Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area
The Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area, located in Guilin, China, is a UNESCO Global Geopark renowned for its iconic karst landscape and cultural significance. Shaped like a giant elephant sipping water from the Li River, the hill has been a symbol of Guilin for centuries and is celebrated in Chinese poetry and art. Covering 11.88 hectares, the park blends natural wonders with historical landmarks, including the ancient Puxian Pagoda and water caves. Designated a national AAAA-rated tourist attraction, it offers visitors a unique fusion of geological marvels and cultural heritage.
Historical Overview
The hill’s name dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), when poets and scholars first documented its elephant-like silhouette. The PuXian Pagoda, perched atop the hill, was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD) as a Buddhist shrine dedicated to the bodhisattva Samantabhadra. Over millennia, the hill has inspired legends, including a myth about an elephant turned to stone by the Jade Emperor for refusing to return to heaven. In 1963, it was officially protected as a scenic spot, becoming a cornerstone of Guilin’s tourism industry.
Structural Layout
The park is centered around Elephant Trunk Hill, with key features organized along the Li River:
Water Moon Cave: A semicircular arch beneath the hill, creating a "moon through water" illusion at dusk.
Puxian Pagoda: A 13.6-meter-tall stone tower with eight sides, symbolizing the Eightfold Path of Buddhism.
Love Island: A small peninsula connected to the hill, offering panoramic views of the river and hills.
Cloud-Piercing Path: A stone staircase winding up the hill to the pagoda and observation decks.
Major Attractions
Elephant Trunk Hill: The park’s namesake, offering photo ops from the riverbank or the hilltop.
Shuiyue Cave: A natural archway where the moon’s reflection shimmers in the water.
Puxian Pagoda: Explore the Buddhist carvings and enjoy views of Guilin’s cityscape.
Love Island Park: Stroll through bamboo groves, pavilions, and sculptures celebrating love and harmony.
Shangye Ancient Ferry: A reconstructed historic crossing point on the Li River.
Elephant Eye Cave: A small grotto near the hill’s "eye," with ancient inscriptions.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (1–2 hours):
Shuiyue Cave → Elephant Trunk Hill Viewpoint → Puxian Pagoda → Love Island.
Highlights: Iconic photo spots and the pagoda’s architecture.
Extended Route (3–4 hours):
Shangye Ancient Ferry → Cloud-Piercing Path → Elephant Eye Cave → Love Island Cultural Area.
Highlights: Hiking, caves, and local folklore.
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Morning: Classic Route + boat tour on the Li River.
Afternoon: Extended Route + tea ceremony at Love Island Pavilion.
Highlights: Immersive cultural and natural experiences.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program or travel platforms (e.g., Ctrip, Fliggy) up to 7 days in advance.
On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance, but queues may be long during peak seasons.
Prices:
Adults: ¥55 (peak season), ¥50 (off-season).
Students/Seniors: ¥27.5 (peak), ¥25 (off-season).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Bus: Routes 2, 16, 23, or 57 to "Elephant Trunk Hill Station."
Taxi: Direct to the park entrance (15-minute drive from Guilin city center).
Bike: Rent a shared bike and cycle along the Li River promenade.
Boat: Some Li River cruise tours include a stop at the hill.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–3 PM; visit early (7:30–9 AM) or late (4–6 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays are ideal.
Weather: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (steep paths and stairs).
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.
Photography allowed (tripods prohibited in crowded areas).
Prohibited items: Drones, loudspeakers, and littering.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
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