Elephant Trunk Hill

 Guilin's most intriguing and recognizable geological wonder lies on the east bank of the Li River where the Li and Yang Rivers meet. Shrouded in lush foliage along its ridge, Elephant Trunk Hill bares a strong resemblance to an immense grey elephant arching it's elongated trunk into the mirrored waters of the Li River.  Calm days on the river conjure a reflected image of the gentle giant upon the glass-like surface.  At night, the circular opening created by the elephant's arching trunk casts a spectacular scene upon the moonlit canvas of midnight water.  Known as Water Moon Cave, this fascinating geological cavity is wide enough for your boat to pass through, where you can see inscriptions dating back to the Tang and Song Dynasties that have been carved on the interior walls of the cave.  A second cave imbedded within the hillside, known as Elephant Eye Cave, is positioned at an ideal location to observe panoramic views of Guilin's magnificent scenery.  A narrow path winds to the top of the hill where you will find Samantabhadra Tower, a solid brick structure originating during the Mind Dynasty, which bares inscriptions and carvings, including words composed by one of the Southern Song Dynasty's four great poets, Lu You.  The astounding scenic composition of Elephant Trunk Hill has become a symbol of Guilin's picturesque landscape.