Reed Flute Cave
A natural limestone cavern celebrated for over twelve centuries, the Reed Flute Cave reveals ancient Tang Dynasty inscriptions alongside dramatic stalactites and stalagmites illuminated in multicolored light.
At a glance
The Reed Flute Cave, known as “the Palace of Natural Arts,” is a landmark attraction in Guilin featuring a network of limestone passages. The cave is named after the type of cane growing outside its entrance, which locals traditionally craft into flutes. Multicolored artificial lighting now illuminates its interior, enhancing the drama of its natural formations.
History
The cave has attracted visitors since ancient times. More than seventy inscriptions in ink, some dating to 792 AD during the Tang Dynasty, confirm its status as a celebrated site for over twelve centuries. The inscriptions preserve records of those who visited and admired the cave in antiquity. The cave remained largely unknown to modern audiences until the 1940s, when a group of refugees fleeing Japanese troops rediscovered it. Since then, it has become one of Guilin’s most significant tourist attractions.
What you see
The cavern’s interior displays an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. These mineral formations create a maze of stone sculptures in shades of white, gray, and amber. The cave’s chambers vary in scale, from intimate passages to expansive halls. Contemporary multicolored lighting casts the rock formations in blues, greens, and reds, creating a theatrical environment that contrasts with the cave’s geological timelessness.
Cultural significance
The Reed Flute Cave represents one of China’s longest-documented natural attractions. The Tang Dynasty inscriptions constitute primary historical evidence of how ancient visitors experienced and valued the site. The cave embodies the relationship between natural landscape and human culture in southern China, serving as both a geological wonder and a repository of historical memory.
Key facts
- Address: 1 Ludi Rd, Xiufeng Qu, Guilin Shi, 541000, Guangxi, China
- Coordinates: 25.3043394, 110.2735666
- Age: Approximately 180 million years old
- Phone: +86 773 269 5075
Practical information
Opening hours and admission fees are not listed; check the official website or contact the cave directly for current visiting information and any seasonal closures.
Getting there
The cave is located in Xiufeng District in Guilin. Public transportation and taxi services connect the city center to the entrance on Ludi Road. You can reach the venue directly at +86 773 269 5075 for directions and travel information.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una foto