As a symbol of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill is located at the confluence of the Lijiang and Peach Blossom rivers in the center of Guilin. It got its name for its shape like an elephant which is drinking water from the river. This park boasts more than 50 cliff stone inscriptions including the poems by famous poets from different historical periods. The Water Moon Cave is the most attractive spot in the park.
Water Moon Cave
At the eastern end of the Elephant Trunk Hill, the cave is bright and round, just like the reflection of a bright moon on water. In the area around the Water Moon Cave, there are a large number of stone inscriptions of the past ages including the inscription of “Water Moon Cave”. Inside the cave, there is a three-word inscription meaning the “Fish Freeing Pond”.
This man-made islet is located in the river north of the Elephant Trunk Hill, and you can reach it through a bridge. The islet has gentle slopes and soft lawns, suitable for you to take a walk. In addition, it is an ideal place for you to take off shoes to enjoy yourself in water or have pictures taken.
Universal Benevolence Pagoda
Standing at the top of the Elephant Trunk Hill, the pagoda is an indispensable part of the hill. First constructed in the Ming Dynasty, the Universal Benevolence Pagoda is a lama-style solid brick pagoda at 13.6 meters high. With a two-tier octagonal Sumeru base, the pagoda shrinks gradually from the bottom to the top, compact and stable. On the northern side of the pagoda is inscribed with the statue of Bodhisattva of Universal Benevolence, and a six-word inscription indicating the name of the Buddha. It is one of the famous pagodas of Guilin.
Inside the ruins of Kaiyuan Temple in Wanshou Lane, Minzhu Road, to the west of the Elephant Trunk Hill Park, this brick seven-tier stupa was first built during the Tang Dynasty. The present stupa was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty. Jian Zhen (688-763), an eminent monk from the Tang Dynasty, was invited to Japan to preach Buddhism. His first five voyages to Japan came to failure. Later Jian Zhen came to Guilin and gave lectures on Buddhism here for a whole year. In the following year, he took another voyage to Japan, which was a success. A large terrace was built in the East Temple in Nara for Jian Zhen to receive ordination. Later Jian Zhen became an esteemed monk enjoying a high reputation. As Jian Zhen preached Buddhism here, this pagoda has become one of the famous Buddhist pagodas in China.
Transport: Take bus No.2, 16, or 23, or sightseeing bus No.1, get off at Xiangshan Park.