Guilin Tourism | Sun and Moon Twin Towers Scenic Spot Tourism Guide

Above the beautiful Shanhu Lake in Guilin, the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas stand quietly, just like two bright pearls, exuding a unique charm and attracting tourists from all over the world.

I. Scenic Area Introduction
The Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas are located within the Shanhu Lake Scenic Area in the center of Guilin, and they are the landmark buildings of Guilin. The Sun Pagoda is a copper pagoda, 41 meters high, with a total of 9 floors; the Moon Pagoda is a glazed pagoda, 35 meters high, with a total of 7 floors. The twin pagodas are connected by a 10-meter-long passage at the bottom of the lake.

II. Historical Background

The Shanhu Lake area where the Sun and Moon Twin Towers are located has been an important water - system landscape belt in Guilin City since ancient times. Its history can be traced back to the Tang and Song Dynasties. At that time, Guilin City was constructed with the water system as the context, and the area around Shanhu Lake was a popular destination for literati to compose poems and enjoy the scenery.

The construction of the Sun and Moon Twin Towers is relatively new. The Sun Tower was completed in 2001 and is the tallest copper tower in the world. Designed by the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University, it adopts the traditional Chinese pavilion - style architectural style. Every copper component is exquisitely carved, integrating elements of Guilin's local landscape culture and folk customs. The Moon Tower was completed shortly after the Sun Tower. Its glazed decoration shows a gentle and graceful style. The completion of the twin towers not only adds a unique urban landmark to Guilin but also represents the inheritance and innovation of Guilin's traditional culture in modern architectural art, becoming a bright name card of Guilin's tourism culture.

III. The Best Time to Visit

1. During the Day: During the day, you can clearly appreciate the architectural details of the twin towers. The copper exterior of the Sun Tower shines with golden light in the sun. Entering the tower, you can carefully savor the exquisite murals and learn about Guilin's history and culture. With sufficient light at this time, it is suitable for taking close - up shots of the buildings and panoramic views of Shanhu Lake.
2. At Night: When night falls, the lights of the twin towers are turned on. The Sun Tower is golden and the Moon Tower is silver - white. They shine in mutual reflection and are reflected in the lake water, creating a dreamy scene. You can better feel the unique atmosphere at night. It is recommended to choose a night cruise, which provides an excellent experience. It is advisable to arrive half an hour before sunset, so that you can see the daytime scenery and also enjoy the changes of the night view.

IV. Ticket Information

Ticket prices vary depending on different ways of visiting. There is no admission fee for visiting the Sun and Moon Twin Towers Cultural Park alone. If you choose to take a cruise to tour Shanhu Lake and view the twin towers up - close, the price is approximately 60 - 100 yuan, which includes the cruise ticket and the cost of entering the towers. You can book in advance on the official website of the scenic area or on major travel apps. Some platforms often offer discount activities.

V. Transportation Guide

1. Public Transportation: You can take bus routes 2, 16, 23, etc. in Guilin City. Get off at Yangqiao Station and then walk for a few minutes to reach the Sun and Moon Twin Towers in Shanhu Lake Scenic Area. This way not only allows you to enjoy the street views of downtown Guilin on the way but also enables you to deeply experience the local life atmosphere without worrying about traffic congestion. However, you need to pay attention to the operating hours of the buses to avoid missing the trips.
2. Self - driving or Taking a Taxi: For self - driving, you can directly navigate to the Sun and Moon Twin Towers Cultural Park. There are parking lots around the park, and parking is relatively convenient. Taking a taxi from various places in Guilin City usually costs around 10 - 20 yuan, depending on the starting point.

VI. Recommended Itineraries

1. First - time Visitor Itinerary: Enter from the entrance of Shanhu Lake Scenic Area. First, observe the Overview of the Sun and Moon Twin Towers from a distance by the lake and take pictures Then, go to the Sun Tower, buy a ticket to enter, and visit floor by floor to enjoy the murals and the scenery outside the tower. After coming out of the Sun Tower, enter the Moon Tower through the underwater passage to experience a different style. Finally, come out of the Moon Tower and take a stroll by the lake to enjoy the surrounding lake and mountain scenery.
2. In - depth Itinerary: Arrive at the scenic area in the morning. First, visit the Sun Tower and spend more time inside the tower to savor the details. Have lunch nearby and enjoy Guilin's special cuisine. In the afternoon, go to the Moon Tower. After the visit, take a walk along the trails around Shanhu Lake to enjoy the scenery along the way and other attractions. In the evening, book a cruise in advance to enjoy the night view of the twin towers on the cruise and listen to the tour guide explain the history and culture.

VII. Recommended Local Cuisines around the Area

1. Guilin Rice Noodles: A must - try food when coming to Guilin. There are many rice noodle shops around the Sun and Moon Twin Towers. It is recommended to try "Chongshan Rice Noodles". The noodles are chewy, the brine is rich, and with crispy pork skin, barbecued pork, etc., the taste is very rich.
2. Yangshuo Beer - Braised Fish: Made with fresh fish from the Lijiang River and stewed with beer, the fish is tender and has the fragrance of beer. The Yangshuo Beer - Braised Fish in the nearby "Xiaonanguo" restaurant is relatively authentic.
3. Lipu Taro and Braised Pork: The combination of taro and streaky pork. The taro absorbs the meat flavor, and the streaky pork is fat but not greasy, with a soft and glutinous taste. You can taste it in "Chunji Roast Goose".
4. Guilin Stuffed River Snails: The river snail meat is mixed with minced pork, spices, etc., chopped and stuffed back into the river snail shells, and then cooked. It has a strong flavor and rich taste. You can find it at some snack stalls or special restaurants near the scenic area. For example, several small shops located in [name of the snack street] offer affordable prices and can let you taste the authentic flavor.
5. Guilin Steamed Glutinous Rice Cake: Made of glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, etc., it has a soft, sweet taste and exudes a unique rice fragrance. You can buy it at traditional street - side pastry shops. For example, the pastry shop near [name of a landmark building] sells freshly made cakes, which are fresh and delicious.

VIII. Precautions

1. Pay attention to safety when climbing the towers. The stairs are narrow and steep.
2. If taking a cruise, follow the instructions of the staff and wear a life jacket properly.
3. During the peak tourist season, book tickets and cruise tickets in advance to avoid delaying your trip.

IX. Recommended Itineraries

1. First - time Visitor Itinerary: Enter from the entrance of Shanhu Lake Scenic Area. First, observe the Overview of the Sun and Moon Twin Towers from a distance by the lake and take pictures Then, go to the Sun Tower, buy a ticket to enter, and visit floor by floor to enjoy the murals and the scenery outside the tower. After coming out of the Sun Tower, enter the Moon Tower through the underwater passage to experience a different style. Finally, come out of the Moon Tower and take a stroll by the lake to enjoy the surrounding lake and mountain scenery.
2. In - depth Itinerary: Arrive at the scenic area in the morning. First, visit the Sun Tower and spend more time inside the tower to savor the details. Have lunch nearby and enjoy Guilin's special cuisine. In the afternoon, go to the Moon Tower. After the visit, take a walk along the trails around Shanhu Lake to enjoy the scenery along the way and other attractions. In the evening, book a cruise in advance to enjoy the night view of the twin towers on the cruise and listen to the tour guide explain the history and culture.

X. Special Experiences

1. Nighttime Light Show: If there is a light show performance at a specific time in the scenic area, introduce in detail the performance time and special effects. For example, the integration of the changing light colors with the architecture of the twin towers, whether it flickers in rhythm with the music, and what kind of shocking visual experience it can bring to tourists.
2. Cultural Activities: For example, during specific festivals, there may be folk activities around the twin towers, such as moon - watching during the Mid - Autumn Festival, poetry recitation meetings during the Dragon Boat Festival, etc. Inform about the activity time, participation methods, and the unique cultural elements that can be experienced in the activities, such as traditional Guiju opera performance segments, local - characteristic handicraft production displays, etc.

XI. Surrounding Scenic Spots

1. Ronghu Lake Scenic Area: Introduce the Ronghu Lake Scenic Area, which is just across the street from the Sun and Moon Twin Towers. Tell the historical stories of Ronghu Lake, such as the construction story of the ancient bridge by the lake. Mention the attractions that can be visited, such as the Mid Lake Pavilion, and how to walk there from the Sun and Moon Twin Towers and the scenario that can be enjoyed along the way. Guilin Museum: If the distance is appropriate, recommend tourists to visit the Guilin Museum to further understand Guilin culture. To the museum.
2. Guilin Museum: If the distance is appropriate, recommend tourists to visit the Guilin Museum to further understand Guilin culture, such as cultural relics reflecting the historical changes of Guilin, ethnic costumes showing local ethnic customs, etc., as well as the transportation methods and opening hours to the museum.