Sun and Moon Twin Towers

Sun and Moon Twin Towers

The Sun and Moon Twin Towers are cultural tourism attractions and World Cultural Landscape Heritage sites.

The Sun and Moon Twin Towers are the most famous tourist attractions in the Two Rivers and Four Lakes urban water system. They are named the Sun Tower and Moon Tower because they face the Song Dynasty carved statues of the Sun and Moon Deities from the Guihai Stele Forest across the river, and because the towers rise high into the sky, pointing directly toward the sun and moon. Elephant Trunk Hill is the city emblem of Guilin, while the twin towers are the symbol of new Guilin. The Sun Tower, Moon Tower, along with the Puxian Pagoda on Elephant Trunk Hill and the Shoufo Pagoda on Pagoda Hill, complement and enhance each other, creating what is known as the “Beauty of Four Towers.”

Located in the downtown area of Guilin, situated along the city’s central axis, adjacent to the “Elephant Trunk Hill Moon Reflection.” Elephant Trunk Hill is the city emblem of Guilin, while the twin towers are the symbol of new Guilin. The Sun Tower, Moon Tower, along with the Puxian Pagoda on Elephant Trunk Hill and the Shoufo Pagoda on Pagoda Hill, complement and enhance each other, creating what is known as the “Beauty of Four Towers.”

The Guilin Sun and Moon Twin Towers are known as the world’s tallest copper towers and offer a stunning night view, making them a must-see attraction in Guilin. Situated in the downtown area, located along the city’s central axis, adjacent to the “Elephant Trunk Hill Moon Reflection.” Elephant Trunk Hill is the city emblem of Guilin, while the twin towers are the symbol of new Guilin. The Sun Tower stands 41 meters tall with nine stories, entirely decorated with pure copper, using 350 tons of copper material, giving it a magnificent golden appearance, and features an elevator for visitors. All components of the copper tower—including the tower base, roof tiles, upturned eaves, brackets, doors, windows, columns, beams, ceilings, and floors—are adorned with copper murals. The entire copper tower has set three world records: the world’s tallest copper tower, the world’s tallest copper building, and the world’s tallest tower over water. The Moon Tower is 35 meters tall with seven stories and is built with glazed tiles. Each floor’s carved and painted doors and windows carry different themes rich in traditional Chinese charm. It is connected to the Sun Tower via an 18-meter-long underwater aquarium, and its underground chamber houses a large mural of a Ming Dynasty blue-and-white plum vase from Guilin. The Twin Towers on Shanhu Lake have become a prime spot to admire the essence of Guilin’s urban beauty.

The Sun and Moon Twin Towers were reconstructed in 2001 on the foundation of Tang Dynasty pagodas. In the underground palace museum of the twin towers, unearthed Buddhist relics from the Tang Dynasty are displayed, among which the most precious is the “Twelve Zodiac Royal Secret Scriptures,” marking the first major public revelation of millennium-old esoteric Buddhist teachings in China. The Sun and Moon Twin Towers are renowned pagodas in China, cultural landmarks of Guilin, and China’s first cultural park themed around the harmony of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It is a comprehensive destination integrating culture, art, religion, architecture, technology, and natural landscapes. The Sun Tower has set three world records: the world’s tallest copper Buddhist pagoda, the world’s tallest tower with an underwater elevator, and the world’s tallest copper building. The two towers are connected by an 18-meter underwater passage at the lake bottom, allowing visitors to take an elevator up the Sun Tower to enjoy the beautiful urban scenery of Guilin. “Ascend to the sky, descend into the earth, travel underwater, and ride an elevator up the tower—all beneficial to body and mind.” This unique sightseeing experience is hailed as the premier attraction in Guilin, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories.

The Sun and Moon Twin Towers are the most famous tourist attractions in the Two Rivers and Four Lakes urban water system. They are named the Sun Tower and Moon Tower because they face the Song Dynasty carved statues of the Sun and Moon Deities from the Guihai Stele Forest across the river, and because the towers rise high into the sky, pointing directly toward the sun and moon. Both towers are pavilion-style landscape towers. The Sun Tower is a nine-story, eight-sided pagoda standing 41 meters tall, with a concrete structure clad in copper—its inner layer is reinforced concrete, and the outer layer is coated in yellow copper. All its components, including the tower base, roof tiles, paintings, upturned eaves, brackets, doors, windows, columns, beams, stairs, ceilings, and floors, are made of pure yellow copper, using a total of 350 tons. The tower also features a vertical elevator. The Moon Tower is a seven-story, eight-sided pagoda standing 35 meters tall, decorated with glazed tiles, giving it a solemn and elegant appearance. On the first floor of the Moon Tower, facing the lake, there is a “Taiji Drum” where you can play the drum and showcase your vigor. The passage to the Sun Tower is an 18-meter-long underwater aquarium corridor; through the arched glass, you can see koi, crucian carp, flower carp, and grass carp leisurely swimming above and beside you at the lake bottom. On the first floor of the Sun Tower, there is a blessing copper bell that you can ring for good fortune. Additionally, the first and second floors house tea houses where you can enjoy tea while taking in the scenery. From the base of the Sun Tower, you can easily take an elevator to the seventh floor, then climb up two more floors to reach the top—the ninth floor. From the tower top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Guilin’s beautiful lakes and mountains. To the south is the small Shanhu Lake Square designed for public cultural activities, to the east is the Zhiyin Platform, to the north is the riveboarding dock of Shanhu Bay for the Four Lakes tour, and farther to the west, you’ll find various uniquely shaped bridges such as Yang Bridge, Glass Bridge, Beidou Bridge, and Ancient Banyan Double Bridge. The twin towers blend perfectly into the picturesque landscape of lakes and mountains.

Address:

No. 10, Wenming Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin City

Phone:

0773-2582888

Official Website: http://www.glmsly.com/

Opening Hours:

8:00-22:00

Ticket

35 RMB