The Two Rivers and Four Lakes - Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area is located in Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A - level tourist attraction. The scenic area consists of the Li River, the Taohua River, the Shanhu Lake, the Ronghu Lake, the Guihu Lake, and the Mulong Lake, along with the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, creating a unique landscape pattern where mountains and waters blend and the city and scenery co - exist.
The total length of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes circular water system is 7.33 kilometers, and the water surface area is 385,900 square meters. Here, "the city is in the scenery, and the scenery is in the city". By taking a boat tour, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery where numerous historical and cultural relics and modern buildings complement each other. Elephant Trunk Hill in the scenic area has an altitude of 200 meters, a relative height of 55 meters, a length of 108 meters, and a width of 100 meters. It is named so because it resembles a giant elephant standing by the river, stretching its trunk to drink the sweet spring water of the Li River. It is the representative of Guilin's landscape.
History and Culture
The history of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. At that time, the city of Guilin already had a water system of a certain scale. In the Song Dynasty, Guilin began to build the circular water system on a large scale, forming the prototype of today's Two Rivers and Four Lakes. The water system at that time was not only used for urban defense and drainage but also for transportation and tourism, and it was an important symbol of the prosperity of Guilin City.
Through the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the Two Rivers and Four Lakes were continuously repaired and maintained. However, since modern times, due to various reasons, part of the water system has gradually dried up and blocked. It was not until the end of the 20th century that the Guilin municipal government carried out a large - scale renovation and restoration project on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, making it regain its former glory and once again become a beautiful business card for Guilin's tourism.
Elephant Trunk Hill has a profound cultural heritage. As early as the Tang and Song dynasties, Elephant Trunk Hill had become a beautiful scenery in the works of literati and scholars, and many poems and odes have praised it. The Shuiyue Cave of Elephant Trunk Hill is a great wonder of the hill. The river water flows through it, like a bright moon floating on the water. A poet in the Song Dynasty, Jibei Chushi, praised it in a poem: "There is a bright moon under the water, and the moon floats on the water. The water flows but the moon doesn't leave; when the moon leaves, the water still flows."
Main Scenic Spots
Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill is the core scenic spot of the area, located at the confluence of the Taohua River and the Li River in Guilin City. Its mountain shape resembles a giant elephant stretching its trunk to drink the river water, vividly lifelike. The Xiangyan Rock on the hill runs through from left to right, like the eyes of an elephant. The Shuiyue Cave is located between the elephant's trunk and its leg. The river water flows through the cave, like a bright moon in the sky. There are many cliff inscriptions in the cave, recording the history and culture of Elephant Trunk Hill. Tourists can climb up Elephant Trunk Hill along the mountain - climbing trail and overlook the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Li River.
Li River
The Li River is the mother river of Guilin and an important part of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. The river water is clear and green, winding and tortuous. There are numerous peaks on both sides of the river, with different shapes. By taking a boat tour on the Li River, you can enjoy famous scenic spots such as "Nine - Horse Mural Hill" and "Yellow Cloth Reflection". The landscape of the Li River is like a beautiful poem and a painting. It is a classic representative of Chinese landscapes and attracts countless tourists to come and enjoy it.
Taohua River
The Taohua River is a tributary of the Li River. The river water is clear, and there is rich vegetation on both banks. In spring, peach blossoms bloom along the riverbank. The pink flowers and the green river water complement each other, making it extremely beautiful. Occasionally, bamboo rafts pass by on the river, adding a touch of leisurely atmosphere. Tourists can take a walk along the Taohua River and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Shanhu Lake
Shanhu Lake is located in the center of Guilin City and is named after the Chinese fir trees planted all over the lake. There are two pagodas in the lake, the Sun and Moon Pagodas. The Sun Pagoda is a copper pagoda, and the Moon Pagoda is a glazed pagoda. The two pagodas are connected by a 10 - meter - long tunnel at the bottom of the lake. At night, the two pagodas are brightly lit, and their reflections in the lake are extremely beautiful. It is an important part of Guilin's night view.
Ronghu Lake
Ronghu Lake is adjacent to Shanhu Lake and is named after the many banyan trees growing on the lake shore. There is the Ancient South Gate by the lake, which is the oldest city gate in Guilin urban area. It was first built in the Tang Dynasty, and the existing building was rebuilt in the Song Dynasty. There are also many pavilions and towers around Ronghu Lake, such as Rongxi Bridge and Glass Bridge. The architectural styles are different, and they complement the lake water and green trees, forming a beautiful picture.
Guihu Lake
Guihu Lake is an important part of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes and is famous for the osmanthus trees planted there. Every autumn, the osmanthus flowers on both sides of Guihu Lake are in full bloom, filling the air with their fragrance and making people intoxicated. There are many bridges on the lake, such as Baoji Bridge and Guanyi Bridge. These bridges are not only traffic arteries but also unique scenic lines. There are also many historical and cultural relics around the lake, such as the city wall of the Song Dynasty, which witnesses the historical changes of Guilin.
Mulong Lake
Mulong Lake is an artificially excavated lake in the Two Rivers and Four Lakes project, with the Mulong Pagoda as its landmark building. The Mulong Pagoda is an imitation of a Song - Dynasty ancient pagoda, 35 meters high, and is a seven - story pavilion - style building. The construction of Mulong Lake reproduces the city walls, pavilions, and towers of Guilin in the Song Dynasty. Tourists can feel the strong cultural atmosphere of the Song Dynasty here.
Delicacies
Guilin Rice Noodles
Guilin Rice Noodles are the most representative delicacy in Guilin. You can find rice noodle shops everywhere around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes - Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area. They are famous for their unique brine and chewy rice noodles. The brine is carefully cooked with a variety of spices and has a strong aroma. The rice noodles can be paired with ingredients such as barbecued pork, crispy pork, and marinated eggs, and then added with side dishes such as pickled string beans and pickled bamboo shoots. They have a rich taste and delicious flavor and are one of the must - try delicacies for tourists.
Beer Fish
Beer Fish is a special dish in Yangshuo and is also very popular in Guilin urban area, including around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes - Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area. Fresh live fish from the Li River is selected as the main ingredient and cooked with beer as the main seasoning. The fish meat is tender, and the fragrance of beer is integrated into it, with a unique taste. No water is added during the cooking process, and it is all stewed with beer, making the fish meat more flavorful. It is a delicious dish that you can't miss when you come to Guilin.
Stuffed Snails
Stuffed Snails are a traditional delicacy in Guilin. The snail meat is taken out, minced and mixed with ingredients such as pork and mushrooms, and then stuffed back into the snail shells for cooking. The freshness of the snail meat and the fragrance of the stuffing are integrated, with a rich taste and mellow flavor. You can taste this unique delicacy in the restaurants around the scenic area.
Water Chestnut Cake
Water Chestnut Cake is a special pastry in Guilin, made mainly from water chestnuts. The pastry has a crystal - clear color, a sweet and refreshing taste, and the fragrance of water chestnuts. It has both the crispness of water chestnuts and the softness of pastries. It is a very popular dessert and can be bought at snack stalls in the scenic area and pastry shops around it.
Tickets
The ticket prices of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes - Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area in Guilin vary according to different tour methods and scenic - spot combinations. The ticket price for the boat tour on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes is generally around 180 to 300 yuan. The specific price will vary depending on factors such as the boat type and the tour route. The ticket price for Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area is about 55 yuan. Tourists can buy tickets through the official website of the scenic area, major online travel platforms, and the ticket windows of the scenic area. At the same time, the scenic area offers corresponding preferential policies for special groups such as children, students, the elderly, and military personnel. For example, children under 1.2 meters in height are free of charge, and students, the elderly, etc. can enjoy discounted ticket prices with valid certificates. The specific preferential information can be inquired with the scenic - area staff when buying tickets.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes - Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area: Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area is generally open from 7:00 to 18:30 every day. The boat tours on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes are divided into daytime tours and night tours. The daytime - tour time is usually from 9:00 to about 16:00, and the night - tour time generally starts at 19:00. The specific time may be adjusted according to the season and weather conditions. Tourists can pay attention to the official website of the scenic area or consult the scenic - area staff to get the latest opening - hour information and arrange their itineraries reasonably.
Tour Routes
Tourists can choose to visit Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area first. Climb up Elephant Trunk Hill along the trail, enjoy its unique mountain shape and the surrounding scenery of the Li River, visit scenic spots such as Xiangyan Rock and Shuiyue Cave, and feel the precipitation of history and culture.
Then go to the dock of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes and take a boat tour on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. During the daytime tour, you can enjoy the natural scenery and historical and cultural relics on both sides, such as the Ancient South Gate and the city wall of the Song Dynasty. During the night tour, you can enjoy the bright and colorful night view, especially the light show of the Sun and Moon Pagodas, which is extremely beautiful. On the boat, you can also listen to the guide's explanation of the history and culture of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes and understand the city of Guilin more deeply.
During the tour, you can taste the special delicacies of Guilin, such as Guilin Rice Noodles and Beer Fish, in the restaurants around the scenic area and enjoy the double experience of delicious food and beautiful scenery.
Transportation
- Bus: You can take buses such as No. 2, No. 16, No. 23, No. 33 in Guilin and get off at the Elephant Trunk Hill Park Station to reach Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area. Take buses such as No. 10, No. 11, No. 14 and get off at the Jiefang Bridge Station or Yangqiao Station to go to some scenic spots in the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area.
- Taxi/Online Car - hailing: Take a taxi or an online car - hailing service within Guilin urban area and directly enter "Two Rivers and Four Lakes - Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area in Guilin" or the specific scenic - spot name as the destination, which is convenient and fast.
- Bicycle: There are many shared bicycles in Guilin urban area. Tourists can ride to the scenic area, enjoy the urban scenery of Guilin along the way, and there are special parking areas around the scenic area.
- On foot: If you stay in the center of Guilin, some tourists can choose to walk to the scenic area. Especially, some scenic spots in the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area are located in the city center. Walking tours can make you better feel the city atmosphere.
Must - visit Scenic Spots
- Elephant Trunk Hill: It has an altitude of 200 meters, a relative height of 55 meters, a length of 108 meters, and a width of 100 meters. Its mountain shape resembles a giant elephant. The river water runs through the Shuiyue Cave between the elephant's trunk and its leg, and there are many cliff inscriptions in the cave. Climbing up Elephant Trunk Hill, you can overlook the scenery on both sides of the Li River. It is the symbol of Guilin's landscape.
- Boat Tour on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes: The total length of the circular water system of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes is 7.33 kilometers, and the water surface area is 385,900 square meters. By taking a boat tour, you can enjoy the historical relics and natural scenery on both sides during the daytime tour and the bright night view during the night tour, especially the light show of the Sun and Moon Pagodas. You can fully experience the unique charm of the co - existence of the city and the scenery in Guilin.
- Sun and Moon Pagodas: Located in Shanhu Lake, the Sun Pagoda is a copper pagoda, and the Moon Pagoda is a glazed pagoda. The two pagodas are connected by a tunnel at the bottom of the lake. When the lights are on at night, the reflections of the two pagodas in the lake are extremely beautiful. They are the landmark scenic spots of Guilin's night view.
Tour Suggestions
- Understand the ticket prices, preferential policies, and opening hours of the scenic area in advance, and plan your itinerary reasonably. You can query through the official website of the scenic area or online travel platforms.
- If you want to enjoy the night view of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, it is recommended to choose the night - tour boat. Book the boat ticket in advance to avoid delaying your itinerary. The lights on the boat are relatively dim during the night tour, so pay attention to safety.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You need to climb the mountain in Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area, and comfortable equipment can make your tour more relaxed.
- When tasting food, choose regular restaurants and snack stalls to ensure food hygiene and quality. Try local special delicacies such as Guilin Rice Noodles and Beer Fish, but pay attention to eating in moderation to avoid stomach discomfort.
- On the boat, listen to the guide's explanation, and you can better understand the history and culture of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes and the stories behind the scenic spots.
- If you are traveling with the elderly or children, take good care of their physical conditions and avoid over - fatigue. You can appropriately arrange rest time and take a short rest in the rest areas in the scenic area.
Precautions
- Comply with the regulations and order of the scenic area. Do not scribble, spit, or litter in the scenic area. Keep the scenic area clean and beautiful.
- When climbing the mountain in Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area, pay attention to safety. Follow the signs and the guidance of the staff, and do not take risks by climbing in dangerous areas. Especially when it rains or the road is slippery, walk carefully to prevent slipping.
- When taking the boat tour, follow the crew's arrangements and wear life jackets. Do not walk around casually or make dangerous movements on the boat to avoid accidents.
- There may be some commercial activities and sales promotions in the scenic area. Tourists should consume rationally and avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Keep your personal belongings safe, especially in crowded places such as the boat dock and the entrance of the scenic area, to prevent your belongings from being lost or stolen.
- If there is bad weather, such as heavy rain or strong wind, the boat tours on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes may be suspended, and some areas of Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area may be closed. Pay attention to the notices and announcements of the scenic area in time and adjust your itinerary.