
Elephant Trunk Hill
Iconic karst hill resembling an elephant drinking water, a symbol of Guilin with stunning riverside views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Elephant Trunk Hill
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic karst hill resembling an elephant drinking water, a symbol of Guilin with stunning riverside views.
"A wonderful experience when in Guilin, the hike to the top offers spectacular vistas."

🎯 Bring Your Passport!
Foreign tourists may need their passport for entry, even if admission is free. Always have it with you.
📸 Golden Hour Photo Ops
The late afternoon light creates stunning photos of the hill and river. Don't miss it!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Elephant Trunk Arch
Riverside
Witness the natural rock formation that strikingly resembles an elephant drinking from the Lijiang River.

Panoramic River Vistas
Summit
Hike up for breathtaking views of the Lijiang River and Guilin city. Best enjoyed during golden hour .

Riverside Stroll and Souvenirs
Base of the hill
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbanks, browse local stalls, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Passport and Entry Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Your Passport!
Foreign tourists may need their passport for entry, even if admission is free. Always have it with you.
📸 Golden Hour Photo Ops
The late afternoon light creates stunning photos of the hill and river. Don't miss it!
🚶♀️ Avoid Peak Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities.
🚢 Consider a River Cruise
Enjoy unique perspectives of the hill and surrounding scenery from the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Your Passport!
Foreign tourists may need their passport for entry, even if admission is free. Always have it with you.
📸 Golden Hour Photo Ops
The late afternoon light creates stunning photos of the hill and river. Don't miss it!
🚶♀️ Avoid Peak Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities.
🚢 Consider a River Cruise
Enjoy unique perspectives of the hill and surrounding scenery from the water.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and potentially some light hiking to reach viewpoints. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Elephant Trunk Hill is widely praised for its iconic natural formation and beautiful riverside setting, offering free entry for foreign tourists and a pleasant walking experience. While many enjoy the views and the lively atmosphere with souvenir stalls, some visitors note that it can get quite crowded, impacting the tranquility of the visit.
"I think it is interconnected with Guilin 2 rivers & 4 lakes because it is nearby to one another. The place is nice, the view is beautiful and it is quite crowded with so many tourists. The entrance is free and there are so many booths and stalls that sell food, drinks and souvenirs. The place is also clean. You can see an elephant shape on the hill and there are also activities like river Cruise and so on here."
Hafizun Mushtafa
"I recommend a stroll around Guilin, where this elephant-shaped hill, a symbol of the city, is located near the center. For foreign tourists, admission is free and no reservation is required. You must have a passport, which obviously applies to all of China."
Edoardo Carta
"Interesting place that has hundred years of history. Nice park to walk around in and enjoy the scenery.
It can be crowded so pick your tune to visit and avoid the crowd."
Joseph Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elephant Trunk Hill is conveniently located near the city center of Guilin, making it easily accessible. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from nearby attractions like the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area.
Local buses and taxis are also readily available options to reach the hill. Some travelers even incorporate it into a broader Guilin exploration, suggesting it's a central point to visit.Yes, Elephant Trunk Hill is often considered interconnected with or very close to the Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. It's a key landmark in the vicinity, and many visitors combine visits to both.
While Yangshuo is a popular destination in Guangxi, Elephant Trunk Hill is located in Guilin. You can visit Elephant Trunk Hill as part of a day trip to Guilin from Yangshuo, but it requires travel between the two cities, which takes about 1-1.5 hours by bus or car.
The most common and recommended way to travel between Guilin and Yangshuo is by high-speed train or by bus. The journey is relatively short and efficient, allowing for easy day trips or transfers between the two popular tourist hubs.
Given its central location, walking is a great option if you're exploring Guilin's downtown. Otherwise, local buses and taxis are plentiful and affordable. If you're coming from further afield, consider the high-speed train to Guilin North station and then a taxi or local transport to the hill.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Many reviews indicate that admission to Elephant Trunk Hill is free for foreign tourists, and no reservation is typically required. However, it's always wise to confirm current policies before your visit, as these can change.
Based on traveler feedback, advance booking is generally not necessary for Elephant Trunk Hill, especially for foreign tourists who often enjoy free entry.
While specific hours can vary, Elephant Trunk Hill is generally accessible for visitors to walk around and enjoy the scenery. It's advisable to check local listings for the most up-to-date information on official operating times, especially if you plan to access specific facilities or activities.
Yes, it is recommended to have your passport with you when visiting Elephant Trunk Hill, as it may be required for entry, particularly for foreign tourists.
Information on special passes or discounts is not widely available. However, the general consensus is that foreign tourists can enter for free, making it a very accessible attraction.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunity is capturing the 'elephant trunk' arch from the riverside. For panoramic shots of the Lijiang River and Guilin city, the summit offers spectacular vistas, especially during golden hour.
The riverside promenade also provides lovely angles with the hill in the background.Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for photography. The soft light during these times minimizes harsh shadows and creates a more atmospheric scene. Golden hour, just before sunset, is particularly magical for capturing the hill and river.
Absolutely! Winter can offer a unique photographic experience at Elephant Trunk Hill, with potential for cozy landscapes and a different ambiance. The hill can even be depicted in 'sweater looks' during this season.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at Elephant Trunk Hill. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in areas where it might be disruptive.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing the main sights. For landscape shots from the summit, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial. A tripod might be useful for low-light photography during sunrise or sunset. :iphone:
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk around the base of the hill, hike to viewpoints for panoramic city and river vistas, and browse souvenir stalls. River cruises are also available, offering a different perspective of the iconic landmark.
Yes, the area around Elephant Trunk Hill is well-suited for a leisurely stroll. The riverside paths are pleasant, and the park-like setting provides a relaxing environment to enjoy the scenery and take a break from more active sightseeing.
Elephant Trunk Hill can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and times. Travelers recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the largest influx of people and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Yes, there are numerous booths and stalls selling food, drinks, and souvenirs around the area. Restroom facilities are also typically available for visitors.
Elephant Trunk Hill holds historical significance and has been a point of interest for hundreds of years. It's a natural wonder that has become a symbol of Guilin, often featured in art and literature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are many booths and stalls located around Elephant Trunk Hill that sell a variety of food and drinks. You can find snacks and refreshments to enjoy while exploring the area.
Near Elephant Trunk Hill, you can typically find local snacks, beverages, and some quick meal options. These stalls cater to tourists, offering convenient bites as you explore the attraction.
While there are many stalls selling food and drinks, dedicated restaurants are not a primary feature within the immediate vicinity of Elephant Trunk Hill itself. However, Guilin city center, being nearby, offers a wide array of dining establishments.
In Guilin, be sure to try Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen), a local specialty. Other popular dishes include beer fish, stir-fried river snails, and various karst-themed cuisine.
It's a good idea to have a meal before or after your visit, as the stalls offer more snack-like options. Guilin's city center, which is easily accessible from Elephant Trunk Hill, has numerous restaurants offering a wider range of culinary experiences.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and Symbolism of Elephant Trunk Hill
The hill's unique form has led to various legends and stories, further embedding it in local folklore. The Taoist influence is also present in the region, with mountains often holding spiritual importance. Visitors often feel a sense of awe at the sheer natural artistry of the formation, appreciating its beauty and the stories it holds. The combination of geological wonder and cultural resonance makes Elephant Trunk Hill a truly captivating destination.
For those interested in the natural sciences, Elephant Trunk Hill offers a tangible example of karst processes. The erosion patterns are evident, showcasing how water can sculpt the landscape over vast timescales. The hill's accessibility allows for a close-up appreciation of these geological features, making it an educational as well as a visually stunning experience. It's a place where nature's artistry is on full display, inviting contemplation and wonder.
Experiencing Elephant Trunk Hill: Beyond the Icon
Beyond the hike, the area surrounding the hill is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The riverside promenade is lined with stalls selling souvenirs, local crafts, and refreshments, creating a lively atmosphere. This provides a great opportunity to soak in the local culture and pick up mementos. For a different perspective, river cruises are available, allowing you to admire the hill and its surroundings from the water, offering a serene and picturesque experience.
Travelers often recommend visiting during the 'golden hour' – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset – for the most dramatic lighting and photographic opportunities. This time also tends to be less crowded than midday. Some visitors even find the area to be a calm and quiet place to take a break from more hectic holiday activities, highlighting its versatility as a destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit