The Crystal Palace
水晶宫 · The showpiece
A vast chamber with a stage-like rock floor and a ceiling of hanging stalactites — the cave’s theatrical centerpiece.
Why Reed Flute Cave is worth your time
Step from the Guilin heat or rain into a constant 19°C wonderland. Reed Flute Cave has been a tourist draw for over 1,200 years — you can still see poems carved into the rock by Tang dynasty visitors in 792 AD. What makes it special today is the lighting: stalactites and pillars glow in shifting colors, and a calm underground lake doubles the whole scene like a mirror.
The walkable route is about 500 meters of flat, well-lit path — no crawling, no climbing, no getting dirty. Guides love to point out shapes: a “Crystal Palace,” a “Dragon Tower,” a “Virgin Forest.” It’s theatrical, yes, but genuinely spectacular and a relief on a hot or wet summer day.
Quick tip: it’s cool and damp inside year-round (about 19°C). Bring a light layer in summer, and go early to beat the tour-bus crowds that arrive late morning.
Top highlights
The signature sights and experiences that make Reed Flute Cave special.
Stalactite Forest
石笋森林 · Lit formations
Colorful lights pick out stone pillars and hanging formations inside the cave.
Underground Mirror Lake
地下湖 · Reflections
A still underground lake doubles the lit stalactites in a perfect mirror.
Elephant Trunk Hill
象鼻山 · 20 min away
Guilin’s city emblem sits where the Li and Peach Blossom rivers meet — easy to pair with the cave in one morning.
Sun & Moon Pagodas
日月双塔 · City center lakes
A gold and a silver pagoda light up on Shanhu Lake at night — the signature sight on an evening lakeside walk.
Which option is right for you?
Ways to experience Reed Flute Cave, from the classic route to a quicker highlight.
Standard Cave Walk
1 hour · 500 m · flat
1
Enter the north mouth Buy a ticket; the path descends gently into the cavern.
2
Follow the lit loop Past the Crystal Palace, lake, and named formations.
3
Exit the south mouth A short walk back to the parking area and shuttle.
Cave + City Combo
Half day · with Guilin sights
1
Morning cave visit Cool and quiet before the tour buses (arrive ~9 AM).
2
Afternoon in the city Pair with Elephant Trunk Hill and the lakes, 20 min away.
Best time to visit
Hot summer days
A constant 19°C inside makes it the perfect air-conditioned escape in Jul–Aug.
Rainy days
Fully indoor — ideal when the Li River cruise or biking is washed out.
Year-round
The cave is weatherproof; only the crowds vary by season.
Travel tips
Arrive before 10 AM
Tour buses flood in late morning; early means empty chambers and clean photos.
Bring a light layer
It’s ~19°C and damp inside even in August — a thin jacket is welcome.
Use the lake for reflections
The underground lake is the mirror shot; crouch low and turn off flash for the best result.
Snacks at the exit
A small plaza outside sells drinks and souvenirs; nothing inside.
Watch the floor
Paths are damp in spots — sensible shoes, no heels.
How to get there
1
From Guilin city About 5 km northwest; taxi 15–20 min (¥20–30).
2
By bus City bus 3 or tourist shuttles stop near the entrance.
3
With a tour Most Guilin day tours include the cave as a stop.
4
Tickets Buy at the gate or via your hotel; no advance booking required.
Tickets & practical info
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Entrance ticket | ¥85–110 — includes the lit walkway |
| Visit time | ~1 hour |
| Walkway | ~500 m · flat |
| Temperature | ~19°C year-round |
| From Guilin | 5 km · 15–20 min |
| Inside | No climbing or crawling |
Prices are reference values and may shift by season. The cave is fully accessible and stroller/wheelchair friendly on the main path. Photography is allowed without flash.
