Elephant Trunk Hill

Visiting Information

Overview

Elephant Trunk Hill, located in Guilin, Guangxi Province, is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. The hill is named for its unique shape, which resembles an elephant drinking water from the Li River with its trunk. This natural limestone formation has been a symbol of Guilin for centuries and is a must-visit attraction for tourists exploring the region’s famous karst landscape.

Historical Background

Elephant Trunk Hill has been a significant landmark in Guilin for over 1,000 years. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), it was already a famous scenic spot. The hill has been featured in countless Chinese paintings and poems throughout history, reflecting its cultural and aesthetic importance. In ancient times, the area around the hill was used as a place of worship, and later, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became a popular spot for scholars and artists to gather and appreciate nature.

Architectural Features

• Water Moon Cave: This natural arch formed by the hill and its reflection in the water creates a moon-like circle, hence its name. The cave has been compared to the moon’s reflection in the water and is considered one of the most picturesque spots in Guilin.
• Puxian Pagoda: Situated on top of the hill, this small pagoda was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It’s shaped like a bottle and adds to the unique silhouette of the hill when viewed from a distance.
• Yunfeng Temple: Located on the hillside, this temple was originally built during the Tang Dynasty and has been rebuilt and renovated several times throughout history. It adds a cultural and religious dimension to the natural beauty of the site.
• Elephant Eye Cave: This small cave on the hillside is said to resemble an elephant’s eye, further contributing to the hill’s elephant-like appearance.

Cultural Importance

Elephant Trunk Hill holds significant cultural importance in Chinese tradition. It has been a source of inspiration for poets, painters, and writers for centuries. The hill is often seen as a symbol of harmony between nature and human creativity. Many legends are associated with the hill, including tales of the elephant being a former celestial being. The site is also significant in local folklore and is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity for Guilin city.

Surrounding Attractions

• Li River: The Li River flows around Elephant Trunk Hill, offering picturesque views and boat ride opportunities. Visitors can take river cruises to enjoy the karst landscape and see the hill from different angles.
• Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area: This water system surrounds the old town of Guilin and offers beautiful night views. Visitors can take evening cruises to see illuminated bridges, pagodas, and hills, including Elephant Trunk Hill.
• Shan Hu (Fir Lake): Located near Elephant Trunk Hill, this scenic lake is surrounded by osmanthus trees and offers a tranquil environment for walks and relaxation.
• Guilin City Center: The bustling city center of Guilin is within walking distance, offering various dining options, shopping areas, and cultural experiences.

Photography Opportunities

• Sunset Views: The hill offers stunning sunset views, especially when photographed from across the Li River. The golden light illuminating the hill and its reflection in the water create breathtaking scenes.
• Night Illumination: After dark, Elephant Trunk Hill is beautifully lit, providing excellent opportunities for night photography. The illuminated hill against the dark sky creates a magical atmosphere.
• Water Moon Cave: This unique geological feature offers interesting compositions, especially when photographed with its reflection in the water, creating a perfect circle.
• Panoramic Views: From the top of the hill, visitors can capture panoramic views of Guilin city and the surrounding karst landscape, especially beautiful during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

Modern Importance

• Tourism Icon: Elephant Trunk Hill serves as the most recognizable symbol of Guilin, playing a crucial role in the city’s tourism industry and economy. It’s featured prominently in promotional materials and attracts visitors from all over the world.
• Cultural Preservation: The site is important for preserving local history and culture. Ongoing conservation efforts ensure that this natural and cultural heritage is maintained for future generations.
• Environmental Education: The park around Elephant Trunk Hill serves as an educational site, teaching visitors about the unique karst landscape of the region and the importance of environmental conservation.
• Urban Green Space: In the rapidly developing city of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill and its surrounding park provide valuable green space for both residents and visitors, contributing to the quality of urban life.

FAQ

• What is Elephant Trunk Hill famous for?
  Elephant Trunk Hill is famous for its unique shape resembling an elephant drinking water from the Li River. It’s the most iconic landmark of Guilin and symbolizes the city’s natural beauty and karst landscape.
• What’s inside Elephant Trunk Hill?
  Inside Elephant Trunk Hill, visitors can find the Water Moon Cave, Puxian Pagoda on top of the hill, Yunfeng Temple on the hillside, and various viewing platforms offering panoramic views of Guilin.
• Is Elephant Trunk Hill free?
  No, Elephant Trunk Hill is not free. There is an entrance fee of 75 CNY for adults and 38 CNY for children between 1.2-1.4m tall. Children under 1.2m can enter for free.
• Is Elephant Trunk Hill worth visiting?
  Yes, Elephant Trunk Hill is worth visiting as it’s the most famous landmark in Guilin. It offers beautiful views, interesting geological features, and cultural significance, making it a must-see attraction for most visitors to Guilin.
• What to do in Elephant Trunk Hill?
  At Elephant Trunk Hill, you can climb to the top for panoramic views, explore the Water Moon Cave, visit Yunfeng Temple, take photos of the unique landscape, and enjoy the surrounding park area. Many visitors also combine their visit with a boat ride on the Li River.
• How do I get to Elephant Trunk Hill in the local city?
  In Guilin, you can reach Elephant Trunk Hill by taking bus numbers 2, 16, 23, 58, or 88 to the Elephant Trunk Hill stop. Alternatively, a taxi from the city center takes about 15-20 minutes and costs around 15-20 CNY.
• How to visit Elephant Trunk Hill?
  To visit Elephant Trunk Hill, purchase tickets at the entrance and allow 1-2 hours for exploration. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon for good lighting and fewer crowds. Consider combining your visit with a river cruise for different perspectives of the hill.