Elephant Trunk Hill

Towering majestically in downtown Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill rises at the confluence of the Li River and the Peach Blossom River. Its name derives from the striking resemblance of the hill to a giant elephant drinking from the river, with its trunk submerged in the water. The lush green Li River flowing past this iconic hill forms one of the most celebrated landscapes in Guilin.

Widely recognized as the symbol of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill—formerly known as Li Hill, Yi Hill, and Chenshui Hill—is estimated to be 360 million years old. It rises 55 meters above the Li River, stretches 108 meters in length, spans 100 meters in width, and stands at an elevation of 200 meters above sea level.

The hill boasts several notable attractions, including Water Moon Cave, the Elephant’s Eye Cave, the Puxian Pagoda, and Yunfeng Temple.

Water Moon Cave, situated at the water’s edge, allows the river to flow through it, creating the illusion of a full moon floating on the surface, its reflection shimmering amid the ripples. The cave walls are adorned with more than 70 inscriptions from the Tang and Song dynasties, extolling the beauty of the surrounding scenery.

At the summit stands the Puxian Pagoda, constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Its distinct shape resembles the hilt of a sword.

Midway up the hill lies another cave, piercing completely through the rock formation, which represents the eyes of the elephant. The interior and exterior of this cave feature numerous carved inscriptions, the most famous being a poem by Lu You (1125–1210), one of the four great poets of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279).