01City Guide
Two Rivers and Four Lakes
两江四湖
All Ages
Admission
Walking routes are free; cruise prices vary by route, pier, boat type, and night-cruise product.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours for walking; around 1-1.5 hours for many cruise routes
Quick Facts
Ticket
Free entry with real-name reservation.
Hours
Entry times can vary by gate and visitor flow; check the reservation page before visiting.
Transport
No metro. Use a city-center taxi, bus, shared bike, or walk from nearby central Guilin areas.
Duration
30-60 minutes for classic photos; 1-2 hours with the hill paths
Best Time
Mar-Nov; clear days or bright weather after rain are best for photos
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Make the free reservation before you go
Elephant Hill does not charge a main entrance ticket, but visitors are usually asked to reserve with real-name information. Overseas visitors should keep passport details ready.
Tip:Having the reservation ready makes the entrance process much smoother.
2
Enter from Gate 3 for the classic view
Gate 3 is the closest entrance to the classic riverfront angle, where you can see the elephant-shaped hill drinking from the Li River almost immediately.
Tip:This is the easiest entrance for a first visit.
3
Focus on the classic angles if time is short
You can usually photograph the main riverfront view, Water Moon Cave, and a few close-up details in about 30-60 minutes.
Tip:This is enough if Elephant Hill is one stop in a wider city-center route.
4
Add the caves and pagoda if you want more
For a fuller visit, add Water Moon Cave, Elephant Eye Cave, and Puxian Pagoda. The uphill section has steps.
Tip:The climb is optional if you are traveling with older visitors, children, or limited time.
Highlights
- Guilin's most recognizable city landmark, with the hill shape and Li River view in one easy stop.
- Water Moon Cave is the key close-up spot for understanding the elephant-trunk shape.
- The riverside path makes photography efficient without needing a long visit.
- The location works well with Two Rivers and Four Lakes, the Sun and Moon Pagodas exterior, and Dongxi Lane.
- Free entry makes it an easy first stop after arriving in Guilin or a short final stop before leaving.
Insider Tips
✦Clear days and bright weather after rain are best for photos; misty or gray weather can flatten the river view.
✦During holidays, avoid trying to drive right to the entrance. Traffic around the city center can be slow, so it is easier to get dropped nearby and walk in.
✦If you only want evening lights and city-river scenery, combine Elephant Hill's exterior with Two Rivers and Four Lakes at night.
✦Reservation rules, entrances, and evening access can change with visitor numbers, so check the available entry times before you go.
✦The scenic area is small; weather and crowds affect the visit more than the total time you spend inside.
More Guilin Attractions
02City Guide
Reed Flute Cave
芦笛岩
All Ages
Admission
Adult ticket is CNY 90; advance online tickets may sometimes be around CNY 82.
Typical Visit
1-1.5 hours
03Historic Walk
Duxiu Peak and Jingjiang Princes' City
独秀峰王城景区
All Ages
Admission
Adult ticket is usually CNY 100; some ticket types may bundle extra activities.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours
04Historic Walk
Seven Star Scenic Area
七星景区
All Ages
Admission
Main scenic-area ticket is commonly around CNY 50-55; Seven Star Cave costs separately or as a package.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours; longer if adding Seven Star Cave and Guihai Stele Forest
05City Guide
Piled Silk Hill
叠彩山
All Ages
Admission
Adult ticket is CNY 25.
Typical Visit
1.5-2.5 hours
06Historic Walk
Fubo Mountain
伏波山
All Ages
Admission
Adult tickets are commonly around CNY 20-30.
Typical Visit
1-1.5 hours for main sights; up to 2 hours with the climb