Guilin is famous for its awe-inspiring karst landscapes, and among the most popular attractions are its stunning limestone caves. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to decide which cave to visit. Three of the most well-known caves in the region are Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩), Seven Star Cave (七星岩), and Silver Cave (银子岩). Each of these caves offers a unique experience, but how do you choose the right one for your visit? In this guide, we’ll compare the highlights, transportation tips, ticket prices, and travel times for these caves to help you decide which one is the best fit for your adventure.
Reed Flute Cave: Mystical and Enchanting
Transportation Tip: Reed Flute Cave is conveniently located in Guilin city, just a 15-minute drive from the city center. While public buses are available, they tend to be a bit convoluted and take around 40 to 50 minutes, making a taxi or self-drive the more efficient option. A taxi ride will cost you about ¥10-15, which is very affordable.
Ticket Price Tip: The entrance fee for Reed Flute Cave is ¥90, a great deal for the adventure that awaits inside.
Trail Details: The cave stretches 240 meters deep, and the walking route is 500 meters long. The path is relatively easy, with minimal elevation gain, making it a comfortable experience for visitors of all ages.
Visiting Hours: Reed Flute Cave is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and the typical visit lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing you plenty of time to explore its fascinating rock formations.
Tips and Facts:
- Guided Tours: At the entrance, there are guides who offer group tours every 30 minutes, providing in-depth explanations of the cave’s history and formations.
- Small Tourist Train: There is an option to take a small tourist train for ¥35 to get closer to the cave entrance, but it’s not necessary. The walk is just a few minutes, and it’s a great way to stretch your legs before the tour.
- Historical Significance: Known as Guobin Cave (国宾洞), Reed Flute Cave has hosted many international dignitaries. Additionally, the Crystal Palace inside the cave was a filming location for the classic Chinese tale, Journey to the West (西游记). Keep an eye out for Sun Wukong’s footprints!
Seven Star Cave: Ancient and Mysterious
Transportation Tip: Seven Star Cave is located within Seven Star Park (七星公园), also just a 15-minute drive from the city center. There are several bus routes that go directly to the park, making it easy to reach.
Ticket Price Tip: Tickets for Seven Star Cave cost ¥70, which is relatively affordable for an exciting adventure through ancient underground passages.
Trail Details: The cave extends for 814 meters and is home to unique limestone formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. It’s a bit longer than Reed Flute Cave, providing a more extensive exploration experience.
Visiting Hours: Seven Star Cave is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and the typical visit time is 30 to 40 minutes—perfect for a quick but fascinating exploration.
Tips and Facts:
- Guided Tours: Guides are available at the entrance and offer group tours, so you won’t get lost and can enjoy a deeper understanding of the cave’s history.
- Historical Fame: Seven Star Cave was the first famous cave discovered by Xu Xiake (徐霞客), a renowned Chinese explorer. With its rich history, it offers an ancient and mystical atmosphere that will captivate any visitor.
Silver Cave: Spectacular and Impressive
Transportation Tip: Silver Cave is located in Lipu, which is about 1.5 hours from Guilin city. However, if you’re traveling to Yangshuo, the cave is only about 30 minutes away, making it an excellent stop if you’re exploring the Yangshuo area.
Ticket Price Tip: The entrance fee for Silver Cave is ¥65, offering great value for its expansive and impressive formations.
Trail Details: The cave stretches for 2 kilometers, providing a much longer trail than Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Cave, allowing for a more immersive experience of the underground world.
Visiting Hours: Silver Cave is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and you should plan for about 1.5 hours to explore all the cave has to offer.
Tips and Facts:
- Audio Guides: Instead of a live guide, Silver Cave provides audio guides, so you can explore the cave at your own pace while learning about the formations.
- Hot and Crowded: Silver Cave tends to get a bit crowded, and the air can be warm inside. It’s a good idea to bring a small fan or handheld fan to stay cool.
- Transportation Tip: If you take a taxi to Silver Cave, be aware that it can be difficult to get a return ride. It’s recommended to take a shuttle bus from the cave to Yangshuo for a more convenient return journey.
Conclusion: Which Cave Should You Choose?
Each of the caves—Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩), Seven Star Cave (七星岩), and Silver Cave (银子岩)—has its own distinct charm and appeal. For a family-friendly adventure with easy access and fascinating rock formations, Reed Flute Cave is the top pick. If you’re interested in history and enjoy discovering underground rivers, Seven Star Cave offers a shorter but intriguing journey. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for an expansive, spectacular experience, Silver Cave is the perfect choice, especially if you’re exploring the Yangshuo area.