Start with the paired pagoda view
Begin at Shanhu Lake and look across the water towards the Sun and Moon Pagodas. Their contrasting colours and tiered roofs make a clear landmark for orienting yourself. Follow the available public lakeside path without treating the towers themselves as an open attraction or expecting access through a work area.
Mobile data for your trip. Check what your current plan includes for roaming. If you need another option for maps, messages and booking details, compare NXTL eSIM coverage and rates. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, and check coverage for every stop. Download important maps and confirmations for offline use too.
What the upgrade closure means for this outing
Checked 21 October 2026: the official operator lists a Sun and Moon Pagodas closure announcement for cultural-tourism upgrades dated 9 May 2026. No confirmed reopening was established in this review. The towers remain worth knowing about, but tower entry is not part of this route. Packtricia will check for reopening; always check the venue before travelling. Use the available lakeside views or continue to Ronghu instead.
Continue towards Ronghu, with a natural turnaround
Use Ronghu Lake as the second anchor. Walk towards its bridges and leafy edges, stopping where you have a clear view across the water. There is no need to complete the whole Two Rivers and Four Lakes system: choose the open shore that suits your starting point, then turn back before the walk becomes a march.
Keep a city cruise separate from the walk
The official operator sells daytime and night cruises around the urban water system. If you want one, check the actual departure pier, route, sailing notice and ticket conditions first. A city-lake cruise is different from the longer Li River journey towards Yangshuo, and neither ticket should be assumed to admit you to the pagodas.
End with noodles rather than another distant stop
Return towards Zhengyang Pedestrian Street for a meal. We recommend Chongshan Rice Noodles as an option for a simple rice-noodle stop that keeps you in the central district. Ask which toppings are available and keep chilli optional. If rain makes the lakeside slippery, shorten the walk and take a proper seated break; an illuminated photo does not guarantee the same lighting during works.
Check before you go
Opening arrangements and visitor rules can change. Check the official information before your trip.
