Audio Guide of Xiangbishan Park

Elephant Trunk Hill Park (Xiangbishan) is generally open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. You can get there easily by public bus (routes 2, 16, 23, 57, 58, 88, 99, or 100 to the Xiangshan Gongyuan stop) or by taxi. It is one of Guilin’s most iconic landmarks, so it is very easy to find.

General admission to Xiangbishan Park usually costs around 70–75 CNY per person. There are rumors that free access is allowed at night after certain hours, but this is not official and may vary. For a complete and guaranteed visit, it is best to pay the entrance fee. Check updated prices here if the website allows it.

To fully enjoy Xiangbishan Park and climb to the viewpoints, I recommend setting aside between 1.5 and 2 hours. If you stop for lots of photos or take your time enjoying the scenery, you may want a bit longer. It is not a huge park, but it has many corners worth seeing.

Elephant Trunk Hill, or Xiangbishan, is the symbol of Guilin, and its shape resembles an elephant drinking water from the Li River. Local legend says that a celestial elephant descended to Earth to help people and, after refusing to return to heaven, was turned to stone by the Jade Emperor. Its importance lies in its unique geology and its deep connection to local culture and folklore.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for visiting Guilin thanks to the mild weather. For Xiangbishan, early morning or the late afternoon hours before closing offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds. Seeing the hill illuminated at night and reflected in the river is a magical experience.

The park’s main grounds are fairly flat and wheelchair-accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy the views from the base. However, the climb to the top of the hill involves stairs and uneven paths, so it may be difficult for people with reduced mobility. There are alternative routes to enjoy the views without going up to the summit.

Very close to Xiangbishan is Seven Star Park, a much larger park with caves, a zoo, and more hills. You can also take a boat ride on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, since the dock is within walking distance. Guilin is full of wonders!

I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to climb to the viewpoints. Do not forget your camera—the photo opportunities are endless. If you are visiting in peak season, try to go early to avoid crowds. And one tip: look for Water Moon Cave (Shuiyue Dong) at the foot of the hill for a unique view of the ‘trunk.’