Have you noticed the remarkable hill before us? This is Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s most iconic landmark. It has drawn visitors here for centuries.
Elephant Trunk Hill got its name because it looks like a giant elephant drinking from the Li River. Imagine this majestic creature bending down. Its trunk is submerged in the water. Its massive body is formed of stone.
Legend says that Elephant Trunk Hill is actually a god. This god was once the mount of the Emperor of Heaven. During a war, the elephant was separated from its master and was badly wounded. A kind couple from Guilin nursed it back to health. The elephant grew to love Guilin and refused to return to the heavenly palace. To help the elephant suppress evils and protect the people, the Emperor bestowed a pagoda. That pagoda is now the Puxian Pagoda. It sits atop Elephant Trunk Hill. The elephant never left Guilin and eventually turned into stone.
Look closely at the hill’s base. Do you see that semicircular cave? That is Water Moon Cave. The Li River flows right through it. At night, the cave and its reflection create a stunning image, resembling a bright moon on the water. It is an incredible sight to behold, isn’t it? The earliest inscriptions on the cave walls date back to the Song Dynasty. More than 50 inscriptions adorn the cave.
Now, peer up the hillside. Can you spot another cave? Its location makes it appear as the elephant’s eye.
Did you know that Elephant Trunk Hill was once a key site during the Taiping Rebellion? This was a major civil war in China. Yunfeng Temple, located on the southwest slope of the hill, even served as an exhibition gallery. Here, historical relics like battle flags and weapons were displayed.
Across the Li River, north of Elephant Trunk Hill, lies a luxuriant island. This island offers the best views of the hill. From there, you can also see Tunnel Hill. Tunnel Hill has a hollow cave called Moon Cave. Together, Water Moon Cave and Moon Cave create a unique scene. It is called Two Moons on the Li River. One moon is on the water. The other is in the sky.
Take note of the pagoda on top of Elephant Trunk Hill. It is called Puxian Pagoda. It was built during the Ming Dynasty. The pagoda honors Samantabhadra, a revered Bodhisattva. Legend says that Samantabhadra always rides an elephant.
Consider visiting Elephant Trunk Hill at night. A spectacular show is projected onto the hill. Using lasers and lights, the show tells the story of Guilin. It is divided into four parts. They are Primitive Guilin, Mysterious Village, Phantom Theater, and Legend of God Elephant.
Elephant Trunk Hill has stood here for approximately 360 million years. It towers 55 meters above the Li River. It stretches 108 meters in length and 100 meters in width. The elevation is 200 meters above sea level.
As you leave, remember the legend. Remember the beauty. Remember that you have seen the symbol of Guilin. Elephant Trunk Hill will stay with you long after you have left this magical place.