Center Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily Entry Fee: ¥50 (~$7) per person for tower access; free to walk around the lake Time Needed: 3-4 hours for full experience
Getting There
From Guilin Train Station: Bus 2, 16, or 23 (20 minutes) From Guilin Liangjiang Airport: Airport bus to city center, then taxi (1.5 hours total) Taxi: Show driver "日月双塔" (Rìyuè Shuāngtǎ) or "杉湖" (Shān Hú) Walking: Central Guilin is compact; most hotels within 15-20 minutes walk
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers Autumn (September-November): Osmanthus fragrance, clear skies Summer: Hot but beautiful; visit early morning or evening Winter: Fewer crowds; can be misty but atmospheric
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes (lots of stairs in the towers) Camera with wide-angle lens Cash for entry fee and snacks Water bottle (can refill at teahouse) Sunscreen and hat (limited shade around lake)
Pro Tips
Visit on a weekday morning for the most peaceful experience Stay for sunset—the illumination is spectacular Combine with nearby attractions: Elephant Trunk Hill (10-min walk), Reed Flute Cave (taxi ride) Learn basic Chinese phrases; locals appreciate the effort Download offline maps—English signage is limited