Guilin Reed Flute Cave: Highlights, Travel Tips & Best Time to Visit
Just a few miles from Guilin, you'll find one of the most impressive karst caves in the country: Reed Flute Cave. Also known as Ludi Cave, this scenic spot features dramatic limestone karst formations and ancient inscriptions. It's also hosted many world leaders, including U.S. President Nixon, German President Richard von Weizsäcker, and Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. This guide will tell you all you need to know about visiting Reed Flute Cave so you can have the trip of a lifetime.
Reed Flute Cave in Guilin
Basic Information About Guilin Reed Flute Cave
The scenery in Reed Flute Cave
The Reed Flute Cave is about a 20-minute drive from Guilin, but you can also take public transportation. The numbers 3, 58, 4A, and 13 buses all go to the cave. Plan to spend between 1 and 2 hours exploring, and avoid big public holidays to have more of the cave to yourself.
- Location: 1 Ludi Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- Ticket Price: 90 RMB for adults, 45 RMB for children, free entry for children under 120 centimeters
- Opening Hours: December to March, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; April to November, 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
What Makes This Cave Special
There are plenty of things that make the Reed Flute Cave special, but what's arguably most impressive are the karst limestone formations, including massive stalagmites, stalactites, and pillars. Most of these formations have stories that go along with them, and you'll find dozens of inscriptions that date back to the Tang Dynasty throughout the cave as well.
Some of the most fascinating formations and their lore are the Crystal Palace, a vast underground chamber where the Dragon King is supposed to have resided. Although this cave certainly inspired some cherished Chinese folklore, it's not a religious place. Instead, you'll be treated to natural beauty and a unique side of Chinese culture and tradition.
What to See in the Cave
Dewy stalagmites in Reed Flute Cave
When you enter the cave, you'll follow a U-shaped route that will take you through all of the major highlights. You can't deviate from this route, for your safety and the integrity of the cave, but you'll be able to see everything on it.
Rock Formations
Karst limestone lends itself well to incredible rock formations, so you'll see incredible stalagmites and stalactites on your trip around the cave. If you use your imagination, you'll be able to see animal shapes, waterfalls, and other extraordinary natural formations.
Additionally, you can spot some of Reed Flute Cave's most famous rock formations, like Flower and Fruit Mountain, which is an homage to the Monkey King; the Lion Looking at Curtain; and the Virgin Forest, which resembles ancient trees.
Tang Dynasty Inscriptions
There are roughly 70 different inscriptions in the Reed Flute Cave, most of which are from the Tang Dynasty. Over the years, visitors have etched poems, signatures, and other inscriptions in the walls.
Whimsical Lighting
Natural stalagmites in the cave
The Reed Flute Cave is awash in jewel-toned lighting designed to transport you to a magical place. These lights are strategically placed so they highlight the formations but also create a wonderful ambiance as you make your way through the cave circuit.
Best Time to Visit Guilin Reed Flute Cave
This cave is a great destination to visit year-round. Inside it stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer, maintaining a consistent temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year.
There is a lovely reed garden and several scenic spots to sit outside. It's always a good idea to avoid school and national holidays if you'd like to avoid the crowds.
Nearby Attractions
Since Reed Flute Cave is conveniently located close to Guilin, you can easily pair your excursion with other nearby attractions. We can help put together a personalized itinerary that allows you to see all these attractions at a leisurely pace and gain a good overview of the Guilin region.
Lujia Village
Admire views on the bridge of Lujia Village
Luija Village is just 1.7 kilometers, or 1 mile, away by car and is a charming town right on the Taohua River. This village is famous for tofu, and you can try any number of regional sweet and savory dishes made with locally produced tofu there. We recommend that visitors stop in Lujia Village for lunch after exploring the caves in the morning.
You can visit the village for free, and it takes roughly 1-2 hours to see it all. It also features a scenic trail that loops around the Taohua River, which is perfect for a leisurely walk or ride to enjoy the picturesque views along the way.
Useful Travel Tips
The unique shapes of the stalactites
Make sure you bring your camera. You'll see plenty of amazing formations at Reed Flute Cave. The light is beautiful, and photography is allowed, so you're bound to capture some beautiful souvenirs of your trip to the cave.
The cave is well-maintained, but parts of the path can be slippery, so wearing good shoes with tread is a must. It can also get chilly inside, and it's a good idea to bring layers or a light jacket. Audio guides are available and can give you useful information about the history of some of the caves' most famous formations, as well as the Tang-era inscriptions on the walls.
Step Into the Magical World of Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave is one of Guilin's most impressive natural structures. It also has a cherished place in Chinese folklore and will certainly give you a new appreciation for the region. Let us make your trip to Guilin as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Visit our contact page or email trip@odynovotours.com to get started on your personalized itinerary today.
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