Reed Flute Cave

What it is

Reed Flute Cave is the largest and most elaborate cave in Guilin, and has been a visitor attraction for long enough that it has hosted a long list of presidents and officials. The walkway runs about 500 metres into the hill, to a depth of some 240 metres, past stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, stone curtains and the formations the Chinese call stone flowers.

The lighting question

The cave is lit with coloured lights — pinks, greens, blues — which is standard practice in Chinese show caves and either magical or a bit much, depending on what you expected. If you want a cave without the light show, say so; there are unlit caves in the area, though none as large. The formations themselves are genuine and impressive regardless.

Practicalities

It is 18 °C inside whatever the season, which makes it a good midday stop in July and a welcome shelter in the rain. The floor is paved and the route is one-way, so you cannot get lost, but it is a walk of about a kilometre in total rather than a stroll.

What to look for

• The Grand Hall, the largest chamber on the route
• Stone curtains — thin translucent sheets of calcite
• The reflecting pool, where the ceiling mirrors in still water
• The exit tunnel, which comes out high on the hillside

Getting there

About 5 km northwest of downtown Guilin, roughly 20 minutes by car. Usually combined with Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Hill.

Best time to go

Year round — the cave is a good wet-day and hot-day option precisely because the weather does not reach inside.

Practical notes

• It is cool inside even in summer: bring a light layer.
• The route is one-way and takes about an hour at a normal pace.
• Photographs come out better with a phone than a flash camera — the lights are the subject.

Questions about Reed Flute Cave