Elephant Trunk Park

Elephant Trunk Park

Introduction: Situated at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River in the city center, Elephant Hill Park showcases a beautiful interplay between natural scenery and cultural landmarks. The park is dominated by Elephant Trunk Hill, and also features attractions such as Water-Moon Cave, Puxian Pagoda, Elephant Eye Rock, Relic Pagoda, and the Love Island made up of three amusement islands by the water to the north, along with Yunfeng Temple on the southern hillside. Elephant Trunk Hill, named for its resemblance to a giant elephant stopping by the Li River to drink water, is often simply called Elephant Hill. The hill stands 220 meters above sea level, is 108 meters long and 100 meters wide, and rises 55 meters above the water surface. It is composed of pure limestone deposited on the seabed 360 million years ago. As an iconic representation of Guilin’s landscapes and the symbol of Guilin city itself, Elephant Trunk Hill is featured on many local products across Guilin and even Guangxi. The late national leader once remarked: “You haven’t truly been to Guilin unless you’ve taken a photo in front of Elephant Trunk Hill — it’s a one-of-a-kind view.” Water-Moon Cave: With its entrance facing the east, the cave is also known as Morning Sun Cave. The cave resembles a large, rolled-canopy entrance, with river water rippling inside, creating the illusion of a bright moon floating on the water — hence the name Water-Moon Cave, which has been used ever since. Nestled between the elephant’s trunk and legs, the cave forms the spectacular scene known as “Elephant Trunk and Moon,” reminiscent of a bright moon by the water. Inside, there are numerous rock inscriptions throughout the dynasties, especially from the Song Dynasty. These carvings reflect the varying impressions the Water-Moon view offers visitors across seasons. One Song Dynasty hermit described it as: “There is a bright moon under the water, and another floating on the surface.” Elephant Eye Rock: Ascending the stone steps from Water-Moon Cave, you’ll find a tunnel about 20 meters long halfway up the hill, resembling an elephant’s eye — thus named “Elephant Eye Rock.” There are two openings: the southern one can be accessed by climbing the stone stairs from the South Pole Cave entrance on the southern slope of Elephant Hill, leading to the South Eye. Exiting Elephant Eye Rock, a mountain path leads to the hilltop. The North Eye is located atop a steep cliff with no stair access. Looking through the left eye, you’ll see a modern cityscape of densely packed buildings and streets; through the right eye, you’ll gaze at the shimmering reflections of sails among the river waves, Zizhou Islet, Pagoda Hill, and Drill Hill — a graceful view of Guilin’s riverine landscape. Puxian Pagoda: Winding up the rocky face of Elephant Trunk Hill, you’ll find a solid Ming Dynasty-era pagoda rising amidst green trees. Resembling a treasure vase on the elephant’s back or the hilt of a sword stuck into it, it is also called the Vase Pagoda or Sword Hilt Pagoda. The 13.6-meter-high pagoda sits on a double-layered octagonal Sumeru pedestal, and on the second level’s north face is an inset line engraving of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. Relic Pagoda: Located southwest of Elephant Trunk Hill, by the Peach Blossom River, this 13.2-meter-tall pagoda was first built in the second year of the Tang Dynasty’s Xianqing era (657 AD), with the current structure reconstructed in the 18th year of the Ming Dynasty’s Hongwu era (1385 AD). The pagoda is shaped like a bottle, with an umbrella-like top, five rings of Buddhist spires, and a gourd-shaped bronze finial. Historical records indicate that in the seventh year of the Tang Tianbao era (748 AD), the monk Jianzhen, after five failed attempts to sail to Japan, stayed in Guilin for over a year with dozens of Japanese monks. Yunfeng Temple: A key municipal cultural relic protection site, located on the southwestern slope of Elephant Trunk Hill in downtown Guilin. Legend says a temple called Wenling Temple once stood here during the Tang Dynasty. In the seventh year of the Song Dynasty’s Jiading era (1214), Fang Xinru built a study named “Yunya Pavilion.” During the Ming Dynasty, the “Fanfang Shrine” was added here to honor Fan Chengda and Fang Xinru. By the Qing Dynasty, it was converted into a Buddhist temple named Yunfeng Temple. Zizhou Misty Rain: On the opposite bank of the Li River from Elephant Trunk Hill lies Zizhou Islet, dotted with bamboo groves, lush fruit trees, and charming cottages behind bamboo fences. In the rainy season, mist and clouds envelop the area, giving the cottages and trees the appearance of being draped in sheer veils — a scene the ancients poetically called “Zizhou Misty Rain,” and which is ranked among Guilin’s Eight Scenic Spots. Transportation: 1. You may take the free shuttle buses (routes 57 and 58), public buses (Routes 2 and 23 opposite Guilin Railway Station), or the scenic area’s transfer buses that go directly to the park. 2. For self-driving or a walking tour: explore freely along Binjiang Road or Longzhu Road along the Li River. Tip: Visitors can take an evening boat cruise to enjoy the views of the Three Hills — a uniquely delightful experience. Admission / Opening Hours: Full price: 31 RMB. Opening hours: Peak season (6:30 – 20:00); Off-season (7:00 – 20:00). Nearby Attractions

Folded Brocade Hill, Wave-Subduing Hill, Li River Folk Custom Park, Yushan Park, Gui-Yang World, Drill Hill Park, Reed Flute Cave, Solitary Beauty Peak · King’s City Scenic Area, Guilin Museum, West Hill Park, Nanxi Hill Park, Sun and Moon Twin Towers, Seven Star Park, Two Rivers and Four Lakes

Guilin City, Guangxi Province