Located in the heart of Guilin City, the Sun and Moon Pagodas (日月双塔) stand as an iconic symbol of the area, known collectively as the world’s tallest copper pagoda. The Sun Pagoda reaches a height of 41 meters, spanning nine stories, and is entirely adorned with pure copper, consuming 350 tons of the material. This golden structure dazzles with its grandeur, and features an elevator for tourists to enjoy the view from different levels. Every element of the Sun Pagoda, including the eaves, tiles, cornices, brackets, decorative carvings, doors, windows, pillars, and even the flooring, is embellished with copper reliefs, setting three world records: the tallest copper pagoda, the tallest copper building, and the tallest pagoda situated in water.
The Moon Pagoda, standing at 35 meters with seven stories, is made of glazed tiles. Each level features intricately carved and painted doors and windows, each symbolizing different traditional Chinese themes. A 10-meter-long underwater tunnel at the lake’s bottom connects the Moon Pagoda to the Sun Pagoda. This arched glass tunnel offers a mesmerizing view of koi, goldfish, flower carp, and grass carp swimming gracefully around.
The Sun and Moon Pagodas Cultural Park beautifully integrates the cultures of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The park houses the largest bronze statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha, Confucius, and Laozi in Guilin (these statues are currently under construction). The Moon Pagoda features China’s first inland tantric “Mani Wheel,” and its underground palace showcases Guangxi’s first version of the “Medicine Buddha and Twelve Heavenly Generals” mural relief (currently being sculpted). Additionally, the first floor of the Moon Pagoda contains a Taiji drum, while the first floor of the Sun Pagoda features a blessing bell. The Moon Pagoda’s small square and first floor also exhibit extraordinary Chinese stone steles, including the “Bamboo Leaf Stele,” “Shakyamuni Footprint Stele,” “Image Stele,” “Form Character Stele,” and “Millennium Longevity Stele.”
From the top of the pagodas, visitors are treated to a panoramic view of Guilin’s stunning landscape, encompassing serene lakes and lush mountains. To the south lies Shanhu Lake Square, designed for cultural activities; to the east is Zhi Yin Tai; to the north is the boarding point for the Four Lakes Cruise at Riyue Bay; and to the west, the diverse architectural styles of Yang Bridge, Glass Bridge, Beidou Bridge, and the Twin Bridges of Ancient Banyan Trees blend seamlessly into the scenic backdrop.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 30 minutes |
| Ticket Price | The Park: Free Ascending the Pagodas: 35 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 22.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0773-2582888 |
Location and Transportation
The Sun and Moon Pagodas are located at 10 Wenming Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. To get there, you can take bus 2, 5, 16, 23, 88, 208, or Sightseeing Line 1 and get off at Wenming Road Stop (文明路站).
