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Elephant Trunk Hill

Guilin's iconic landmark, a rock formation resembling an elephant drinking from the river.

History & Background

Elephant Trunk Hill is Guilin's most iconic landmark, a natural rock formation at the confluence of the Li and Taohua rivers. The hill resembles an elephant drinking water from the river, with a round opening between the "trunk" and "body" known as Water Moon Cave. It has been a tourist attraction since the Tang dynasty.

What to See & Do

  • Elephant trunk shape with Water Moon Cave
  • Puxian Pagoda atop the hill from the Ming dynasty
  • Ancient stone carvings and poems in the cave
  • Reflection of the hill in the river
  • Surrounding park with osmanthus trees

Visitor Tips

  • Best photographed from across the river
  • Visit at night when the hill is illuminated
  • Explore the Water Moon Cave for carvings
  • Climb to the pagoda for river views
  • Allow 1-2 hours for the park

Visit Elephant Trunk Hill with QTour

Our private tours include this attraction with an expert guide, private vehicle, and flexible itinerary.

QTour builds private itineraries around Elephant Trunk Hill with a dedicated English-speaking guide and a private air-conditioned vehicle. Your guide arranges entrance tickets, skips the queues where possible and explains the history in your language — no fixed group schedule and no shopping stops. Every booking follows our one-booking-one-team policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours and ticket price for Elephant Trunk Hill?
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM (Apr-Oct), 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Nov-Mar) CNY 75 Suggested visiting time is 1-2 hours. The best season to visit is Year-round, spring for osmanthus blossoms.
What should I see at Elephant Trunk Hill?
Elephant trunk shape with Water Moon Cave; Puxian Pagoda atop the hill from the Ming dynasty; Ancient stone carvings and poems in the cave; Reflection of the hill in the river; Surrounding park with osmanthus trees
What are the visitor tips for Elephant Trunk Hill?
Best photographed from across the river; Visit at night when the hill is illuminated; Explore the Water Moon Cave for carvings; Climb to the pagoda for river views; Allow 1-2 hours for the park
Where is Elephant Trunk Hill?
Elephant Trunk Hill is in Guilin, China. QTour includes it in private itineraries with an English-speaking guide and a private vehicle.

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