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A grey limestone hill topped with green trees, with a round arch at its base like an elephant's trunk reaching the river, whose still surface reflects the hill, under a pale sky

Guangxi · The Symbol of Guilin at the River Bend

Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin (象鼻山)

A limestone hill that looks like an elephant drinking from the Li River, with a round arch under its trunk that reflects the moon.

Quick Facts

The Short Version

What it isA limestone hill and riverside park in the middle of Guilin, and the city's widely known emblem
WhereGuilin, Guangxi, at the meeting of the Taohua River and the Li River
NameThe hill looks like an elephant drinking water. The round opening under the trunk is called Water-Moon Cave
Time neededOne to two hours. Longer if combined with a river walk
TerrainPark paths, riverside promenade and steps up the hill
ListedA national 5A scenic area

Why Go

A Hill That Carries a Whole City's Image

1. An elephant at the water

Elephant Trunk Hill is the symbol of Guilin because it reads at once: a hill with a curved trunk reaching into the river, and a round arch beneath it. The arch is called Water-Moon Cave, since at night the moon's reflection can be seen through it and appears to sit on the surface and under the water at once.

The hill stands where the Taohua River meets the Li River, so it is a natural opening scene for a visit that continues with the river and the karst peaks around Guilin.

2. A city park around it

The hill is set in a park, with paths along the water, small gardens and stone elephant sculptures. A cave runs through the base of the hill, and a path leads up to the top, from where Guilin and its ring of karst peaks can be seen across the rooftops.

It is a short stop, but the light on the arch and the river make it a better visit at either end of the day.

The same limestone hill from a nearer angle, with the round arch at the waterline, a tree-covered crown and a river boat in the distance
The arch under the trunk, seen from the riverbank.
Looking out from inside a limestone cave through a rough opening to trees, a railing and a river beyond
Looking out through the cave at the base of the hill.
A view over the rooftops of Guilin with a green canal and trees in the foreground and a line of sharp limestone peaks on the horizon under cloud
From the hill, Guilin's rooftops and the line of karst peaks beyond.
A grey granite elephant statue with a raised front foot standing on a lawn bordered by low clipped shrubs and stone path slabs
A stone elephant in the park below the hill.
A paved court with stone sculptures of baby elephants in front of a long carved stone relief wall, with a large leaf plant at the right
A court of elephant sculptures in front of a relief wall.

Practical

Things Worth Knowing

Come at the end of the day

Lights on the hill and the arch make the evening visit worthwhile, and daytime heat is easier to avoid.

Walk the river

The riverside promenade links the hill to other parts of the old centre.

Use it as an opener

A visit to the hill makes a short opening stop before a Li River trip.

Mind the steps

Paths up the hill are stone steps that can be damp.

Nearby

Other Stops on the Same Trip

Spot · downstream

Li River (漓江)

The river that the hill stands beside, and the main scenic corridor of the area from Guilin to Yangshuo.

A full day.

City guide

Guilin (桂林)

The city guide, with food, the old lakes and day trips into the karst.

Where to Base

Guilin (桂林)

The hill is in the centre of Guilin, so it works from any hotel in the city and pairs easily with a river trip or an evening walk.

A short stop with a strong image: go at either end of the day, look through the arch, and use it to start a day on the Li River.

Photo Credits

Related

Keep Exploring Guilin

Attractions in and around Guilin

Routes and day trips from Guilin

Plan a Guangxi Route That Includes Elephant Trunk Hill

Share the travel dates and interests, and our local team will build the route around Elephant Trunk Hill, with the Li River and Yangshuo.

Private routes in Yangshuo: Guilin to Yangshuo: Sights Along the Route, USD 305 per person for 2

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