Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area
The Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area is located in the center of Guilin City at the confluence of the Lijiang River and the Taohua River. It gets its name because it resembles a giant elephant stretching out its long trunk to drink the sweet water of the Lijiang River. Shu Shu, a Langzhong in the Ministry of Works in the Qing Dynasty, wrote in "Record of Elephant Hill": "The wonders in western Guangdong lie in its mountains, the wonders of the mountains in western Guangdong lie in their rocks, and the Elephant Hill opposite the provincial capital is even more wonderful." The Elephant Trunk Hill attracts visitors with its vivid image. It is a typical representative of Guilin's landscape and was designated as the city emblem of Guilin in 1995. At the 2014 CCTV Spring Festival Gala on the Year of the Horse, the Hungarian Attraction dance troupe presented the Elephant Trunk Hill in the creative dance "Symbols of China". The main scenic spots in the area include: Elephant Hill and the Moon over the Water, Puxian Pagoda, Sanhua Wine Cellar, Love Island, and the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Exhibition Hall in Yunfeng Temple, etc.
[Elephant Hill and the Moon over the Water] "Elephant Hill and the Moon over the Water" is a major wonder of the Elephant Trunk Hill. A scholar from the north of Ji in the Song Dynasty once wrote a poem "In Response to the Rhyme of Moon - over - Water Cave": "There is a bright moon under the water, and a bright moon floats on the water. The water flows but the moon stays, and when the moon leaves, the water still flows." If you come here to enjoy the scenery of the Moon - over - Water Cave on a moonlit night, you will see a wonderful picture where the moon in the sky, in the cave and under the water set each other off. There are more than 50 precious cliff inscriptions in the cave, such as Zhang Xiaoxiang's "Poem and Preface of Chaoyang Pavilion" in the Song Dynasty, Fan Chengda's "Inscription on Restoring the Moon - over - Water Cave" and Lu You's poem notes.
[Puxian Pagoda] Climbing up the winding rocks of the Elephant Trunk Hill, you can see from afar a Puxian Pagoda built in the Ming Dynasty standing among the green trees. The pagoda is 13.6 meters high and has a history of more than 400 years. It is a solid brick pagoda in the Lama style. There is a stone - engraved Bodhisattva image on the north side of the pagoda body, and the six - character mantra "Namo Puxian Pusa" is engraved on the top of the image, hence the name Puxian Pagoda. It is recorded in Buddhist scriptures that the mount of Puxian Bodhisattva is a six - tusked white elephant. Therefore, the fact that the Puxian Pagoda is built on the top of the Elephant Hill truly confirms this statement in the Buddhist scriptures.
[Sanhua Wine Cellar] The Elephant Trunk Hill is a natural large wine cellar. Two - thirds of the whole hill is hollow. It is warm in winter and cool in summer, with the temperature remaining at 19 degrees Celsius all year round and the humidity above 90%. It has been used as an official cellar to store Sanhua Wine since the Song Dynasty. Sanhua Wine is colorless, transparent, fragrant and spicy. It absorbs the essence and soul of the Lijiang River and has become the representative rice - flavored wine in China, and is known as the "King of Chinese Rice Wines". The cellared wine was designated as a tribute to the imperial court as early as the Northern Song Dynasty and is one of the three treasures of Guilin. There are nearly a thousand tons of wine stored in the cave to date.
[Love Island] Love Island is located on the north side of the Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area, facing the Lijiang River. It is another scenic spot for a distant view of the Elephant Trunk Hill. The island has a beautiful environment and lush vegetation. It was a good place for local people to date in the 1970s, so it is called "Love Island". Now it is also an exterior photography base for weddings in Guilin's landscape. Lovers make vows of love here under the witness of the Elephant Hill and the Moon over the Water.
1. Why Visit Elephant Trunk Hill? – The Iconic Heart of Guilin
A. Nature & Culture Intertwined
Carved by 360 million years of karst erosion, Elephant Trunk Hill is Guilin’s ultimate visual signature. Its limestone "trunk" dips into the Li River like a thirsty elephant, creating a surreal silhouette visible from multiple angles. In 2003, Xiangshan Scenic Area was listed as a recommended tourist attraction by the World Tourism Organization. In 2005, Xiangshan Scenic Area was selected as the top natural wonder among the five most beautiful peak forests in China by the "Beauty Pageant China" activity of China National Geographic.
Must-Know Cold Facts:
- The “trunk” is 55 meters long, separated from the hill by a 10-meter-wide arch (Water Moon Cave).
- The hill’s Puxian Pagoda, built in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), resembles a sword hilt to “subdue river dragons” per legend.
B. Legendary Tales & Historical Weight
According to folklore, a heavenly elephant disobeyed the Jade Emperor to help farmers, turning to stone as punishment. This tale resonates with visitors seeking cultural depth. Historical significance:
- Deng Xiaoping’s 1973 visit here catalyzed Guilin’s tourism development.
- The hill’s 80+ cliff carvings date back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907).
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2. What to Do at Elephant Trunk Hill? – Experiences & Exploration
A. Unmissable Activities
1. Photography Mastery: - Classic shot: Stand by Water Moon Cave at sunrise for misty reflections. - Hidden gem: Love Island (訾洲公园) offers a riverfront panorama. - Night magic: Golden LED lights illuminate the hill after dusk (19:30–22:00).
2. Summit Puxian Pagoda: Climb 220 steps for 360° views of Guilin’s skyline and the Li River.
3. Cave Exploration: Walk through Water Moon Cave to see 70+ ancient stone inscriptions.
B. Local Culture & Ecology
- Discover the hill’s hidden Sanhua Wine cellar (used since 1952 for aging rice wine).
- Spot cormorant fishermen along the riverbanks at dawn.
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3. Best Time to Visit & Itinerary Hacks
A. Ideal Seasons & Timing
- Optimal months: April–June (lush greenery) & September–October (clear skies).
- Avoid crowds: Arrive at 7:00–8:30 AM or after 16:00.
B. Weather Tips
- Rainy season (May–July): Higher river levels may submerge the trunk’s base. Check real-time updates via [Guilin Tourism Bureau Website].
- Winter (December–February): Low water reveals the trunk’s geological layers – perfect for close-up photography.
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4. In-Depth Guide: Elephant Trunk Hill Park
A. Ticket Value & Upgrades
- Entry fee: Free admission requires advance reservation，Official Website or WeChat Mini Program（Search the桂林市象山景区管理处）
- Boost value: Buy a combo ticket with Li River cruises (~¥180) [Book Combo Ticket].
- Free alternative: View the hill from Binjiang Road’s eastern section.
B. Transportation Simplified
- Walk: 15 mins from downtown (near Sheraton Hotel).
- Bus: Take routes 2, 16, or 23 to “Xiashan” station.
- Boat: Alight at the hill’s dock via a Li River cruise.
C. Pro Photography Tips
- Golden hour: 6:30–7:30 AM (soft light) or 17:30–18:30 PM (sunset hues).
- Equipment: Use a polarizing filter to reduce water glare.
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5. Nearby Experiences
- Two Rivers & Four Lakes Night Cruise: See illuminated Elephant Trunk Hill from the water.
- Zhengyang Pedestrian Street: Taste Guilin rice noodles and beer fish (5-minute drive away).
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6. Practical Information
- Opening hours: 6:30–21:30 (April–November); 7:00–21:00 (December–March).
- Suggested duration: 1–2 hours.
- Multilingual support: Rent audio guides (¥30) at the entrance.
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7. FAQs for International Travelers
Q: Is the entry fee worth it for a small park?
A: Pair it with a river cruise or night lights for enhanced value.
Q: How to avoid crowds?
A: Visit early morning or late afternoon; avoid Chinese public holidays.
Q: Are English guides available?
A: Yes, hire onsite guides (~¥150/group) or download the Guilin Travel app for audio tours.
Q: Best photo spot for the iconic view?
A: Water Moon Cave’s riverside platform at sunrise.
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8. Conclusion
Elephant Trunk Hill isn’t just a rock – it’s Guilin’s soul in stone. By blending myth, geology, and smart planning, international travelers can unlock its magic while sidestepping common pitfalls. Check official sources for updates, and let this guide be your key to a seamless, awe-filled visit.
Note: Prices and hours may change. Verify via [Official Elephant Trunk Hill Website] before visiting.
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