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4A Scenic AreaNatureFree
Elephant Hill Scenic Area
Guilin's city icon, a natural elephant drinking from the Li River
4A National Scenic Area
07:00-21:30
Last entry: 21:00Opening hours may vary slightly; please check the park's notice on the day of your visit.
About This Place
Elephant Hill is the symbol of Guilin's landscape, renowned for its uncanny resemblance to a giant elephant drinking from the Li River. This AAAA-rated national park combines spectacular karst formations with rich historical sites. Be sure to walk behind the hill to witness the famous 'Moon in the Water' scene.
Highlights
Capture the iconic hill that looks like an elephant drinking from the river
Walk through the Water Moon Cave under the trunk to see the 'moon floating on water'
Hike to the hilltop for panoramic views of Guilin and the Li River
Visit historical sites like Puxian Pagoda, Hongfeng Temple, and the Taiping Rebellion exhibition
Enjoy the stunning night light show and the 'Legend of Elephant Hill' performance
Best Time to Visit
April-May, September-October
Arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds; allow 1-3 hours for your visit. The night light show is spectacular, but confirm performance times in advance (e.g., 'Legend of Elephant Hill' usually starts at 8 PM and lasts 15 minutes).
Avoid Chinese Holidays
Strongly avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7), Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb), and Labor Day (May 1-5). Crowds are extreme and tickets often sell out weeks in advance.
Ticket Information
Free Entry
Advance Booking Required
Entry is free, but you must book a free ticket in advance via the official WeChat account 'Guilin Xiangshan Scenic Area Management Office' and scan the QR code to enter. Note the different access rules for the three gates (e.g., Gate 1 is for both entry and exit). Additional activities like bamboo rafting require separate fees.
Before You Visit - Essential Prep
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