Visit the Reed Flute Cave to see a natural marvel whose limestone walls are graced by a palette of luminescent rainbow colors. Guided tours take visitors past immense stalagmites and stalactites that are thought to have been forming for more than 180 million years. Delve into the spectacular cave that was carved by water erosion and learn about its geological formation.
Look at the countless formations appearing to drop from the rock ceilings and rise from the floors. Consider how they appear like pillars and columns in this cathedral of nature. They were created over millions of years by dissolved calcium carbonate deposits. Admire the use of a rainbow of light to illuminate these intriguing rock formations.
A docent will lead the group and teach you about the most eye-opening natural phenomena. Listen to the various tales and legends that accompany each rock formation. One Chinese story says that the Monkey King fought for a type of magic wand here.
Continue walking through the U-shaped path in the cave, which is about 790 feet (240 meters) deep. Marvel at the Crystal Palace, a wide and brilliant hall with stalactites pointing in various directions.
Some of the walls are engraved with stories, poems and travelogues by people from the Tang dynasty, more than 1,000 years ago. Imagine travelers roaming through this cave system all that time in the past.
The site is named after the reeds outside the cave that locals have been making into flutes. It was rediscovered in 1959 and now opens daily from morning until late afternoon. There is a fee for admission but little children can enter for free.
The Reed Flute Cave is in the northwestern outskirts of Guilin, in the province of Guangxi. Hop on a bus and travel northwest to one of the stops beside the cave. While you’re in this part of the city, make sure to visit nearby gems such as Fanglian Pond, Yushan Park and the Wangjiang Guanyin Temple (South Gate).
