Elephant Trunk Hill

Reputed as the symbol of Guilin, the Elephant Trunk Hill is the most outstanding name card of Guilin landscape, which is a must-see for travelers both home and abroad. Perched at the intersection of Li River and Taohua River in Guilin downtown, the Elephant Trunk Hill was named after its great resemblance to a gigantic elephant dipping its trunk into the water. Covering an area of 12 hectares, the Elephant Trunk Hill Park boasts a variety of fascinating spots, including the Water-Moon Cave, Elephant Eye Cave, Puxian Pagoda and Love Island.

• Water-Moon Cave

Nestled between the trunk and the leg of the elephant, the Water Moon Cave is the most eye-catching spectacle in the park. Dating back to 12,000 years ago, the earth's crust was uplifted and the drainage area of Li River shrank as well, while the water flows corroded the hill into a round hole, with a length of 17 meters, width of 9.5 meted and height of 12 meters. With crystal clear water flowing through, the half-round cave casts a neat shadow on the river to form a glittering full moon naturally.

This remarkable sight had inspired a number of ancient litterateurs and poets to depict its natural beauty. More than 50 engravings were left on the cliff of the cave to witness the wonder of the Elephant Trunk Hill. In addition, the spectacle of Water-Moon Cave also makes the park become one of the best places to gaze at the moon in Guilin.



Photography Tip: Taking a raft on the Li River is the best way to shoot the symbolic sight of the Elephant Trunk Hill, which helps you to get an unblocked full view of the cave.

• Elephant Eye Cave

There is a 20-meter-long cave penetrating though the entire hillside, which looks like two eyes of the elephant hill. The tube-like cave used to be an ancient underground watercourse that exactly runs through the position of the eyes of an elephant. One could climb on stairs to reach the eye, where an amazing view of the city skyline and the Li River could be caught.

• Puxian Pagoda

On the meandering way up to the mountain top erects the centuries-old Puxian Pagoda that could be dated back to early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Seen from a distance, the pagoda looks like a handle of a sword piercing through the back of the elephant. The 13.6-meter-high pagoda was carved with the images of the Buddha Puxian Bodhisattva, which makes the locals believe that the hill is blessed by the gods. Standing by the side of the Pagoda, visitors could capture a refreshing panoramic view of Guilin city and emerald Li River.

• Love Island

Lying in the north side of the Elephant Trunk Hill, the Love Island is not only an ideal place for one to shoot the iconic image of the Water-Moon Cave, but also a serene place to take a leisurely walk. Endowed with verdant trees and flourishing flora, the charming island had been one of the most popular site for young couples to date, and that's why it is called Love Island.

• Sanhua Wine Cellar

Inside the belly of the Elephant Trunk Hill hides the time-honored Sanhua Wine Cellar. As the cave is blessed with a perfect temperature and humidity, it becomes a natural cellar to restore traditional Chinese rice liquor that amounts to one thousand tons.