Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiang Bi Shan) [象鼻山]

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  • Getting there: Elephant Trunk Hill is one of the sights on the Guilin-Yangshuo river cruise, and is also accessible by bus tour.
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Description

Elephant Trunk Hill, one of Guilin's most popular scenic attractions, is located on the western bank of the Li River, about 1km downstream from Guilin city. The hill rises 55m above the surface of the water, and features a curving rock pillar that resembles a giant elephant' s trunk dipping into the waters of the river. The space between the ''trunk'' and the hillside forms a rounded opening through which boats can pass, and which is known as Water Moon Cave, because its inverted reflection is like the full moon. The walls and surrounding rock faces are decorated with inscriptions dating back as far as the Tang and Song dynasties, celebrating the beauty of the scene. Halfway up the slope, another cave passes through the hill, forming the ''eyes'' of the elephant.

On top of the hill stands the Puxian Pagoda, named for Puxian, the bodhisattva of universal benevolence. Built during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the pagoda features an inlaid image of Puxian, and has been the subject of many legends over the centuries.

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