Reed Flute Cave

A natural cave illuminated in otherworldly colours — 180 million years in the making

Guilin, GuangxiYear-round. Weekday mornings least crowded.
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By Qianyi·Updated March 2026·10 min read

Intro

Reed Flute Cave is one of China's most spectacular natural caves, carved by water through limestone over 180 million years. The cave stretches 240 metres into the hillside and contains extraordinary stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations illuminated by coloured lights that create an effect simultaneously kitsch and genuinely breathtaking. Chinese emperors and scholars visited the cave for centuries — Tang Dynasty inscriptions dating to 792 AD are visible on the cave walls. The cave gets its name from the reeds growing at its entrance, once used to make flutes.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round. Weekday mornings least crowded.

Highlights

Getting There

Bus 3 or 16 from Guilin city centre. Taxi approximately ¥30–40 from central Guilin.

Tickets & Entry

Adult ¥90.

Practical Tips

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Guilin

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Quick Facts

Best timeYear-round. Weekday mornings least crowded.