Zizhou Park
Zizhou Park offers iconic Li River scenery, the famous Elephant Trunk Rock, and stunning seasonal tulip festivals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Better river levels & blooms
Zizhou Park
Best Time
Better river levels & blooms
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Zizhou Park offers iconic Li River scenery, the famous Elephant Trunk Rock, and stunning seasonal tulip festivals.
"Amazing place, big and nice with iconic views, but be prepared for weather and payment vigilance."
☔ Bring an Umbrella
Tulip festivals often fall in the rainy season. Be prepared for showers to fully enjoy your visit. :umbrella:
🚗 Consider Shuttle Vouchers
The park is large! Shuttle vouchers are recommended for seniors and kids to save energy. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Elephant Trunk Rock
Riverfront
Marvel at the famous rock formation resembling an elephant's trunk, a quintessential Guilin landmark.
Vibrant Tulip Festivals
Designated festival areas
Experience the breathtaking beauty of extensive tulip displays during the winter to spring festival season.
Scenic River Views
Along the Li River
Enjoy picturesque vistas of the Li River, though water levels can vary seasonally.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Tulips
Navigating the Vast Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☔ Bring an Umbrella
Tulip festivals often fall in the rainy season. Be prepared for showers to fully enjoy your visit. :umbrella:
🚗 Consider Shuttle Vouchers
The park is large! Shuttle vouchers are recommended for seniors and kids to save energy. :bus:
💰 Watch Your Payments
Be vigilant with transactions; some visitors have reported payment mix-ups. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Elephant Trunk
Don't miss a photo with the iconic elephant trunk rock formation. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
☔ Bring an Umbrella
Tulip festivals often fall in the rainy season. Be prepared for showers to fully enjoy your visit. :umbrella:
🚗 Consider Shuttle Vouchers
The park is large! Shuttle vouchers are recommended for seniors and kids to save energy. :bus:
💰 Watch Your Payments
Be vigilant with transactions; some visitors have reported payment mix-ups. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Elephant Trunk
Don't miss a photo with the iconic elephant trunk rock formation. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zizhou Park is praised for its natural beauty, particularly the iconic Elephant Trunk Rock and seasonal tulip festivals. Visitors appreciate the scenic Li River views and the convenience of the shuttle service for navigating the large park. However, some reviewers mention inconsistent food quality at park restaurants and advise caution regarding payment transactions.
"Amazing place, big and nice. Tulip festivals but when I come the tulips season almost finish, better bring umbrela as the festivals usually during winter to spring and usually in raining season. Have food stall, gift and souvenir shop, you can take picture with most famous guilin elephant trunk! If its not raining def can explore more. You can buy the shuttle car voucer (recomended for old ppl and kids as the place is really big)"
Rowinda Tj
"Somewhere you could see the iconic view of the city. But this season is a little bit disappointing due to a lack of water in the river. Some part of the riverbed came out of the water. Come here on spring would be better based on local's recommendation."
Tanya Tang
"We stayed at the hotel inside. It's a small park, nice and well managed. There's a view of the 'famous' elephant rock."
Riccardo Ruffilli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zizhou Park is accessible by local buses and taxis from Guilin city center. Many visitors opt for a taxi for convenience, especially if staying nearby. The park is also a popular stop for river cruises along the Li River.
Zizhou Park is located on the Li River, a short distance from Guilin's main urban area. Travel time by car is typically around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
While possible, Zizhou Park is quite large, and walking from Guilin city might be a significant distance. It's more practical to use local transport or join a tour.
If you're coming from Yangshuo, it's best to take a bus or a private car back towards Guilin and stop at Zizhou Park. Direct transport from Yangshuo is less common.
Yes, Zizhou Park has parking facilities available for visitors arriving by private car or taxi. Parking fees may apply.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, especially during festival periods. It's advisable to check the official website or local ticketing platforms for the most current pricing. Expect higher fees during the tulip festivals.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, particularly during peak seasons like the tulip festivals, to avoid long queues and ensure entry. Online booking platforms often offer discounts.
Zizhou Park generally opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. Specific hours can change seasonally, so it's best to verify before your visit.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or children. Group bookings can also sometimes secure better rates. Check for any available promotions online.
Yes, tickets are typically available for purchase at the entrance. However, to save time and guarantee entry, especially during busy periods, pre-booking is a good strategy.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Zizhou Park offers scenic views of the Li River, the iconic Elephant Trunk Rock, and during season, beautiful tulip gardens. You can also find food stalls, souvenir shops, and enjoy the natural landscape.
Yes, Zizhou Park is family-friendly. The shuttle car service is particularly helpful for families with young children or elderly members, making it easier to explore the vast grounds.
To fully appreciate the park, especially if you plan to use the shuttle and explore the gardens, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you're attending a festival, you might spend longer.
Yes, Zizhou Park provides essential facilities including restrooms and various food stalls offering local snacks and refreshments. There are also souvenir shops.
Given its size, utilizing the park's shuttle car service is highly recommended. This allows you to efficiently visit different viewpoints and attractions without tiring yourself out.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Inside Zizhou Park, you'll find food stalls offering local snacks, beverages, and light meals. While convenient, some reviews suggest the quality might not be exceptional, so consider dining outside the park for more variety.
Reviews indicate that the restaurant options within Zizhou Park may not offer the best culinary experience. It might be better to explore dining options in Guilin city or along the Li River for higher quality meals.
Generally, bringing your own food and drinks is permissible in most parks, but it's always good to check specific park regulations. This can be a budget-friendly option.
For authentic local cuisine, it's best to venture back into Guilin city center or explore the areas along the Li River outside the immediate park vicinity. Ask locals for their favorite recommendations.
Some hotels within Zizhou Park may offer room service, but reviews suggest the meal quality might be inconsistent. It's worth inquiring directly with the hotel about their services.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spot is undoubtedly the Elephant Trunk Rock. Other great locations include viewpoints along the Li River and, during the season, the vibrant tulip fields.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow. This is also when crowds might be thinner.
Drone usage is often restricted in tourist areas and national parks to ensure safety and protect wildlife. It's crucial to check Zizhou Park's specific regulations regarding drones before flying.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and the Elephant Trunk Rock. If visiting during the tulip festival, a macro lens can capture the intricate details of the flowers.
While specific photography tours for Zizhou Park might be rare, many Guilin photography tours include the Li River and its surrounding attractions, which would cover the park's highlights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for open spaces where kids can safely run around, and be sure to point out the Elephant Trunk Rock – it's a fun landmark for kids to spot. If visiting during the tulip season, the colorful flowers will be a big hit. Remember to bring an umbrella or rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable, especially during the festival months.
💰 Budget Travelers
Check for online ticket discounts in advance, as sometimes booking ahead can secure a better price. Visiting outside of the peak tulip festival season might also mean lower admission fees and fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed and cost-effective experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of the river's water levels, as this can significantly affect the composition of your shots. While the park is beautiful year-round, the combination of blooming tulips and potentially misty mornings during the rainy season can create unique photographic opportunities. Always check park regulations regarding drone usage if you plan to capture aerial shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Tulip Festivals
While the tulips are a highlight, it's important to note that the river's water levels can fluctuate, especially outside of the peak spring season. Some visitors have noted that during drier periods, parts of the riverbed might be exposed, slightly diminishing the scenic effect. Local recommendations often suggest visiting in spring for the best combination of blooming flowers and adequate water levels, ensuring a more picturesque experience.
Attending the tulip festival means embracing the possibility of mixed weather. Despite potential rain, the sheer beauty of the floral displays and the unique atmosphere make it a memorable experience. Planning your visit around the festival dates can offer a chance to see Zizhou Park at its most visually stunning, provided you're ready for the elements.
Navigating Zizhou Park's Expansive Grounds
The shuttle service is a practical solution that many visitors, including those with mobility concerns, find invaluable. It ensures that you can experience the park's beauty, from the famous Elephant Trunk Rock to the expansive gardens, without the strain of extensive walking. This makes the park accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of visitors.
Beyond the shuttle, comfortable walking shoes are essential if you plan to explore on foot. The park offers numerous walking paths that allow for a more intimate appreciation of the scenery. Balancing the use of the shuttle with leisurely strolls can provide the ideal way to experience Zizhou Park's natural charm and iconic landmarks.
Understanding the Li River's Seasonal Flow
This variability means that the iconic scenery can look quite different depending on when you visit. While the Elephant Trunk Rock remains a constant, the expansive, flowing river that often accompanies it might be less pronounced during drier periods. Local advice often points to spring as a favorable time for visiting the park, as it generally offers a good balance of blooming flora and sufficient water levels in the Li River.
To manage expectations, it's helpful to be aware of these seasonal changes. If a full, majestic river view is a priority, researching the typical water levels for your intended travel dates can be beneficial. Regardless of the water level, the natural beauty and unique rock formations of Zizhou Park continue to offer a compelling experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit