Guilin, known as the city with the most picturesque landscape in China, attracts countless domestic and international tourists every year. Guilin is famous for its unique karst landforms, the crystal-clear waters of the Li River, and its idyllic countryside views.
Among Guilin’s many natural attractions, Reed Flute Cave stands out with its exceptional charm. Located in the northwest of Guilin city, this cave is filled with a dazzling array of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars. These natural limestone formations, illuminated by vibrant lights, create an otherworldly scene, earning the cave the title of “The Palace of Natural Art.”
Let’s embark on a journey to explore the natural wonders and rich history of Reed Flute Cave through this blog!
Historical Background of Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave has a long history of attracting visitors, dating back to the Tang Dynasty ((618–907 ce). The cave preserves 77 ancient inscriptions on its walls, with the earliest dating back to 792 AD during the reign of Emperor Dezong. These inscriptions not only serve as historical records but also add a rich cultural layer to the cave’s significance.
The Origin of the Cave’s Name
The name Reed Flute Cave is derived from the reed plants that once grew abundantly near its entrance. According to legend, these reeds could be made into melodious flutes, hence the name.
Historical Relics
The inscriptions on the walls of the cave are important artifacts for studying ancient travel culture and calligraphy. Most of these inscriptions were written by travelers to commemorate their visits, illustrating that Reed Flute Cave has been beloved by scholars and visitors from various regions for centuries.
Cultural Significance
Reed Flute Cave is not only a natural wonder but also a reflection of traditional Chinese landscape culture. The limestone formations inside, when illuminated, create picturesque views that have inspired countless poets and artists over the centuries, becoming one of the sources of inspiration for traditional Chinese landscape paintings.
The Myth of Reed Flute Cave
Legend has it that long ago, an emperor was celebrating his 60th birthday and ordered his officials to gather treasures from across the land. These officials used the occasion to exploit the people, leaving them in poverty. Upon hearing of this, the Moon Goddess Chang’e became enraged and decided to punish the greedy officials.
She stirred up a fierce wind over Lake Dongting, capsizing the ships carrying the tribute treasures, and returned the riches to the people. However, the officials continued to plunder, so Chang’e used her powers to hide the remaining treasures in a large cave on Bright Hill. To mark the location, she planted several clusters of reeds near the entrance, and then she returned to the Moon Palace.
When she finally recovered from a long illness in the Moon Palace, she returned to Earth, only to find that over 100 years had passed, and the original owners of the treasures had long since passed away.
Not wanting the treasures to cause further conflict, Chang’e transformed them into the stalactites and stalagmites we see today, making them a rare natural wonder for all to enjoy.
Geological Formation of Reed Flute Cave
Approximately one million years ago, the area where Reed Flute Cave is located was an ancient underground lake. As the earth’s crust shifted and the water level dropped, the underground lake slowly transformed into a dry cave.
During this process, rainwater seeped through the surface, forming underground streams that flowed through the cracks and gaps in the limestone hills, dissolving the calcium carbonate in the rock.
As the calcium-rich water reached the cave interior, carbon dioxide escaped, causing the calcium to crystallize and accumulate over time, forming various shapes of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars typical of karst landscapes.
These formations have been growing slowly over millions of years, creating the breathtaking scenery we see inside Reed Flute Cave today.
Things to Do in Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave is one of Guilin’s most popular tourist destinations. Below are the top Reed Flute Cave attractions that make this site a must-visit.
1. Music Hall
The Music Hall is one of the most famous Reed Flute Cave attractions, known for its incredible acoustics. Stalactites and stone drapes form a natural chamber that enhances sound, creating a truly magical experience.
- Features: The sound effect in the Music Hall is unmatched. Tour guides often perform by striking stalactites with wooden mallets, producing melodies that feel like a natural concert.
- Why Visit: This natural acoustic experience is something you can only find here, making it a unique thing to do in Reed Flute Cave.
- Tips: Make sure to join a guided tour to fully appreciate the natural symphony in the Music Hall.
2. Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace is a large chamber filled with translucent stalactites and stalagmites, making it one of the most visually striking Reed Flute Cave attractions.
- Features: The crystal-clear formations look magical, especially under the cave’s lighting, giving off a fairy-tale vibe.
- Why Visit: The stunning visuals make it one of the best things to do in Reed Flute Cave, particularly for photographers.
- Tips: Bring a camera to capture the magical beauty of the stalactites from different angles.
3. Flower and Fruit Mountain
Flower and Fruit Mountain is a section of Reed Flute Cave covered with stone flowers and drapes, named after the famous mountain from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.
- Features: The stone flowers and drapes create a surreal, colorful landscape.
- Why Visit: The unique and colorful landscape of Flower and Fruit Mountain makes it one of the most visually striking areas in the cave.
- Tips: Take your time here and enjoy the intricate details of the formations.
4. Reed Flute Cave Cavern System
The cavern system in Reed Flute Cave in Guilin is intricate and vast, featuring interconnected chambers of varying sizes. Each chamber houses a unique collection of stalactites and stalagmites, all formed over millions of years.
- Features: The complex layout of the caverns showcases the diversity of karst landforms, making it a perfect destination for geological enthusiasts.
- Why Visit: The intricate cave system is one of the key attractions of Reed Flute Cave, offering a chance to explore the marvels of natural geology.
- Tips: Opt for a guided tour to fully appreciate the formation and geological significance of the cave system.
5. Lion Ridge at Sunrise
Lion Ridge at Sunrise is another breathtaking formation inside Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, China. Named for its resemblance to a lion basking in the morning light, this feature is one of the cave’s signature sights.
- Features: The vibrant colors of the rock formations come to life under changing light, making it an ideal spot for photography.
- Why Visit: This area provides stunning visuals that shift with the light, making it one of the best attractions for photography enthusiasts.
- Tips: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting to capture the full range of colors in the formations.
6. Coiling Dragon Pagoda
Dragon Tower is a group of tall stalagmites tightly clustered together, resembling winding towers of dragons.
- Features: The impressive height and scale of these formations make them stand out among the cave’s many wonders.
- Why Visit: These towering stalagmites are among the tallest in the cave, leaving visitors in awe of their grandeur.
- Tips: Listen to the guides as they explain the natural processes that shaped these incredible structures over millions of years.
7. Primeval Forest
The Primeval Forest section of the cave replicates the look and feel of a dense natural forest but is entirely formed by stalactites, stalagmites, and stone drapes. It’s like stepping into a stone version of a real forest.
- Features: This formation gives visitors a sense of mystery and serenity, offering a peaceful escape into nature, even while underground.
- Why Visit: The Primeval Forest is one of the most unique attractions in Reed Flute Cave, offering a rare glimpse into how nature can mimic itself in the most unexpected ways.
- Tips: Take your time wandering through this part of the cave to fully appreciate its intricate details and the calm ambiance it creates.
8. Distant View of Mountain City
The Distant View of Mountain City offers a vantage point within the cave where you can look outside and witness the beauty of Guilin’s famous karst landscape from inside the cave itself.
- Features: This unique viewpoint allows you to combine the cave’s indoor wonders with Guilin’s stunning outdoor landscapes.
- Why Visit: The contrast between the natural beauty inside and outside the cave makes this one of the best things to do in Reed Flute Cave.
- Tips: Plan your visit on a clear day to fully appreciate the views of Guilin’s iconic mountain ranges from this hidden gem within the cave.
Each of these attractions offers a distinct and memorable experience, making Reed Flute Cave, a must-visit location for anyone interested in natural wonders.
Travel Information for Reed Flute Cave
If you’ve been mesmerized by the stunning views described above and are now considering a trip to Reed Flute Cave, the following route and travel tips are essential reading.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (may extend to 6:00 PM during summer).
- Ticket Prices: 120 RMB per adult. Discounts are available for children, students, and the elderly; please refer to the official announcement for specific prices.
Transportation Information
- Public Transport: Several bus lines from Guilin city go directly to Reed Flute Cave, such as Bus 303 and Bus 305, providing convenient access.
- Taxi/Ride-Hailing Services: A taxi ride from Guilin city takes about 20-30 minutes, with an approximate cost of 30-50 RMB.
- Driving: The scenic area has parking available, with a parking fee of 5 RMB per car.
Suggested Tour Route
- Entrance: Enter through the main gate, and the first stop will be Flower and Fruit Mountain, where you can take in the enchanting natural scenery.
- Music Hall: Next, head to the Music Hall to experience its unique acoustics and natural concert atmosphere.
- Crystal Palace: Move on to the Crystal Palace to marvel at the glistening stalactites.
- Coiling Dragon Pagoda: Continue to Coiling Dragon Pagoda, admiring the spectacular stalagmite formations.
- Distant View of Mountain City: Finally, visit Distant View of Mountain City, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Guilin’s landscapes.
- Exit: Exit through the designated gate to complete your tour.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal, with pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
- Duration: Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate each attraction.
- Tour Tip: Joining a guided tour will provide deeper insights into the geological background of the cave. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the natural beauty of the interior.
Additional Recommendations:
- Ticket Purchase: It’s recommended to book tickets online in advance or purchase them at the entrance. During peak seasons, expect longer wait times.
- Food and Drinks: While food services are available inside and outside the park, it’s wise to bring some water and light snacks.
- Safety and Environmental Responsibility: Keep quiet inside the cave, avoid touching or damaging the formations, and help maintain the cleanliness of the area.
Please note that information may vary due to seasons or holidays. Check the official website or contact the scenic area for the latest updates before your visit.
Useful Travel Tips
Here are some practical tips if you’re planning a trip to Reed Flute Cave.
1. Clothing Recommendations
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground inside the cave may be slippery.
- The temperature inside the cave is cooler, so it’s recommended to bring a light jacket.
2. Items to Bring
- Bring a phone or camera to capture the stunning cave scenery.
- Carry enough water and light snacks to stay energized.
- A small flashlight can add some fun to your exploration.
3. Time Management
- Opt to visit during non-holiday periods or off-peak seasons to avoid large crowds.
- Consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
4. Safety Guidelines
- Follow the tour guide and pay attention to safety warnings.
- Avoid touching the stalactites and stalagmites to help preserve the natural formations.
- Keep quiet and be mindful of other visitors’ experience.
5. Environmental Protection
- Do not litter and help keep the scenic area clean.
- Follow the park’s regulations, refrain from smoking, and avoid using flash photography.
6. Ticket Purchase and Reservation
- It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid queues at the entrance.
- Check the official website for any promotional discounts.
7. Transportation Tips
- Use public transport or take a taxi, and remember to stay safe.
- If you’re driving, be sure to check the parking information for the scenic area.
8. Cultural Respect
- Reed Flute Cave is not only a natural wonder but also part of the local cultural heritage.
- Respect the local culture and traditions, and take time to learn about the stories behind it.
These tips will help you better plan your trip, allowing you to enjoy this cave adventure in a safe and eco-friendly way.
Conclusion
Reed Flute Cave is a magical destination that perfectly blends natural beauty, cultural charm, and the thrill of exploration. It’s not just a trip, but a deep experience of culture and history.
For international visitors seeking a unique adventure, Reed Flute Cave is undoubtedly a journey not to be missed. It awaits you, ready to share its million-year-old stories with every nature lover and adventurer.
