Sun and Moon Pagodas

The Sun and Moon Pagodas (日月双塔, Rìyuè Shuāngtǎ) are twin pagodas located in Guilin, Guangxi, China. Originally built in the city moat of Guilin during the Tang dynasty, the pagodas were reconstructed in 2001 using historical records as the centerpiece of Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park—–a park themed around the unity of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.[1][2][3] The Moon Pagoda was built on an island in Shan Lake while the Sun Pagoda was built out in the lake.[4] The Sun Pagoda has an octagonal base, is faced with bronze, has nine stories, and is 41m (135 ft) tall.[4][5][6] The Sun Pagoda is the tallest bronze pagoda in the world and is one of the few pagodas in the world that has an elevator.[4][5][6] The Moon Pagoda has an octagonal base, is faced with glazed tile, has seven stories tall, and is 35m (115 ft) tall.[4][5][6] They were featured as the ninth Pit Stop during the fourteenth season of The Amazing Race in 2009.[7]

Sun and Moon Pagodas
日月双塔
The Sun and Moon Pagodas lighted at night and reflected in Lake Shanhu in November 2017.
Religion
AffiliationBuddhism
SectMahayana
PrefectureGuilin
ProvinceGuangxi
Location
CountryChina
Shown within Guangxi
Sun and Moon Pagodas (China)
PrefectureGuilin
Geographic coordinates25°09′45″N 110°10′21″E
Architecture
StyleChinese architecture
Date established10th century
Completed2001

Reconstruction

Shan Lake was drained and the areas was excavated.[1][2][3] The excavation located the original foundations and several artifacts including historic japa mala.[1][2][3] The most significant find was a stone box which contained scrolls written by a Tang dynasty emperor.[1][2][3] The scrolls relate Buddhist teachings to the Chinese zodiac.[1][2][3] The artifacts unearthed during the excavation are housed in an underground museum on site.[1][2][3] The museum also contains statues of Laozi and Confucius in accordance with the theme of the park.[1][2][3] The museum also has reliefs of the Bodhisattva Bhaisajyaguru who is the patron of the Chinese Zodiac.[1][2][3] The Sun Pagoda is connected to the Moon Pagoda via an underwater glass tunnel and its ground floor contains a tea house and a bronze bell for blessings.[1][2][3] The elevator only goes to the sixth level and visitors must climb stairs to see the finger bone of Buddha relic and take in the view of downtown.[1][2][3]

References
  1. "Guilin Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas Travel: Reviews Entrance Tickets, Travel Tips, Photos and Maps – China Travel Agency, China Tours 2019 | China Dragon Tours". www.chinadragontours.com.
  2. "February 13 Sun and Moon Pagodas, Guilin, China". February 21, 2013.
  3. "Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park Guilin | Sun and Moon Tower Guilin, Sun and Moon Pagoda – Wendy Wei Tours". Wendy Wei Tours: Private Guilin Tours with amazing experiences across Southern China.
  4. https://www.chinaculturetour.com/guilin/the-sun-and-moon-pagodas.htm
  5. "Sun & Moon Twin Pagodas | Guilin, China Attractions". Lonely Planet.
  6. "Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Spot". www.travelchinaguide.com.
  7. "Game Show Newsnet – The Amazing Race: Season 14". www.gameshownewsnet.com.
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