Sun and Moon Pagodas

Historical Overview
Constructed during Tang Tianbao Year (750 CE) by Master Jianzhen, the original wooden towers housed statues of Sun and Moon Bodhisattvas. Destroyed in late Tang wars, their legacy was rediscovered in 1999 when Tang-era underground chambers unearthed precious artifacts. The modern copper-and-glass towers, completed in 2001, inherit the "Sun and Moon" name while incorporating advanced anti-seismic foundations and nano-coating for longevity. They witnessed the 2014 fire incident and subsequent restoration, now standing as technological marvels blending ancient wisdom and modern engineering.

Architectural Layout
The complex follows a north-south axis divided into three sections:

• Waterfront Plaza: Cultural performance space with bamboo groves and fountain displays.
• Pagoda Zone: Sun Pagoda (copper structure with elevator) and Moon Pagoda (glass facade with underwater tunnel).
• Landscape Integration: Surrounded by Shan Lake’s lotus ponds, willow-lined paths, and bridges connecting to Elephant Trunk Hill and Four Lakes cruise terminals.
  Key structures include the 18m underwater corridor with fish-viewing windows, Moon Pagoda’s Taiji Drum plaza, and Sun Pagoda’s 9th-floor observation deck.

Major Attractions

1. Sun Pagoda: 41m copper tower with elevator to 9th floor; features prayer bells and tea houses on lower floors.
2. Moon Pagoda: 35m glass tower showcasing Ming Dynasty blue-and-white Porcelain murals in its basement.
3. Underwater Corridor: Glass-enclosed tunnel revealing lake biodiversity and Tang-era relics.
4. Cultural Hall: Displays bamboo-leaf steles and Three Religions Harmony stone carvings.
5. Night Light Show: Golden and silver hues reflected on Shan Lake from 19:00-23:00.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   Daytime: Shan Lake North Shore photography → Underwater Corridor → Moon Pagoda drum plaza → Sun Pagoda 7th-floor panorama.
   Nighttime: 19:00 light show entry → Sun Pagoda top-floor sunset view → Moon Pagoda night scenery.
2. Extended Route (4–5 hours):
   Sun Pagoda elevator tour → Moon Pagoda basement artifacts → Four Lakes cruise departure → Elephant Trunk Hill linkage.
3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   Morning tea at Sun Pagoda → Moon Pagoda cultural exhibits → Shan Lake cycling trails → Evening light show finale → Night market strolls.

Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via official WeChat mini-program or travel platforms (up to 7 days ahead).
On-site: Limited tickets at entrance gates; queues peak during holidays.
Prices:

• Peak Season (Apr–Oct): ¥55/adult, ¥27/student.
• Off-season: ¥27/adult.
  Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, active military.
  Combination tickets available with Four Lakes cruise and Elephant Hill.

Transportation
By Bus: Routes 2/5/16/23/88 to Wenming Road Station or Xiangshan Park Station.
By Subway: Line 1 to Zhongshan Road Station then 10-min walk.
By Taxi: Direct to Shan Lake East Entrance; parking at nearby shopping malls.
Departure: Exit to Jingjiang Royal Palace or Beihai Park via Four Lakes terminals.

Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (8:30 AM opening) or late (after 3 PM).
Seasons: spring (Apr–May) for blooms, autumn (Oct–Nov) for crisp air.
Essentials: Wear walking shoes (20,000+ steps possible), carry water bottles, and use tripods for night photography.
Prohibited: Selfie sticks, drones, and large bags; no flash in galleries.
Local Tip: Combine with nearby Zhengyang Pedestrian Street for culinary experiences.