The Sun and Moon Pagodas are iconic cultural landmarks in Guilin, attracting visitors from around the world. These stunning structures offer a perfect setting for photography, particularly when illuminated at night. Located in the Rongshui Lake Scenic Area, the pagodas provide a picturesque backdrop for both daytime and nighttime photography. This guide will help you navigate the best locations for capturing the splendor of these pagodas, ensuring you don’t miss out on any perfect shots during your visit.
Location and Opening Hours
Address: Sun and Moon Pagodas Cultural Park, Rongshui Lake Scenic Area, Guilin
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Illumination Times: The towers light up at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, staying illuminated until 10:00 PM
Admission Fees: Climbing the towers costs 35 RMB per person; entry to the park is free
To reach the pagodas, exit from the Guilin Center Square and head along Shanhubei Road to arrive at Riyue Bay Pier. From there, follow the marked path around the lake, allowing you to take photos from various angles while enjoying the scenery.
Best Photography Spots
1. Instagram-Worthy Location: Riyue Bay Pier (日月湾码头)
This popular spot is ideal for capturing the pagodas in a single frame, showcasing the harmonious alignment of the Sun and Moon. To find the best angle, enter the ticket area, turn left, and head towards the tree behind the inspection point.
2. Popular Photography Spot: Zhi Yin Tai Pier (知音台码头)
Located near Binjiang Road and Elephant Trunk Hill, this spot experiences heavy foot traffic, making it a great location for capturing the beauty of both towers standing majestically side by side.
3. Standard Spot: Lakeside Path between Riyue Bay and Zhi Yin Tai
This scenic lakeside path offers multiple angles for photography, allowing you to capture overlapping or interlacing shots of the pagodas amidst the lush surroundings.
Photography Tips
- Safety First: The lighting along the lakeside paths can be dim, so take care while walking and make sure to apply mosquito repellent before your visit.
- Best Time for Photos: While daytime photos of the towers can appear less striking, the evening provides a more magical atmosphere. When photographing people at night, the bright background can help; consider using a supplementary light source for better visibility.
- Use a Telephoto Lens: A long-focus lens is perfect for capturing the intricate details of the pagodas, providing stunning results from any angle.
Fascinating Facts about the Pagodas
- Cultural Significance: The Sun and Moon Pagodas are named for their alignment with the ancient Song Dynasty sculptures of the Sun and Moon deities across the river. The Sun Tower (日塔) is a copper tower, standing at 41 meters, while the Moon Tower (月塔) is a 35-meter glazed tower.
- World Records: The Sun Tower holds three impressive titles: it is the highest copper elevator tower, the tallest copper building, and the tallest underwater tower in the world.
- Connecting Structures: A 10-meter-long underwater tunnel connects the two pagodas, effectively creating an underwater park. Visitors can take an elevator from the base of the Sun Tower to the top, offering breathtaking views of Guilin’s stunning landscapes. This spot is particularly popular for nighttime views, making it the ideal place to appreciate the illuminated beauty of the pagodas.
- Collecting Shots: There is a saying, “Four Towers Share Beauty,” referring to the Sun and Moon Pagodas alongside the Puxian Pagoda on Elephant Hill and the Shoufo Pagoda on Tower Hill. If time permits, capturing all four towers in one photo would be a unique and rewarding experience.