The Sun & Moon Pagoda - Guardians of Guilin

The elegant twin structures, known as the Sun and Moon Pagodas, were built to enrich the cultural and visual charm of Guilin’s renowned Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. Set upon the calm waters of Shan Lake, these pagodas create a mesmerising scene, their mirrored reflections dancing on the lake’s surface. They stand as symbols of harmony and offer a stunning example of traditional Chinese design in perfect balance with the surrounding landscape.

A beautiful sunset on Lake Shan

Although these contemporary pagodas were constructed in the late 20th century, their spiritual and symbolic roots stretch back to the Tang Dynasty, which began in 618 AD. The duality of the sun and moon has been a central theme in Chinese philosophy, cosmology and artistic expression for over a thousand years. This timeless pairing represents the harmonious balance between opposites, light and darkness, masculine and feminine, day and night. It reflects the Daoist concept of yin and yang, two opposing yet complementary forces that govern the natural world.

There are many beautiful bridges along the Li River

The Sun Pagoda, towering at 41 metres, is the tallest bronze pagoda in the world and a striking centerpiece of Guilin’s Shan Lake. Clad in radiant bronze, it catches and reflects the sunlight, casting golden ripples across the water. With its nine tiers rising in perfect symmetry, the pagoda evokes the elegance of ancient Chinese architecture while embracing the strength of modern engineering. Yet beneath its luminous exterior lies a deeper, more haunting symbolism. The Sun Pagoda is often seen as a metaphysical lighthouse, a radiant guide for souls lost in the darkness. According to local lore and poetic interpretation, it offers light but not solace, illuminating the path for those adrift between life and death, yet never allowing them to rest. It stands as a restless guardian, embodying the force of fire, ambition and unending motion. In contrast to the serene Moon Pagoda, which whispers of reflection and peace, the Sun Pagoda burns with unrelenting energy, an eternal flame that exposes the shadows but does not dispel them. The Sun remains the embodiment of illumination without peace, the keeper of souls in twilight.

The Moon Pagoda, rising to 35 metres, is a delicate structure crafted from white marble and blue glass, casting a quiet, ethereal presence over the still waters of the Lake. Its pale form glows with soft light by day and shimmers under the moon at night. More than an architectural marvel, the pagoda stands as a monument to the curse of endless night, a symbol of sorrow, stillness and the lingering weight of memory. It does not guide or beckon, but instead invites quiet reflection, drawing in those burdened by grief or lost in reverie. The white marble speaks of mourning and purity, while the blue glass mirrors the shifting moods of sky and water, echoing the uncertainty of fate and time. Within its shadow lies not fear, but a gentle melancholy, a sacred space where silence is allowed to speak, and sorrow is honoured rather than hidden.

Beneath the tranquil surface of Shan Lake lies a hidden passageway, a submerged glass tunnel that links the Sun and Moon Pagodas in both structure and symbolism. Invisible from above, this tunnel allows visitors to pass silently through the depths of the lake, surrounded on all sides by water and light, as if moving through a suspended dream. While its physical purpose is simple, its symbolic weight is far greater. According to local legend, this tunnel represents the veil between two worlds, the realm of the living and that of the departed. It is said that those who walk its length are crossing into sacred space, a liminal corridor where time stands still and the barriers between life and death grow thin.

In folklore, it's said that those who pass through the tunnel in silence may hear the voices of the dead or feel a presence watching from the other side. The water surrounding it is more than a barrier, it's a veil, thin and restless, where grief and memory refuse to sink. This tunnel is not just a passage, but a crossing, a quiet threshold where the living brush against the remnants of the lost. Some call it a marvel, others a warning.

Location : Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area, Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China

How to get there : To reach the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area from Guilin's Walking Street (Zhengyang Pedestrian Street), start at the eastern end of the street and head south along Zhongshan Road. Cross the Li River via the Zhongshan Bridge, then continue straight for about 1.5 kilometers. The walk should take around 20 minutes, you'll arrive at the scenic area near the Wenchang Bridge Wharf, a popular spot close to the Sun and Moon Pagodas. This route provides a pleasant stroll through central Guilin, leading you to the lake.

Attraction Info : The scenic area is free to visit on foot and has no entry fee. with free access to explore on foot. Daytime boat cruises cost approximately ¥80, while nighttime cruises cost around ¥220. Boat tours run between 8am - 4:30pm and 7:30pm - 10pm for a night cruise.

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