Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩), located in the picturesque city of Guilin, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. Known for its stunning limestone formations, vibrant colors, and relatively easy trails, it’s an ideal spot for families with young children. Compared to other nearby caves like Seven Star Cave (七星岩) and Silver Cave (银子岩), Reed Flute Cave stands out as a more manageable and enjoyable experience for families. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know for a fun and stress-free visit with little ones.
Why Reed Flute Cave is Perfect for Families
Among the three major caves in the region – Reed Flute Cave, Seven Star Cave, and Silver Cave – Reed Flute Cave takes the top spot for family visits. While Seven Star Cave is a larger park that can be a bit exhausting for young children, and Silver Cave is known for its humid and stair-heavy paths (not ideal for toddlers), Reed Flute Cave offers a cooler, more comfortable atmosphere with manageable trails and a lot of visual appeal.
Advantages of Reed Flute Cave:
- Cool and Comfortable: The cave interior is pleasantly cool, even during the summer, so it’s an excellent choice for families. However, it’s a good idea to bring a jacket for kids as it can get chilly inside.
- Smooth and Easy Trails: The steps are minimal, and the walk is relatively flat, making it easy for young children to explore independently. Your little ones will be able to enjoy the cave’s beauty at their own pace without too much effort.
Whether to Take a Stroller
Although the entrance and exit are not at the same location, it is possible to bring a stroller. We do not recommend that you carry it, as there aren’t many areas where your child can sit comfortably in it. If you plan to use a stroller, expect to carry it for most of the visit. However, the cave is not too large, so it won’t be a major inconvenience.
Navigating the Entrance
When visiting Reed Flute Cave, you’ll need to navigate the entrance carefully. It’s best to set your GPS to Guobin Cave (国宾洞) or the Individual Ticket Sales (散客取票处) for the most direct route. You’ll see a set of stairs to your right that leads to the cave entrance.
Alternatively, if you drive, you’ll need to park in the designated parking lot and walk to the entrance. You can opt for the small tourist train (¥20 per person, about 5 minutes), but walking is a great alternative if you prefer to stretch your legs.
If you’re taking a taxi, simply ask the driver to take you to Guobin Cave (国宾洞), as this is the closest entrance. Some drivers may try to take you to the parking lot where you will be asked to take the small train. This route is more of a tourist trap, so it’s best to specify the correct entrance. If you decide to take the bus, be prepared for a longer journey with more stops, as it tends to be a roundabout route.
Ticket Prices and Booking in Advance
For two adults, the entry fee is ¥134, and tickets purchased online do not need to be exchanged—simply scan your ticket at the entrance. Be sure to purchase your tickets at least one hour in advance, as the system is strict about timing—arriving even one minute late may result in missing your entrance.
Photography Tips
Reed Flute Cave is a photographer’s paradise. The lighting inside the cave is beautifully designed, creating an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for photos. However, it can be a bit too dark for portraits, so we recommend bringing your own portable light for better photos of people.
At the Dragon Palace (龙宫) and Mirror Lake (镜子湖), you’ll find photo opportunities with a free souvenir keychain-sized photo included. If you want a larger version, you can purchase one at the exit, and bargaining is usually possible.
How Long Does a Visit Take?
A visit to Reed Flute Cave typically takes about one hour, making it perfect for a quick and engaging stop. If you’re part of a tour group, you may need to wait in line at the entrance before entering. Once inside, a guide will take you through the cave, pointing out formations that resemble various objects and animals, while explaining their meanings.
For a more relaxed experience, feel free to lag behind the group and take photos at your own pace. At the end of the tour, guides often sing a traditional mountain song as a farewell, adding a nice cultural touch to your visit.