A limestone cave system in use since the Tang Dynasty, named for the reeds growing at its entrance once used to make flutes. The cave's chambers are illuminated in colored light revealing stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations given poetic names such as the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King, a naturally hollowed chamber said to inspire the underwater palace legend in the classic novel Journey to the West.
Reed Flute Cave lies within Guilin's Diecai District, a limestone cavern that has drawn visitors since the Tang Dynasty and takes its name from the reeds once gathered at its mouth to make flutes. The cave's passage runs roughly 240 meters through a series of chambers hung with stalactites, stalagmites, and rock columns, many of which have been given poetic names based on their shapes, such as the Flower and Fruit Mountain and the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King, a large open chamber whose reflective pool and vaulted ceiling are said to have inspired the underwater palace in the classic novel Journey to the West. Colored lighting is used throughout to pick out the formations, in contrast to the more subdued natural-light approach at some other Chinese show caves. A full loop through the cave takes about an hour, included in a single ticket alongside a continuously running English-language guided tour. The interior remains cool and humid year-round, making it a popular midday or afternoon stop when the outdoor heat is highest, and a comfortable option regardless of season.
| Admission | Adult ¥110 (approx. $15) · Child ¥55 (approx. $8) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | afternoon |
| Address | Ludi Road, Diecai District, Guilin |
Good to know
- Best for
- families, photographers, first-time visitors
Location
Ludi Road, Diecai District, Guilin
25.2833, 110.2508 View on map
Highlights
- Crystal Palace of the Dragon King chamber
- Colored-light illuminated stalactite formations
- Flower and Fruit Mountain rock formation
- Continuous included English-language guided tours
- Tang Dynasty inscriptions near the cave entrance
Tips for visiting
- Guided tours in English are included with the ticket and run continuously
- The cave stays a cool, humid temperature year-round; bring a light layer
- Photography is allowed but a tripod is impractical given crowd flow
When to visit
The cave is a good option in any season or weather since the interior temperature stays cool and stable year-round; afternoons see the heaviest tour-group traffic.
Accessibility
The cave path includes uneven, sometimes slippery stone surfaces and gentle grade changes; wheelchair access is limited and not recommended for the full route.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Reed Flute Cave take?
A full guided loop through the cave takes about one to one and a half hours.
Is Reed Flute Cave worth it for kids?
Yes; the colored lighting and dramatic rock formations are popular with children, though the cave floor can be slippery and uneven in places.
Is photography allowed inside the cave?
Photography is permitted throughout, though a tripod is impractical given the steady flow of guided tour groups through the passages.