No trip to Guilin is complete without a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山), one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. While this natural wonder attracts countless visitors, especially during peak season, finding the perfect photo spots can be a challenge. With a bit of planning, you can capture stunning images without the crowds overwhelming your shots. This guide provides essential information about visiting Elephant Trunk Hill, including how to enter the park, recommended routes, and the best photography locations.
Admission and Access
Elephant Trunk Hill is free to enter, but you need to make a reservation in advance. You can do this through the WeChat account “Xiangshan Reservation” (象鼻山预约) by submitting your personal information a day before your visit. You’ll receive a QR code that allows you to enter the park. There are also many QR code scanners at the entrance for convenience.
Opening Hours: The park is open from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM. After 6:00 PM, you can enter through Gate 3 and exit through Gate 2.
Key Photo Spots
Viewing Platform Facing Elephant Trunk Hill: This is the prime location for a frontal view of the hill. While it can get crowded, be quick to position yourself and snap your photo to minimize the number of people in the frame.
Shuiyue Cave: Known for a famous poem that captures its beauty at night, this spot provides a picturesque setting with the reflection of the moon on the water, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Love Island: From here, you can see three of Guilin’s iconic mountains: Chuanshan, Ta Mountain, and Elephant Trunk Hill. This vantage point offers a fantastic view of the city.
Riverside at Love Island: With the Li River Opera House (漓江歌剧院) in the background, this spot is perfect for those seeking a more artistic composition. Stand by the riverside to create a stunning, evocative image.
Important Notes
Bamboo Raft Ride: The park offers bamboo raft rides, but these are not official boat tours. If you choose to take a bamboo raft, ensure you prioritize safety.
Golden Hour Shooting: The best time to capture stunning photos is during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The soft, warm light during these times adds a beautiful glow to the landscape, illuminating the mountain in a breathtaking way. Arriving early for sunrise or staying late for sunset can provide you with spectacular lighting for your shots.
Utilize Reflections: One of the unique features of Elephant Trunk Hill is the reflection in the water below. To make the most of this, try shooting from a low angle. This perspective allows the mountain and sky to blend seamlessly in the reflection.
Composition Techniques: Using the rule of thirds can greatly enhance your photos. Position the main subject—Elephant Trunk Hill—at one of the intersections or along the lines dividing your frame into thirds. This composition method creates a more harmonious and balanced image.
Capture Dynamic Elements: Incorporating movement into your shots can bring your photos to life. If there’s a gentle breeze rustling the leaves or people walking around, try to capture those dynamic elements. These small details add vibrancy and interest to your photographs, making them more engaging.
Recommended Routes
Route 1: Comprehensive Exploration (1.5 to 2 hours)
- Enter through Gate 1.
- Visit the Elephant Trunk Wine Cellar (象鼻山酒窖).
- Explore Yunfeng Temple (云峰寺).
- Go to Shuiyue Cave (水月洞).
- Hike to the summit and then descend (20-30 minutes).
- Cross the bridge to take photos at the city emblem.
- Visit Love Island (爱情岛).
- Exit through Gate 2.
This route is perfect for those who have ample time and want to experience the full beauty of Elephant Trunk Hill.
Route 2: Quick Visit (approximately 40 minutes)
- Enter through Gate 3.
- Head straight to Love Island.
- Take photos at the city emblem.
- Exit through Gate 2.
Ideal for visitors who just want to check in and capture some quick shots.
Route 3: Scenic Boat Tour (60-70 minutes)
- Enter through Gate 3.
- Board the boat at Dock 1.
- Enjoy views of Elephant Trunk Hill, Jiefang Bridge (解放桥), Fubo Mountain (伏波山), Diecai Mountain (叠彩山), Yushan Mountain (虞山), Chuanshan Mountain (穿山), Ta Mountain (塔山), Nanjing Mountain (南溪山), and Douji Mountain (斗鸡山).
- Return to Love Island dock and exit through Gate 2.
This route allows you to appreciate the stunning scenery from the water.
Route 4: Alternative Viewing Option
For those who prefer not to enter Elephant Trunk Hill, you can visit the Ailifang Restaurant (爱丽坊) on the 7th floor of the Jingxiang Hotel (璟象酒店) across from Gate 2. Enjoy afternoon tea while admiring the view and snapping photos at your leisure.