Elephant Trunk Hill, known locally as Xiangbishan or Elephant Hill, is a limestone karst formation on the bank of the Li River in Guilin, in the Guangxi Autonomous Region of southern China. Its shape is said to resemble an elephant drinking from the river, and that image has made it the most recognisable landmark of the city and a symbol of Guilin itself.
What to expect
The hill rises from the water's edge at Binjiang Road in the Xiangshan District, so it is easy to reach on foot from the riverside. Most visitors come to see the formation from the bank and from the river, where the outline of the "trunk" is clearest. It makes a short, focused visit rather than a long day out, and it suits anyone who wants to see the karst scenery that Guilin is known for.
Around the hill
- The Li River, whose banks are lined with the same limestone peaks.
- The rest of Guilin's old town and its riverside walks.
- Boat trips along the river, which give a different view of the hill and its surroundings.
Because the attraction is close to the river and the city centre, it can be combined easily with other stops in Guilin. Visitors who want up-to-date information on access can contact the site by telephone at +86-773-2691999, and the address is 1 Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin, Guangxi 541002, China.
For anyone planning a trip to Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill is a natural first stop: a clear, recognisable piece of the landscape that gives the city its character, and a pleasant place to spend an hour by the water.
