Detailed Guide to Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin: A Landmark Wonder in a Landscape Painting

Elephant Trunk Hill, the city emblem of Guilin, is the most poetic natural wonder along the Li River. This mountain, resembling an elephant drinking water, represents the soul of Guilin's landscape. If you're planning a trip to Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill is an absolute must-visit first stop! Basic Information Address: No. 1 Minzhu Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin Admission: Free with advance reservation Opening Hours: 7:00-21:30 (Best visiting time: early morning or sunset) Transportation: - Bus: Take bus routes 2, 16, or 23 to "Xiangshan Park" station - Taxi/Self-driving: Navigate to "Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area Gate 1/3" Must-Visit Spots 1. Best Photo Spots Front view: After entering Gate 1, walk along the riverside path to shoot the "elephant trunk" and its reflection from Water Moon Cave. Side view: Climb up to "Elephant Eye Rock" or "Puxian Pagoda" for an overlook of Li River and Guilin city. Zizhou Park Observation Deck (free): Located across the river, perfect for panoramic views, especially at sunset. 2. Water Moon Cave A natural cave between the trunk and body of the elephant. Passing through by bamboo raft feels like entering an ink painting. 3. Puxian Pagoda A Ming Dynasty Buddhist pagoda on the hilltop, also known as "Sword Handle Pagoda," offering 360° views of Guilin city. 4. Love Island Located in front of Elephant Trunk Hill, perfect for couples, especially romantic during spring peach blossoms. 5. Sanhua Wine Cellar A century-old wine cellar inside the hill storing Guilin Sanhua wine, with free tours available. Recommended Routes 1. Classic 1-hour Quick Tour (for time-limited visitors): Gate 1 → Water Moon Cave → Elephant Trunk Hill front view → Puxian Pagoda summit → Gate 3 2. In-depth 2-hour Tour (recommended): Gate 1 → Water Moon Cave → Elephant Eye Rock → Puxian Pagoda → Sanhua Wine Cellar → Love Island → Zizhou Park (sunset) 📸 Photo Tips Best Times: - Morning (6:00-8:00): Fewer crowds, soft light, perfect for reflections - Evening (17:00-18:30): Sunset paints the hill red, golden light on Li River ✅ Classic Photo Spots: - In front of Water Moon Cave (must-take "elephant drinking from Li River") - Zizhou Park observation deck (panorama + sunset) - On bamboo rafts (available for rent for close-up shots) Nearby Food Recommendations Must-try Guilin braised noodles, only 5 yuan per bowl! Roasted goose and beer fish are excellent. Useful Tips 1. Advance Booking: Reserve through "Guilin City Tour" mini program or Trip.com during peak season 2. Avoid Scams: Be cautious of "free photo" offers at the entrance 3. Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Tour: The hill is beautiful at night, combine with a boat tour Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The beauty of Elephant Trunk Hill lies not only in its shape but also in its thousand-year companionship with Li River and Guilin city. Whether you're making a quick visit or taking your time to appreciate the scenery, you'll experience why "Guilin's landscape is the finest under heaven!"