Reed Flute Cave, just five kilometers northwest of the center of Guilin, is a superb cave that is on almost every tourist' s itinerary. The spectacular stalactites, rock formations and stone pillars are set off by multicolored lighting that creates an other-worldly feeling. Like many of the tourist sites around Guilin, Reed Flute Cave has drawn admirers for many centuries: some of the inscriptions on the wall are said to be inspired by writings of the Tang dynasty.
The place name comes from the reeds which once grew around the mouth of the cave, and were used to make musical instruments. The visitors' route follows a U-shaped path and exits through the mouth of an adjacent cavern. On the way, sightseers are regaled with folk stories and legends which have grown up around the various points of interest. The sheer scale of the place is one of its most impressive features: the so-called Crystal Palace can easily hold 1000 people. (During the war, it held many more, as the people of Guilin used it as a shelter during the worst of the fighting against the Japanese.) Other fanciful names which enliven a visit to Reed Flute Cave are Dragon Pagoda, Virgin Forest and Flower and Fruit Mountain. A pretty park has been built beside the cave, and is worth visiting for its elegant landscaping.
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