The Elephant Arch
象鼻 · The trunk & reflection
The natural limestone arch at the waterline is the money shot. Stand on the riverside path for the perfect “elephant drinking” silhouette with its reflection.
Why Elephant Trunk Hill is worth your time
You’ll recognize it instantly: a bulky limestone hill with a rounded “body,” and a slender rock arch at the waterline that looks uncannily like an elephant’s trunk curling down to drink. Locals have called it Elephant Trunk Hill for over a thousand years, and it appears on everything from city logos to airline magazines.
The hill sits where the Li River meets the Peach Blossom River (桃花江), just south of the old city center — an easy taxi or 20-minute walk from most downtown hotels. A leafy park wraps the base, with pavilions, a small cave you can walk through, and a riverside path that gives the classic photo angle.
Quick tip: come twice if you can — by day for the green park and clear reflections, and again after dark when colored lights turn the elephant gold and the water shimmers.
Top highlights
The signature sights and experiences that make Elephant Trunk Hill special.
Riverside Park
象山公园 · Easy stroll
Shady walkways and gardens wrap around the hill. The flat, family-friendly park takes 1–2 hours to explore.
Elephant Hill at Night
象鼻山夜景 · Gold on the water
After dark, colored lights turn the hill golden and its reflection shimmers on the Li River.
Sun & Moon Pagodas
日月双塔 · 10-min walk
A gold and a silver pagoda light up on Shanhu Lake, an easy evening add-on to Elephant Hill.
Reed Flute Cave
芦笛岩 · 20 min away
A 180-million-year-old limestone cave with lit stalactites and an underground lake — easy to pair with Elephant Hill in one morning.
Which option is right for you?
Ways to experience Elephant Trunk Hill, from the classic route to a quicker highlight.
Park Visit (Classic)
1–2 hours · Flat walk · ¥55–70
1
Enter the south gate Buy a ticket at the park entrance (¥55–70 for foreign visitors).
2
Walk the riverside path To the best “elephant drinking” photo spot on the Li River side.
3
Pass through Water Moon Cave The arch tunnel beneath the trunk — cool and atmospheric.
4
Climb to Puxian Pagoda A short, easy rise to the hilltop for city-and-river views.
Li River Boat Angle
Optional · 30 min · ¥40–60
1
Take a short river boat From nearby pier, circles the hill for the postcard view from the water.
2
Best light Go just before sunset for golden-hour photos and the start of the light show.
Best time to visit
Apr – Oct
Warm, green park, long evenings — ideal for both day and night visits.
Golden hour
Arrive 5–6 PM: clear daytime shots, then stay for the light show.
After rain
The river runs fuller and the reflections are crisp — a favorite of photographers.
Travel tips
Visit late afternoon
One ticket covers both day and night views if you arrive before the light show (around 7 PM in summer).
Shoot from the east bank
The classic “trunk drinking” composition is from the Li River side path, not the entrance.
Bring water in summer
The park is open and can be hot in July–August; mornings are cooler.
Combine with the lakes
Elephant Hill is a 10-minute walk from the Two Rivers & Four Lakes promenade — do both in one evening.
Snacks inside
Small cafes near the entrance sell drinks and ice cream; nothing fancy.
How to get there
1
From Guilin city center A taxi takes 10–15 min (¥10–15). Many downtown hotels are a 20-minute walk away.
2
By bus Several city buses stop near the south gate (e.g. routes 2, 16, 23); ask your hotel for the nearest.
3
On foot from the lakes Walkable from Shanhu / Ronghu lakes along the riverside promenade (about 15 min).
4
Tickets Buy at the gate or via your hotel; no advance booking needed for foreign visitors.
Tickets & practical info
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Entrance ticket | ¥55–70 — covers the park and hilltop pagoda |
| Opening hours | Daylight to ~21:00 (night light show included) |
| Suggested visit | 1–2 hours |
| Best months | April–October |
| Location | Confluence of Li River & Peach Blossom River |
| Difficulty | Easy · flat paths |
Prices are reference values and may shift by season. The hill is inside a managed park; keep your ticket for re-entry if you leave for food. Evening light shows run roughly 7–9 PM in summer.
