Elephant Trunk Hill

Elephant Trunk Hill, located on the east bank of the Lijiang River, is named after its unique mountain shape resembling a tall elephant trunk, and is one of the famous landmarks and attractions in the Lijiang River scenery.

Standing on the side of the Lijiang River, its main peak is about 200 meters high, shaped like a huge elephant trunk reaching out to the Lijiang River. In the early morning, when the sunlight pours through the clouds on the Elephant Trunk Hill, the outline of the mountain becomes more distinct, like a magnificent natural sculpture. Climbing to the top of the mountain, you can overlook the magnificent landscapes on both sides of the Lijiang River, with boats traveling slowly across the river in a picturesque manner.

Legend has it that the Elephant Trunk Hill was once the trunk of a sacred elephant, and because of its hard texture it was constantly washed by the river and formed the shape of the hill today. Underneath, there is an ancient temple, the Elephant Trunk Mountain Temple, which enshrines the gods of Elephant Trunk Mountain that were worshiped by ancient literati and writers. Every year on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, local residents hold a grand temple fair here to pray for good weather and peace and happiness.