Elephant Trunk Hill

Address No. 1 Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin, Guangxi
Hours 07:00–21:30
Phone +86 773 2280209
Announcement: City Landmark
Entrance ¥0
Hours 07:00–21:30
Best Season April–October (Bes...
Time needed 1–2 hours
Last visit: Jul 11, 2026
Author: Chen Liu
Reviewer: Wenjing Pan
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Elephant Trunk Hill Overview

The iconic landmark of Guilin, a limestone karst hill resembling a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River.

Elephant Trunk Hill Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 07:00–21:30
  • Best season: April–October (Best viewed in the early morning or during the evening light show)
  • Ticket note: Entry is free for tourists, but advance reservation via the official WeChat mini...

Essential Elephant Trunk Hill Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 773 2280209
  • Paved walkways
  • Photo platforms
  • Gift shops
  • Restrooms

How to Get to Elephant Trunk Hill

Easily accessible by walking from central Guilin, or take Bus No. 2, 16, or 23 to Xiangshan Park station.

Elephant Trunk Hill Travel Safety & Advice

Park security and first aid available on site. Guilin People's Hospital is located nearby.

Practical Info

  • No. 1 Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin, Guangxi
  • 07:00–21:30
  • +86 773 2280209
Chen Liu
Chen Liu
Certified Senior Tour Guide
Chen Liu, a Guangzhou-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Central South China itineraries covering Guilin, Yangshuo, Shamian Island, and Chaozhou tea-culture alleys.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.2 (20 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Entry is free for tourists, but advance reservation via the official WeChat mini...

Online booking may be required

Tips

Take a bamboo raft ride near the hill for a better, unobstructed angle of the 'Water Moon' cave.

Reality Check

  • Very quick visit, sometimes feels overly commercialized
  • Best photos are taken from a distance
  • Crowded photo spots during weekends
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Recent Reviews

4.2 ★★★★☆ (20)
FamilyFunTra Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

PhotoGrammer Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

NatureLover_ Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

MikeTravels Jul 06, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

Wanderlust_J Jul 06, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

PhotoGeek_St Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

FamilyFun_Ja Jun 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

SoloWanderer Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

Hiker_Dave_4 Jun 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

TravelBug_Ti Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

Luna_Wandere Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

Eco_Travel_S Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

Globetrotter Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

TimK_88 Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

Sarah_Jane_A Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

Globetrotter May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

Nina_Shutter May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

PeteAdventur May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

Jess_Travels May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

MountainMave May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

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Elephant Trunk Hill Travel FAQ

What's the single best time of day to visit Elephant Trunk Hill?
Hands down, it's the first opening hour (7:00-8:30 AM). You'll have the light, the fewest crowds (mostly locals doing tai chi in the park), and the coolest temperature. The second-best is after 4:00 PM. Midday is a compromise of convenience over quality.
Is it worth paying extra for the boat ride that goes close to the hill?
The short bamboo raft ride from the park's pier is a fun 5-minute experience, especially with kids. It gets you on the water. But the longer Li River cruises that depart from other wharves are a separate, all-day activity. For the hill itself, the raft is a nice add-on if you have the budget, but walking gives you better control over angles and time.
Are there good food options right near the park?
Immediately outside the gate are touristy stalls (corn, drinks, souvenirs). For a real meal, walk 10 minutes north on Binjiang Road. Look for small shops with pictures of noodles. "Chongshan Rice Noodles" is a reliable local chain nearby. My go-to order is the classic guilin mifen with braised pork, peanuts, and pickled vegetables.
Is Elephant Trunk Hill suitable for visitors with limited mobility or young children?
The riverside path and Water Moon Cave are flat and accessible. However, the climb to the top pagoda involves many steep, uneven stone steps and is not stroller-friendly. For a family with toddlers, stick to the lower loop. The park is manageable with a baby carrier if you want to hike up.
How does Elephant Trunk Hill compare to other Guilin hills like Fubo or Diecai?
Elephant Trunk is the iconic symbol, best for that one legendary photo and a compact park experience. Fubo Hill offers more dramatic cave systems inside the hill itself. Diecai Hill has the absolute best panoramic view of the city. If you only have time for one, choose Elephant Trunk for the icon. If you have a day, do Elephant Trunk in the morning and Diecai for sunset views.
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