Banyan Lake and Cedar Lake are located in downtown Guilin. They are like two pieces of crystal embedded in the central part of the city. The origin of both parks dates back to Tang Dynasty when they were part of a city moat. As Guilin expanded to the south, the moat became a lake within the city area. Today, it's simply a beautiful place to relax and enjoy some of Guilin's most beautiful views.

Situated alongside one another, Banyan Lake (Rong Hu) and Fir Lake (Shan Hu) are named, unsurprisingly, for the trees that have long surrounded them (one banyan is reputed to be nearly 800 years old). It's not all banyan and fir, however: the landscape surrounding the lakes is also home to bamboo groves and peach and cassia trees. Bridges zigzag over both lakes, leading to small islands that dot the water, and, along with two sizeable pagodas, it all makes for a lovely classical scene. At night, the pagodas light up like Christmas trees, making the lakes a popular spot for evening strolls.

These two lakes were originally the southern section of the moat that protected the ancient city of Guilin. An ancient south gate to the city is on the northern shore of Banyan Lake.

Built in Song-Dynasty, Blue Ribbon Bridge (now Sun Bridge ) separates the lakes. The Cedar Lake was named after the cedar trees growing on the shore and the Banyan Part got its name because of a large banyan tree standing on shore near the 1,000-year-old South City Gate. The two lakes together were often referred to as Round Lake . A Zigzag bridges lead to the Mid-lake Isle , which is dotted with long corridors, waterside pavilions and ancient buildings.