Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave, a 240-meter-long karst masterpiece in Guilin, is renowned for its surreal stalactite formations, ancient inscriptions, and ethereal lighting. Named after reeds used to make flutes found near its entrance, the cave has been a tourist attraction since the Tang Dynasty (7th century). Designated a national AAAA-rated scenic spot, it blends natural geology with poetic folklore, earning the title "Palace of Natural Arts."
Historical Overview
First documented in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), the cave served as a refuge during wars and inspired poets like Li Bo. Rediscovered in 1942 by modern explorers, it underwent renovations in the 1980s, adding LED illumination to highlight its formations. In 1998, it hosted a state banquet for Bill Clinton, cementing its global appeal.
Structural Layout
The cave follows a single 500-meter looped path with three main sections:
- Entrance Hall: Features the "Lion Peak" stalagmite and Tang Dynasty inscriptions.
- Main Chamber: Contains iconic formations like the "Crystal Palace" and "Dragon Pagoda."
- Exit Gallery: Showcases delicate "Flower Mountain" and "Snow Mountain" displays.
Key highlights include over 70 inscriptions from the Tang Dynasty and Republic of China era.
Major Attractions
Crystal Palace: A 30-meter-tall chamber with a subterranean lake reflecting golden stalactites.
Dragon Pagoda: A 12-meter-tall column resembling a dragon coiled around a pagoda.
Flower Mountain: A cluster of pink stalagmites resembling cherry blossoms.
Snow Mountain: White calcite formations evoking snow-capped peaks.
Tang Dynasty Inscriptions: Poems carved by 8th-century scholars praising the cave’s beauty.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (1 hr):
Entrance → Lion Peak → Crystal Palace → Dragon Pagoda → Exit.
Highlights: Core formations and historical inscriptions.
Photography Tour (1.5 hrs):
Focus on Flower Mountain and Snow Mountain with tripod use (permitted).
Cultural Route (2 hrs):
Add guided commentary on Tang Dynasty poetry and geological formation processes.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Ctrip or Meituan (up to 7 days in advance). Prices: ¥90 (adults), ¥45 (students/seniors).
On-Site: Tickets sold at the entrance; limited availability during peak seasons (Apr–Oct).
Free: Children under 1.3m, disabled visitors, and Guilin residents (ID required).
Transportation
Bus: Routes 3, 14, or 24 to Reed Flute Cave Stop.
Taxi: Direct to "Reed Flute Cave" Ludi Road, Xiufeng District.
Tour Shuttles: Hotels in Guilin downtown offer hourly shuttle services.
Best Time & Tips
Ideal Season: Summer (Jun–Aug) for lush reeds; autumn (Oct–Nov) for clear cave air.
Avoid: Rainy days (flooding risks) and Chinese holidays (crowded).
Essentials:
Wear sturdy shoes (uneven cave floors).
Bring a light jacket (cave temperature: 18°C/64°F).
Photography allowed (no flash to protect formations).
Respect inscriptions—no touching stalactites.
Reed Flute Cave is a geological symphony where time and water have sculpted poetry in stone—a must-see for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
