1. Overview & Geography
Located at the confluence of the Li and Peach Blossom Rivers, Elephant Trunk Hill is a 55m-tall limestone formation sculpted over 360 million years. Its trunk-like rock arch creates a natural "Water-Moon Cave", where the river flows through, forming a moonlit reflection at night.
2. Natural & Cultural Highlights
- Water-Moon Cave: A 3m-high, 20m-long cave between the trunk and legs, named for its "three moons" illusion (real moon, cave arch, and water reflection).
- Puxian Pagoda: A Ming Dynasty brick pagoda atop the hill, resembling a vase on the elephant’s back—a symbol of auspiciousness.
- Ancient Inscriptions: Over 50 cliff carvings, including a Song Dynasty poem by Lu You, though he never visited Guilin.
3. Legend & History
Legend says a heavenly elephant refused to leave Guilin’s beauty; the Jade Emperor turned it to stone. Historically, it guided lost travelers (like a 1980s TV crew) and inspired poets like Han Yu ("The river is like blue ribbons, the mountain a jade hairpin").
4. Activities & Views
- Climbing: Summit via stone steps for a 360° panorama of Guilin’s karst skyline.
- Photography: Capture the "Twin Moons" (Water-Moon Cave + Moon Cave across the river).
- Love Island: A romantic viewpoint for weddings and hill vistas.
5. Travel Tips
- Best Time: April–October (avoid summer heat); sunset for magical lighting.
- Fee: ¥70 (discounts for students); 6:30 AM–7:00 PM (seasonal hours).
- Access: Bus No. 2/16/23 from downtown; 10-minute walk from Guilin center.
6. Conservation & Recognition
- UNESCO Global Geopark (South China Karst).
- CCTV’s "Most Beautiful Moon-Viewing Spot" (2013).
Elephant Trunk Hill epitomizes Guilin’s "mountain-water harmony", blending geological wonder, myth, and artistry into a single silhouette.
