Sun and Moon Pagodas

Twin pagodas on Fir Lake, the bronze one connected to the stone one by an underwater tunnel

The Sun and Moon Pagodas stand on two small islands in Fir Lake (Shan Hu) in the centre of Guilin, connected by an underwater walkway. The gold Sun Pagoda — nine storeys of gilded bronze, completed in 2002 — and the white Moon Pagoda beside it were built to echo the style of Tang dynasty towers. The result is a slightly artificial but photogenic set piece that is best seen at night, when the pagodas are reflected in the lit-up lake.

Fir Lake is one of four interconnected lakes in the centre of Guilin formed from old sections of the moat. The lakeside walkways make for pleasant evening strolling. The pagodas can be entered for a fee; the underground tunnel between the islands is included.

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The two pagodas stand on separate islands in Fir Lake, connected by an underwater tunnel you can walk through. The Sun Pagoda is made of bronze — the tallest bronze pagoda in the world — and was built in 2002 despite looking like a Tang dynasty original. The Moon Pagoda is stone and older. At night, when they are lit up and their reflections shimmer in the lake, they are genuinely beautiful.