The Ultimate Guide to Elephant Trunk Hill Park

Introduction: The City’s Emblem

If you visit Guilin without seeing Elephant Trunk Hill, you have not truly visited Guilin. Located at the confluence of the Li River and the Taohua River, this iconic hill is widely regarded as the symbol of the city and the representative image of Guilin's karst landscape. The hill appears exactly like a giant elephant standing by the riverbank, dipping its long trunk into the water to drink.

Historically, this park was a paid attraction, costing visitors 50 RMB for entry. However, a significant and welcome change for travelers is that the park is now completely free to the public. As a National 5A Tourist Attraction, it seamlessly blends natural mountain scenery with humanities and landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for photographers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The hill itself is an ancient geological wonder, formed approximately 360 million years ago.

The Legend of the Divine Elephant

To truly appreciate the hill, you must understand the touching mythology behind it. Legend has it that the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven, went on a southern tour with a mighty entourage. During this journey, one of his divine elephants fell ill. Callously, the Jade Emperor abandoned the sick creature by the banks of the Li River.

The local people of Guilin found the suffering elephant. They cared for it and treated its illness until it regained its health. Grateful for the kindness of the humans and captivated by the beautiful scenery of Guilin, the elephant decided to stay on earth. It dedicated itself to helping the locals plow their fields and watch over their crops.

When the Jade Emperor discovered the elephant had recovered but refused to return to heaven, he was furious. He dispatched the "Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King" (Li Jing) and an army of celestial soldiers to capture the beast. The elephant refused to submit, fighting the celestial army for seven days and nights.

Tragically, while the elephant was drinking water at the riverbank, the Heavenly King sneaked up behind it. He plunged his sword into the elephant's back, killing it. The elephant did not fall; instead, it turned to stone, transforming into the Elephant Trunk Hill we see today. This story adds a layer of solemn heroism to the stone structures you will explore during your visit.

Exploring the Park: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. The Base: Water Moon Cave (Shuiyue Dong) Your exploration begins at the foot of the hill. The most distinctive feature here is the Water Moon Cave, located naturally between the elephant's "trunk" and its "legs". This semicircular cave is a masterpiece of nature, measuring 17 meters long, 9.5 meters wide, and 12 meters high.

The cave gets its poetic name because, when viewed from the water, the cave opening and its reflection form a perfect, bright moon floating on the river. This phenomenon, known as "Elephant Hill Water Moon," is one of Guilin's most famous scenic wonders. As you explore the area, pay attention to the stone walls; there are many ancient stone inscriptions carved into the rock, leaving a cultural imprint on the natural stone.

2. The Ascent: Climbing the Elephant Prepare for a workout. To reach the top, you must climb the stone steps. The hill rises about 50 to 60 meters above the water level. Be cautious, as the stairs are steep and can be quite slippery, especially if it has been raining.

3. The Halfway Point: Elephant Eye Rock As you ascend, you will reach the "Elephant Eye" (Xiangyan) located halfway up the hill. This cave sits exactly where the elephant's eye would be. It is a tunnel roughly 50 meters long that passes through the hill. Walking to the end of this cave offers a fantastic vantage point. It acts as a natural frame for the city, allowing you to gaze out at the urban landscape of Guilin spread out below you.

4. The Summit: Puxian Pagoda Upon reaching the flat summit, you will find the Puxian Pagoda. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this solid, bottle-shaped Buddhist pagoda stands 13.6 meters tall. Its architecture is unique; from a distance, it resembles a precious vase carried on the elephant's back. In the context of the legend, it represents the handle of the sword that the Heavenly King used to slay the elephant. Standing here, despite the sweat from the climb, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the river and the city. Note that for safety and crowd control, the park utilizes a one-way loop system: you will ascend via one path and descend via a separate path.

The Best Viewing Angles

The Riverbank (Gate 2 Area) While climbing the hill offers views from the elephant, the best views of the elephant are from across the water. After descending, head toward the Gate 2 area. This location offers the classic "profile view" of the elephant drinking water.

This area is bustling with activity. You will find designated photo spots equipped with props like bamboo rafts and fishing cormorants. Be aware that this is where tour groups concentrate, so it can get crowded. If you wish to experience the river more intimately, you can take a boat tour for 50 RMB per person, which lasts about an hour.

Love Island Continue walking past the photo spots to reach Love Island. This area consists of three small islands connected together. It earned its name because local young couples traditionally came here to date. The vegetation here is lush and green, and the area is dotted with sculptures themed around love.

From Love Island, your perspective of the hill changes completely. Instead of a drinking elephant, the hill from this angle resembles a hedgehog or a giant mouse. It is a quieter area with open views, perfect for capturing unique photographs away from the main crush of tourists.

Conclusion

Elephant Trunk Hill is small but significant. Although you might feel tired after completing the full loop of climbing and walking the grounds, the experience is essential for understanding Guilin. Whether you are marveling at the geological formation of the Water Moon Cave, reflecting on the tragic legend of the divine elephant, or simply enjoying the free access to a 5A scenic spot, this park remains the heart of Guilin’s identity.