Sun & Moon Pagodas
日月双塔 · On Shanhu Lake
A gold and a silver pagoda that light up on the water at night — Guilin’s most photographed evening sight.
Why Two Rivers & Four Lakes is worth your time
Guilin’s genius is that its city center is built around water. The Li River and Peach Blossom River run through town, and four lakes — Shan, Rong, Gui, and Mulong — are connected into a loop you can walk or boat. Locals jog and dance along the lakeside paths every evening; visitors come for the night cruise.
The headline sight is on Shanhu Lake (杉湖): the Sun and Moon Pagodas (日月双塔), a pair of towers — one gold, one silver — that glow on the water after dark. Nearby, Ronghu’s ancient city wall and Mulong Lake’s replica of a Song-dynasty water gate add history to the stroll.
Quick tip: the walk is free and lovely any time, but do the boat at night at least once — the lit bridges and the twin pagodas reflected in the water are the signature Guilin evening.
Top highlights
The signature sights and experiences that make Two Rivers & Four Lakes special.
Night Cruise View
夜游两江四湖 · Illuminated ring
A night boat passes the twin pagodas, lit bridges, and the city’s water-ring glow.
Pagodas by Night
双塔倒影 · Reflections
The gold-and-silver towers reflected on Shanhu Lake after dark.
Elephant Trunk Hill
象鼻山 · 10-min walk
Guilin’s city emblem sits where the Li and Peach Blossom rivers meet — an easy addition to a lakeside evening.
Elephant Hill Night Lights
象鼻山夜景 · Golden silhouette
Nearby Elephant Trunk Hill glows gold after dark — easy to combine with a lakes cruise.
Which option is right for you?
Ways to experience Two Rivers & Four Lakes, from the classic route to a quicker highlight.
Night Cruise (Classic)
1–2 hours · ¥210–320
1
Board near Shanhu Piers on the central lakes; your hotel can book.
2
Cruise the ring Past the twin pagodas, lit bridges, and the Li River stretch.
3
Disembark lakeside Step straight onto the promenade for a late stroll.
Self-Guided Walk
Free · 1–2 hours · flat
1
Start at Elephant Trunk Hill Walk north along the riverside promenade.
2
Loop the four lakes Shan → Rong → Gui → Mulong, all connected.
3
End at the twin pagodas Time it for dusk to watch them light up.
Best time to visit
Dusk → night
The pagodas and bridges switch on around sunset — the reason to come.
Spring & autumn
Comfortable for the open promenade walk.
Avoid heavy rain
The boat may pause; the walk is still fine under light drizzle.
Travel tips
Cruise at dusk
Boats leaving around sunset catch both daylight and the full light show.
Shoot the twin pagodas
From the Shanhu lakeside with the reflection — best 20–30 min after lights on.
Walk is free
You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the lakes; only the boat costs.
Dinner along the lake
Ronghu’s western bank has lakeside restaurants — eat with the view.
Boat sells out
Night cruises fill in peak season; book through your hotel.
How to get there
1
From Guilin city center The lakes are in the heart of town — walkable from most hotels.
2
From Elephant Trunk Hill A 10-minute riverside walk north reaches Shanhu Lake.
3
Cruise piers On the central lakes; your hotel or any tour desk sells tickets.
4
Tickets Walk free; boat tickets ¥210–320, book ahead in season.
Tickets & practical info
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Night cruise | ¥210–320 · 1–2 hours |
| Lakeside walk | Free |
| Best time | Dusk → night |
| Location | Guilin city center |
| From Elephant Hill | 10-min walk |
| Boat books out | Peak season |
Walking the lakes is free; only the night cruise is ticketed. Boat prices vary by operator and season. The walk is flat, lit, and safe late into the evening.
