Elephant Trunk Hill: How to Visit Guilin’s Iconic Landmark
Elephant Trunk Hill is a landmark in Guilin, located beside the Li River in the city center. It combines karst scenery, natural caves, historic sites, and riverside viewpoints.
Most visitors can explore the main sights in about 1.5 to 2 hours. This guide covers what to see, a recommended walking route, admission and reservation information, opening hours, transportation, and what to visit nearby.
Quick Links: Elephant Trunk Hill Travel Guide
- What to See at Elephant Trunk Hill
- How to Visit Elephant Trunk Hill
- Best Time to Visit Elephant Trunk Hill
- How to Get to Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill at a Glance
| Information | Details |
| Location | Guilin, Guangxi |
| Chinese name | 象鼻山 (Xiangbishan) |
| Famous for | The elephant-shaped limestone hill and Li River views |
| Admission | Free |
| Reservation | Real-name registration is required; check the official channel for current reservation arrangements |
| Suggested visit time | About 1.5–2 hours |
| Main entrances | Gate 1 and Gate 3 |
| Exit | Gate 2 |
Why Is It Called Elephant Trunk Hill?
The name comes from the limestone formation that resembles an elephant standing beside the Li River. The curved rock extending toward the water looks like an elephant’s trunk, while the opening beneath it creates the impression of the animal drinking from the river.
The unusual shape has made Elephant Trunk Hill a well-known symbol of Guilin and a distinctive part of the city’s karst landscape.
What to See at Elephant Trunk Hill
Although the elephant-shaped hill is the main attraction, several smaller sights can be added in your walk.
Water Moon Cave
Water Moon Cave lies between the elephant’s trunk and body, with the river and surrounding rock creating a distinctive landscape.
The cave is also notable for its historical inscriptions. It contains 22 Tang and Song dynasty stone inscriptions containing 3,065 Chinese characters.
If you are interested in both scenery and history, allow some time to look at the inscriptions as you walk through the cave.
Puxian Pagoda
Puxian Pagoda sits on top of the hill. Reaching it involves a short climb, with views over the Li River and central Guilin from the top.
Elephant Eye Cave
Elephant Eye Cave is a natural opening in the hill that looks like an elephant’s eye. It is smaller than Water Moon Cave, and lies along the route after Puxian Pagoda.
Yunfeng Temple
Yunfeng Temple is another historic site within the scenic area. It includes the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Revolution Site Museum.
For a scenery-focused visit, this can be a brief stop.
Love Island and Riverside Views
Love Island follows the riverside and offers a wider view of Elephant Trunk Hill. You can see the hill from across the water and take photos of its full outline.
How to Visit Elephant Trunk Hill
You can visit the main sights at the hill in about 1.5–2 hours.
A walking route:
Gate 3 → Love Island → First Viewing Platform → Water Moon Cave → Puxian Pagoda → Elephant Eye Cave → Gate 2
Starting at Gate 3 lets you reach the riverside first, followed by the First Viewing Platform, Water Moon Cave, and Puxian Pagoda. From the hilltop, the route continues to Elephant Eye Cave before ending at Gate 2.
Allow additional time for photos, more sights, or the optional bamboo raft ride.
Best Photo Spots at Elephant Trunk Hill
There are three spots along the route where you can stop for different views of the hill:
- Love Island: A riverside perspective of the whole hill.
- First Viewing Platform: A wider view of the hill and the surrounding landscape.
- Puxian Pagoda: Views across the Li River and central Guilin from a higher viewpoint .
For the classic view of the “elephant” drinking from the river, the First Viewing Platform offers a clear view of the hill and the river together.
Elephant Trunk Hill Tickets, Reservation and Opening Hours
Is Elephant Trunk Hill Free?
Yes. It has been free to enter since January 31, 2022. Visitors need to complete the real-name registration before entering.
As entry arrangements may change, especially during busy holidays, check the latest notice from the official scenic area before your visit.
Where Do You Enter Elephant Trunk Hill?
There are three gates, but they do not all serve the same purpose:
| Gate | Function | Opening hours |
| Gate 1 | Entrance | 07:00–21:00 |
| Gate 2 | Exit only | 07:00–19:00 |
| Gate 3 | Entrance | 07:00–21:30 |
Before 19:00, Gate 3 is for entry only; from 19:00 onward, it can be used for both entry and exit.
Tip: Opening hours and entry arrangements can change during public holidays. Check the official scenic-area notice shortly before your visit.
How Long Do You Need at Elephant Trunk Hill?
The amount of time you need depends on how much of the scenic area you plan to visit.
- 30–60 minutes: Enough for a quick walk, a few photos of the hill, and some time by the river.
- 1–1.5 hours: Main viewpoints and Water Moon Cave, without climbing the hill.
- 1.5–2 hours: The main walking route, including Puxian Pagoda and Elephant Eye Cave.
- 2+ hours: More time for photography, smaller attractions, or the bamboo raft.
Best Time to Visit Elephant Trunk Hill
Weather and visitor numbers are the main factors to consider when planning your visit.
Best Time of Day
Arriving earlier in the morning means you can complete the riverside walk and climb to Puxian Pagoda before the hottest part of the day. This is especially important in summer.
If you want to avoid the midday heat and leave time for other attractions in central Guilin afterward, visit later in the afternoon. Check the current entrance hours when planning a late visit.
Best Season
Spring has mild temperatures, but March to May can bring more rain. Check the weather forecast if you plan to spend longer outdoors or take photos.
Summer is hot and humid, with frequent rain. Starting earlier in the day can reduce the time spent walking in the midday heat.
September and October generally have more comfortable temperatures for walking. Weather can still vary, so check the forecast before your visit.
Temperatures are cooler in winter, particularly in the morning, but the scenic area remains open for visits. Bring an extra layer if you are visiting early in the day.
Avoid the Busiest Holiday Periods
Visitor numbers tend to increase on weekends and public holidays. During busy periods, allow extra time for entry and movement around the scenic area. If your schedule is flexible, visiting on a weekday can get a more comfortable sightseeing experience.
How to Get to Elephant Trunk Hill
This scenic area is in central Guilin, so it is easy to reach from Guilin’s main railway stations and airport.
| From | Distance | By car | Public transport |
| Guilin Railway Station | about 2.5 km | ~10 min | ~25 min |
| Guilin North Railway Station | about 9 km | ~30 min | ~50 min |
| Guilin West Railway Station | about 15 km | ~40 min | ~1.5 h |
| Guilin Airport | about 30 km | ~55 min | ~2 h 20 min |
From Guilin Railway Station
Guilin Railway Station is about 2.5 km from the scenic area. By car, the journey takes around 10 minutes.
By bus, allow about 25 minutes. Bus 16 goes to Xiangshan Park Station, which is about a 150-meter walk from the scenic area’s Visitor Center. You can also take Bus 88 or 5 to Nanmen Bridge Station and walk about 470 meters from there.
From Guilin North Railway Station
Guilin North Railway Station is about 9 km from the attraction. A taxi or private transfer service takes around 30 minutes.
For public transportation, take Bus 100 to Yangqiao Station, then walk about 900 meters to the scenic area’s Visitor Center. The bus journey takes about 50 minutes.
If you are carrying large bags, a taxi or private transfer avoids the walk from the bus stop with your luggage.
From Guilin West Railway Station
Guilin West Railway Station is around 15 km from the hill. The journey takes about 40 minutes by car.
If you want to take public transportation, you can take Bus 22 to Ximen Bridge Station. From there, it is about an 850-meter walk to the scenic area’s Visitor Center. It takes about 1.5 hours.
From Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is about 30 km from Elephant Trunk Hill. A taxi or private transfer takes around 55 minutes, depending on traffic.
Public transportation takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. You can take the airport bus to the Civil Aviation Building Terminal, then walk about 50 meters to the stop for Bus 16 or 23. Get off at Xiangshan Park Station and walk about 150 meters to the scenic area’s Visitor Center.
If you are traveling directly from the airport, a private transfer avoids changing from the airport bus with city buses.
Travel tip: Bus routes and travel times can change with traffic and local transport adjustments. Check the latest route information on the day of travel, especially if you are visiting the scenic area before catching a train or flight.
Bamboo Raft Ride at Elephant Trunk Hill
A short bamboo raft ride is available in the water at the foot of Elephant Trunk Hill. It is an optional activity that offers a different view of the hill from the river.
| Item | Details |
| Price | CNY 50 per person |
| Capacity | Up to 4 people per raft |
| Duration | About 10 minutes |
| Location | Water area at the foot of Elephant Trunk Hill |
Prices and availability may change depending on conditions.
There are also local vendors near the river offering short bamboo-raft photo opportunities. These may involve a small boarding fee and an additional photography charge. If you do not want the photo service, you can simply decline it.
Where to Go After Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill can be combined with several nearby attractions when you visit Guilin. What you visit next depends on whether you want to stay in the city center or continue farther into the surrounding karst landscape.
Two Rivers and Four Lakes
If you plan for another 2–3 hours of sightseeing, continue to the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area. The water system runs through central Guilin and includes the Li River, Taohua River, and four city lakes.
Walk along the waterfront or take a sightseeing cruise, including evening cruises when available.
Reed Flute Cave
If you have half a day available, visit Reed Flute Cave after Elephant Trunk Hill to explore Guilin’s karst landscape from underground.
The two attractions show Guilin’s karst landscape both above and below ground.
Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
If you are planning a full-day outing, you can take a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. Instead of staying within the city, the journey takes you through the karst scenery along the river.
You can visit the hill in the morning, and continue to Yangshuo afterward.
Fubo Hill and Diecai Hill
Fubo Hill and Diecai Hill are two nearby attractions that offer more limestone scenery and elevated views.
For a full day of city sightseeing, you could follow a route such as:
Elephant Trunk Hill → Fubo Hill → Diecai Hill → Two Rivers and Four Lakes
You do not need to visit all of them in one day, and the route can be shortened depending on how much time you have.
Tips for Visiting Elephant Trunk Hill
Keep these points in mind before you visit:
- Bring your passport or other identification details for real-name registration if required.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The route includes walking and some uphill sections to Puxian Pagoda.
- Check the weather before climbing. Wet conditions can make steps and paths more slippery.
- Keep your visit flexible during holidays, as entry arrangements and visitor flow may be adjusted when the scenic area is busy.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elephant Trunk Hill free to visit?
Yes. Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area is free to enter. Visitors need to complete real-name registration before entering, and current registration arrangements should be checked before your visit.
Which entrance should I use for Elephant Trunk Hill?
Gate 1 and Gate 3 are entrances, while Gate 2 is for exiting. If you follow the suggested walking route in this article, start at Gate 3 and finish at Gate 2.
How long do I need at Elephant Trunk Hill?
Most visitors need about 1.5–2 hours to see the main sights, including Love Island, Water Moon Cave, Puxian Pagoda, and Elephant Eye Cave. Allow more time if you want to take photos or ride the bamboo raft.
Can I take a bamboo raft at Elephant Trunk Hill?
Yes. A short bamboo raft ride is available in the water area at the foot of the hill. It costs CNY 50 per person, with up to four people per raft, and takes about 10 minutes. It is an optional activity rather than a way to travel around the scenic area.