Guilin Elephant Trunk Hill: Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions
Elephant Trunk Hill is the emblem of Guilin. It's shaped just like an elephant drinking out of the Li River and is a fantastic place to get pictures, go hiking, and visit some of Guilin's most impressive natural attractions. If you want to have a relaxing walk in the park without having to leave downtown Guilin, you'll certainly want to put this landmark on your list. It's also free to visit. Read on to discover what to do and the top travel tips for visiting.
Elephant Trunk Hill on a sunny day
Basic Information About Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin
It's easy to combine a trip to this fascinating natural formation with other city highlights. Elephant Trunk Hill is located right in the city center, nestled along the Li River and just 1.2 kilometers, or 0.7 miles, from Guilin's Central Square. Most people can walk the distance in 20 minutes. It's about 450 meters from the Xiangshan Park bus stop, accessible by buses 16, 23, and K99. You can also take a taxi or a rideshare option, such as DiDi.
Elephant Trunk Hill is near the Xiangshan Resident Area, where the Gulin Li and Taohua rivers meet. It stands 180 feet (55 meters) tall, and its impressive, elephant-like shape is made of soft limestone.
- Entrance Fee: free (no ticket required)
- Park Entrances: The park has three gates: Gate 1, Gate 2, and Gate 3.
Gates 2 and 3 are closest to downtown, adjacent to Binjiang Road. - Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and open for night visits
- Recommended Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Visiting Elephant Trunk Hill is an excellent way to spend the morning in Guilin and have the afternoon free to explore the city.
How Elephant Trunk Hill Earned Its Name
Elephant Trunk Hill is one of the most photogenic attractions in Guilin because of its unmistakable shape, but it's also the subject of some famous Chinese lore. According to legend, the Jade Emperor, who governed heaven, sent his trusted elephant to earth. There, the elephant fell in love with the people of Guilin and dedicated itself to helping them grow their crops and get water from the Li and Taohua Rivers.
The elephant decided to stay on earth, which infuriated the Jade Emperor, who killed the creature as it was drinking out of the Li River. Elephant Trunk Hill is what became of the celestial elephant.
Top Things to Do at Elephant Trunk Hill
There are plenty of things to do at Elephant Trunk Hill, especially if you love the outdoors and want to get some fantastic pictures of the Li River and Guilin city.
1. Get Some Great Pictures
The most iconic picture, of course, is the shape of the elephant itself. Zizhou Park Observation Deck, across the Li River, is an excellent place to get a picture. You can also grab some excellent photos while boating on the river.
2. Take a Boat Ride
Admiring the hill from the water is a truly memorable experience. You can choose bamboo rafts, a more traditional option, or motorboats for your cruise around the hill. If you want to grab some unique photos of the hill, bamboo rafts are a smarter choice as they tend to go slower and give you more time to grab that perfect shot.
Early morning and sunset are both excellent times to head out on the river, as you'll find fewer people about and get some great photos of the shape of the hill against the sunset.
3. Climb the Mountain
Overlook the city on Elephant Trunk Hill
If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the Li River and Guilin city, lace up your hiking shoes and climb up Elephant Trunk Hill. This climb usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on your pace. It starts at the Water Moon Cave and ends at the Puxian Pagoda, both of which are well worth seeing.
You'll have to climb plenty of stone stairs and a steep path up the hill, so good shoes are required. Once you're at the top, you'll see the rivers and city spreading out before you, and you can get some outstanding pictures, especially at sunset.
4. Visit Water Moon Cave
Water Moon Cave is at the base of the Elephant Trunk Hill hike, making it a logical first stop on your journey up. It's located right near the arch of the trunk, and sometimes you can see the reflection of the moon in the water at night. It's also culturally significant, with carvings from the Song and Tang dynasties on the walls in and around the cave.
5. See Puxian Pagoda
If you climb Elephant Trunk Hill, you'll finish at Puxian Pagoda. Standing about 44 feet (13.6 meters) tall, it's a relic from the Ming Dynasty and features ancient stone carvings of the Buddha. You'll get the best panoramic pictures from this spot, too.
Best Time to Visit
Beautiful view in Elephant Trunk Hill Park
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best times to visit, because the weather is mild but not too hot, and you can see some spectacular foliage and flowers. The summer months (June to August) bring larger crowds and rain, and the landscape isn't as beautiful during the winter (December to February).
Nearby Attractions
As Elephant Trunk Hill is extremely centrally located, there are plenty of things to do within walking distance. We can help you plan an itinerary that suits your needs and allows you to see all the highlights of Guilin.
1. Stroll Along Binjiang Road
The Binjiang Road in Guilin
Binjiang Road in downtown Guilin is the most beautiful street in the entire city. Lined with shady green trees on both sides, it's perfect for leisurely walks and observing local life. If you visit in the morning, you'll see many residents doing their morning exercises there. You can access this lovely road directly from Gate 3 of Elephant Trunk Hill Park.
2. Visit Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas Park
Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas
Just 700 meters from Elephant Trunk Hill, the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas Park, also known as Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park, is a spectacular place to visit. You can get some lovely photos of the gold and silver pagodas, especially at night when they're lit up. The Sun Pagoda is 41 meters (135 feet) tall, and the Moon Pagoda is 35 meters (115 feet) tall.
3. Explore Zhengyang Pedestrian Street
The famous Zhengyang Pedestrian Street is just 10 minutes walk from Gate 3 of Elephant Trunk Hill and is an excellent place to enjoy authentic Guilin street food, get some good souvenirs, and enjoy local life. This spot is famous for Guilin rice noodles and is a great place to visit in the evenings.
Useful Travel Tips
A bridge in Elephant Trunk Hill Park
If you want to make the most of your time at Elephant Trunk Hill, keep these valuable tips in mind.
- Avoid Chinese public holidays and weekends to get more of the place to yourself.
- Wear sunscreen and bring water, especially if you're planning on climbing the hill.
- Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you're climbing the hill.
You'll get the best pictures in the early morning and at sunset.
Visit Guilin's Famous Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill is an iconic Guilin landmark, and it's definitely worth seeing if you want to get a full appreciation for the city. We can help you maximize your time in Guilin with a customized itinerary that suits your needs. Visit our contact page or email trip@odynovotours.com to get started today.
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