Elephant Trunk Hill

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this place blew me away. The shape of the hill is so distinct — you can’t miss it. We took a leisurely walk along the river path, then climbed the observation area for a wider view. The water was calm and green, and the whole vibe was super relaxing. Even the little bridge offered a perfect framing of the hill. Definitely one of the best free-ish attractions in Guilin (just pay for the park entry). 10/10 would visit again.

This was my second time visiting Guilin, and Elephant Trunk Hill still made me smile. It’s touristy, yes, but for good reason. I love just sitting on the stone steps near the water, watching the ferries pass by and the light change on the hills. The area is clean, and there are plenty of spots to grab a cold drink nearby. If you like photography, come early in the morning before the crowds hit. Simply magical.

Westage 100% worth it. We took a bamboo raft cruise past Elephant Trunk Hill at sunset, and the way the light hit the rock made it look like a giant elephant drinking from the river. The surrounding park is lovely, with weeping willows and locals playing chess. It’s one of those rare spots where the photo you take actually looks like the postcard. Highly recommend the evening lighting show too!

We stopped by in the late afternoon and walked around the base of the hill. The elephant shape is really obvious from the main viewing area, and the reflection in the water was gorgeous. It’s a bit crowded with tour groups, and the signage to the best photo spots could be better, but overall it’s a solid stop. I’d say give it an hour, no need for the full day.

I really wanted to love this place, but the construction scaffolding on one side kind of ruined the classic view for me. The hill itself is neat, and the river walk is pleasant, but you can’t get that postcard shot right now. Also, the little boat ride felt overpriced for what it was. If you’re short on time, maybe just snap a photo from the bridge and move on.

Maybe I had too high expectations because of all the photos. Elephant Trunk Hill itself is neat, but the park was absolutely jammed when we went, and the boat ride felt rushed and overpriced. We also got chased by pushy vendors near the exit, which put a damper on it. The actual hill is cool to see up close, but the whole experience felt too commercial. Good for a quick photo, but nowhere to relax. I’d rate it 3/5.

We went here at sunset and honestly I nearly cried – the sky turned pink and the elephant silhouette turned dark against the Li River. There’s a spot along the riverbank where all the photographers gather, and we just stood there taking it in. The park itself was calm in the evening, with local grandparents playing music and kids running around. It felt both like an attraction and a real neighborhood park. I would absolutely come back just to watch the light change.

It is a nice park and the elephant rock is iconic, but I’ll be honest: after the first five minutes it’s basically a photo stop. The entrance fee felt a little high for what you get, though the grounds are well kept. We took a short cruise around the hill and the water was a bit murky, but okay. If you’re in Guilin it’s worth a quick visit, but don't expect to spend more than an hour here.

Elephant Trunk Hill isn't huge, but it’s absolutely worth the stop. I loved the park walk along the river, the banyan trees, and the way the karst peaks frame every photo. The best part was hiking up to the top for a view over the city – short climb, not bad at all. We came around 4pm and the light made the rock look golden. A bit of a tourist magnet, but the scenery carries it. Would recommend combining it with a river walk.

We went early around 7am before the tour buses arrived. Standing by the river with the mist still on the water, you can see exactly why this is Guilin’s postcard spot. The elephant’s trunk reaching down to the Li River is wild to see in person. Took the little bamboo raft for a close-up, and the reflection in the calm water was perfect. Even my teenage kids said it was 'actually cool' – high praise. If you’re in Guilin, just go.

As a landscape photographer, Elephant Trunk Hill is a goldmine. The lighting at golden hour is phenomenal – the reflection of the hill in the calm water creates a perfect mirror image. I got some incredible shots from the opposite bank, which you can reach via a small ferry. The park itself is very photogenic with old banyan trees and pagodas. It’s compact but packed with beauty. I’ll come back again next time I’m in Guangxi. Truly a gem.

I’ve seen photos of Elephant Trunk Hill for years, so finally seeing it in person was a dream come true. The park is small but charming, with lovely walking paths along the Li River. I loved sitting on the bench near the water, just watching the boats go by and the light change on the hill. There’s a little bridge that gives you a perfect view for photos. It’s peaceful if you go early, and the staff were friendly. Definitely the highlight of my Guilin trip!

Honestly, I was a bit let down. Yes, you can see the elephant trunk shape from the right angle, but the whole area is packed with tourists and souvenir stalls. It felt more like a commercialized photo op than a natural wonder. The entry fee is reasonable, but once you’ve taken the mandatory picture, there’s not much else to do. I spent maybe 30 minutes here and moved on. If you have limited time in Guilin, I’d skip it and go to the Reed Flute Cave instead.

A beautiful and iconic landmark, no doubt. I visited early in the morning to avoid the crowds, which was a smart move. The rock formation really does look like an elephant trunk. There’s a small bamboo raft ride nearby that gives you a different angle – worth the few extra yuan. The only downside is that the area can feel a bit too touristy during peak hours, with vendors constantly trying to sell you things. But overall, a pleasant and scenic experience that I’d recommend.

Elephant Trunk Hill is one of those postcard-perfect spots in Guilin. The view from the hill is stunning, especially around sunset when the light hits the river. I took the classic photo of the elephant drinking water – it’s exactly like the pictures. The park itself is clean, well-maintained, and easy to walk around. I spent about two hours here, just soaking it all in. Would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Guilin, it’s a must-see natural wonder.

Honestly a bit underwhelming. The hill is much smaller than I expected from the iconic photos, and the water level was quite low so the 'trunk' didn't really look like it was drinking. The park was packed even on a weekday, and the paths are narrow so you're constantly dodging selfie sticks. Paid 90 yuan for a combo ticket that included a boat ride, but the boat trip was short and noisy. Not the worst thing I've done, but I'd skip it if you're short on time. Guilin's other hills offer better views without the circus.

Really cool geological formation and a great photo op, but I have to knock off one star because it felt a bit touristy and overpriced. The entrance fee was 75 yuan which is steep for what's essentially a 30-minute visit. Also, there were tons of vendors right at the entrance pushing souvenirs and boat rides. Still, the trunk shape is unique and the surrounding park is pleasant. Worth seeing once, but manage your expectations on the 'hike' — it's more of a short stroll.

We brought our two kids and they loved it. The hill isn't too hard to climb, and the kids enjoyed pretending the elephant was real. The park is clean and has restrooms and a few snack stalls. It was quite crowded around 10am but still manageable. Beautiful setting with the river and green hills all around. One of those places that looks even better in person than in pictures. Highly recommended!

A true natural wonder! I've seen many karst formations in China, but Elephant Trunk Hill is one of the most iconic. The best part is standing on the viewing platform and watching the silhouette against the sunset. Also climbed to the top for a panoramic view of the Li River. Tickets were reasonable, and there's a small pagoda and temple nearby to explore. Perfect spot for both nature lovers and photographers.

Absolutely stunning! The view of Elephant Trunk Hill from the river is breathtaking — the trunk dipping into the water looks exactly like a real elephant drinking. We took the bamboo raft ride early in the morning when the mist was still rising, and it felt magical. The park itself is well-maintained with nice walking paths. Definitely a must-see in Guilin, 10/10 recommend going at sunrise to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos.

We came as a family with two kids (ages 7 and 10) and everyone had a blast! The kids loved the little cave inside the 'elephant's trunk' and climbing the stairs to the top for a panoramic view. There's a small bridge and some ducks in the river that kept them entertained. We also took a bamboo raft ride nearby – not too bumpy, perfect for young ones. The area is safe and clean, with plenty of benches and shade. A very memorable afternoon that didn't break the bank. Highly recommended for families!

Absolute icon of Guilin – and for good reason! I'm a hobby photographer and this spot gave me so many keepers. The best angle is from the opposite bank, especially at sunset when the sky turns orange and pink. There's even a small pagoda on top that adds character to the shots. Water was calm and reflective the day I visited. The park entrance fee was very reasonable (about 55 yuan). I spent almost three hours here just exploring every viewpoint. Don't miss it!

Hands down one of the coolest natural formations I've ever seen! The way the rock curves into the water really does look like an elephant drinking. I went early in the morning and had the place almost to myself – the mist over the Li River was absolutely breathtaking. The park around it is well-maintained with nice walking paths and little pavilions. I sat on a bench for an hour just watching the light change. If you love geology or photography, this is a must-do in Guilin. 10/10 recommend.

Nice spot, but not quite as magical as I'd hoped. The hill is impressive from a distance, but once you get up close the area feels a bit run-down – some trash around the banks, and the souvenir sellers are a bit pushy. We took a short boat ride which was okay, but the guide barely spoke English. Still, you get a good view of the city skyline from the top, and the walk along the river is pleasant. Worth a quick visit, just don't expect a pristine natural wonder.

I really wanted to love this place, but the sheer number of tourists made it hard to enjoy. You have to elbow your way to get a decent photo of the iconic trunk. The water was also pretty murky the day I went – not the crystal clear reflection you see on postcards. It's a unique natural formation, no doubt, but the experience felt rushed and overcrowded. I'd say skip the peak hours if you can, otherwise you'll leave a bit disappointed.

Photographer's paradise! The best shot is from the opposite bank of the Li River just before sunset – the warm light hitting the karst and the reflection in the water is unreal. I spent a good two hours just changing angles and waiting for the right clouds. The hill itself is small, but the composition possibilities are endless. Bring a wide-angle lens. Definitely one of my favorite spots in China.

We brought our two kids (ages 6 and 9) here and they loved it! The elephant shape is so fun and easy to spot – they were pointing and laughing. The walking paths are stroller-friendly, and there were plenty of benches to rest. We also took a short boat ride which gave a great angle of the hill. Only minor downside: the souvenir stalls are a bit pushy, but that's common in China. Overall a really enjoyable family outing.

What a serene spot! I visited early in the morning around 7am and had the place almost to myself. The reflection of the hill in the calm river was magical. There's a little teahouse nearby where I sat with a cup of jasmine tea just soaking in the atmosphere. It's not a huge attraction, but the peacefulness and natural beauty make it a perfect start to a day exploring Guilin.

I was pretty excited to see Elephant Trunk Hill, but honestly it felt a bit underwhelming. Yes, it looks like an elephant drinking water, but the area is overrun with selfie sticks and tour groups. You can barely get a clear photo without people in the frame. The park itself is nice enough but nothing special compared to other spots in Guilin. For a quick photo stop it's fine, but I wouldn't plan more than 20 minutes here.

Elephant Trunk Hill is absolutely iconic and lives up to the photos! The view of the hill from the Li River is picture-perfect, especially in the late afternoon light. We took a bamboo raft ride nearby and got some amazing shots. The park around it is clean and well-maintained. Totally worth the visit, a must-see in Guilin!

We went on a rainy afternoon and had the place almost to ourselves. The mist gave the whole scene a dreamy, ethereal feel. I loved how the water reflections made the elephant trunk look even more lifelike. There are some nice walking paths and a little bridge that offers a great photo op. Only downside: the restrooms were not very clean and the signage in English is limited. Still, a beautiful and peaceful experience.

Decent attraction but overpriced for what it is. ¥55 per person feels steep for a small park that you can walk through in 30 minutes. The hill itself is impressive, but there's not much else to do—a few souvenir stalls, a tea house that was closed when we went. If you're on a tight schedule or budget, you might be better off enjoying the view from the riverbank for free. A solid 3-star experience.

Absolutely stunning! The Elephant Trunk Hill is a must-see in Guilin. The best part was taking a bamboo raft ride right past the hill—you get a completely different perspective from the water. The park also has a small temple and some lovely gardens. We went at sunset and the golden light hitting the rock formation was magical. I’d recommend this to anyone visiting Guilin; it’s iconic for a reason.

Nice spot but way too crowded during peak hours. We went at 10am and it was packed with tour groups. The actual hill is cool, but you can't really get a good photo without people photobombing. The park itself is clean and well-maintained, but I wish they’d cap the number of visitors. For the entrance fee, I expected a bit more peace and quiet. Okay for a quick stop, but don't plan on spending more than an hour here.

We visited on a misty morning, and the hill looked like something out of a Chinese painting. The famous elephant trunk shape is even more striking in person. A short climb to the top gives you a panoramic view of the Li River and the city—absolutely worth the effort. I loved the quiet spots by the water where you can just sit and watch the bamboo rafts drift by. One of the most memorable natural landmarks I've ever seen.

Honestly, I expected more. I've seen many karst formations in China, and this one didn't stand out to me. The park was crowded and noisy, with vendors constantly trying to sell stuff. The path around the hill is short and took maybe 20 minutes. Not worth the 60 yuan if you ask me.

Perfect photo spot! I came here specifically for sunset and wasn't disappointed. The light hitting the limestone was magical. There's a small observation deck that gives a great angle. Only downside: some areas felt a bit run-down, and the restrooms were not very clean. Still, a memorable visit.

I loved the unique shape of the hill, it really does look like an elephant drinking water! The walk along the Li River nearby is peaceful. Some parts of the park could use better signage, but overall a pleasant afternoon. Would recommend going on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Pretty cool spot, but honestly a bit overhyped. The hill itself is neat, but the whole area was packed with tour groups. You can get a decent photo from outside the park for free. The ticket price felt steep for what's basically just one rock formation and a small park. Okay if you have time to kill.

Absolutely stunning! The view of Elephant Trunk Hill from the opposite bank is iconic. I went early in the morning and the mist over the river made it look like a painting. Definitely worth the entrance fee, and the park around it is well maintained. A must-see in Guilin.