Sun and Moon Pagodas
On Shan Lake.
xiquinhosilva — CC BY 2.0 · Carlos Adampol Galindo from DF, México — CC BY-SA 2.0 · xiquinhosilva — CC BY 2.0 · xiquinhosilva — CC BY 2.0 · xiquinhosilva — CC BY 2.0 · xiquinhosilva — CC BY 2.0 · Cornelius Kibelka from Berlin, Germany — CC BY-SA 2.0 · drnan tu from Shenzhen, China — CC BY-SA 2.0
A waterway network in the heart of Guilin that links the Li and Taohua rivers with four lakes, Mulong, Rong, Shan and Gui, some of which were once the moat around the old city walls; reconnected and landscaped, they now form the city's loveliest promenade. Its best-known sight is the Sun and Moon Pagodas on Shan Lake: the bronze-clad Sun Pagoda, 41 m tall with nine storeys and said to be the tallest bronze pagoda in the world, beside the Moon Pagoda in glazed tile, 35 m tall with seven storeys, both rebuilt in 2001 on old foundations. The lakeshores have paths, gardens, bridges in a variety of styles and old banyan trees, and at night the area becomes a glowing picture as the lights of the pagodas and bridges reflect on the water and night boat trips set out between the rivers and lakes. Walking around the lakes is free, while the night boat trip costs about CNY 190–220 depending on the boat, per visitor guides. Come after sunset, and pair it with nearby Elephant Trunk Hill for one evening.
On Shan Lake.
By boat.
Many styles.
Shan Lake, central Guilin
Elephant Trunk HillThe symbol and official emblem of Guilin, a limestone hill where the Li River me6 minutes walk4.4
Jingjiang Princes' City and Solitary Beauty PeakA walled Ming-dynasty palace in the heart of Guilin, begun in 1372 as the seat o16 minutes walk4.4
Fubo HillA solitary rock hill on the west bank of the Li River in central Guilin, half on20 minutes walk4.2
Seven Star ParkGuilin's largest park, on the east bank of the Li River, covering about 137 hect23 minutes walk4.0About CNY 190–220 depending on the boat, per visitor guides; walking around the lakes is free.