Sun and Moon Pagodas 2026: Night View, Entry & How to See Them
The Sun and Moon Pagodas are Guilin's most photographed after-dark scene, lit on Shanhu Lake in the city centre. Learn the entry fee, the best angle and how to get there.
The Sun and Moon Pagodas (日月双塔) stand on Shanhu Lake in the heart of Guilin, two illuminated towers — one gold, one silver — that turn the central lake into a mirror at night.
Intro: why go
By day they are pleasant but ordinary; after dark they glow and reflect on the still water, making the most iconic night photo in the city. The taller Sun Pagoda is copper-clad and lit gold; the Moon Pagoda sits on its own islet across a causeway. A stroll around the lake takes twenty minutes.
Tickets & booking
You can admire the exterior for free from the lakeside path at any hour. Climbing inside the Sun Pagoda costs roughly $5; verify the on-site price, as it varies by season and may include a lift. The ticket is sold at the lakefront entrance; there is no real-name booking needed.
How to get there & in-site route
The lake sits in the city centre, a short walk or one metro stop from Guilin Station. Enter from the north shore, circle the water, and cross the walkway to the Moon Pagoda islet for the classic twin reflection. Come after sunset, around 19:00 in summer, for full lighting.
Facilities
The lakeside has paved paths, benches and a few cafes nearby. Toilets are available in the surrounding park. The area is flat and easy for all ages, and it is well lit at night.
Best season & seasonal pros and cons
Spring and autumn evenings are mild and ideal for a walk. Summer is hot until after dark but lively. Winter nights are cold, so bring a jacket. Rain on the lake can dull the reflection, so pick a clear evening.
Tips & scams
The best free shot is from the north bank looking south across the water. Boat rides on the lake are optional and cost extra; agree a price first. Ignore touts selling “private viewpoint” access.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a ticket to see the Sun and Moon Pagodas?
- No. The exterior is free to view from the lakeside path at any hour. Climbing inside the Sun Pagoda costs roughly $5; verify the on-site price, which shifts by season.
- When are the pagodas lit?
- They light up after sunset, around 19:00 in summer and earlier in winter. Arrive just after dusk for the fullest glow on the water.
- How do I get the best photo?
- Stand on the north bank looking south across Shanhu Lake. The twin towers reflect together there, and the shot is free without any boat ride.
Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18. Ticket seasons and crowd seasons are different things — this page states both where they differ.