Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan)
Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan)
4
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
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- mkd_travelmaniaNew York City, New York1,730 contributionsBeautiful cave!Beautiful cave in Guilin. The formations inside are gorgeous. The circuit is easy to navigate. Our guide pointed all the important formations to look at. Really nicely and creatively illuminate inside. Apparently there is a show at an expansive area inside which we missed because they halted it temporarily, not sure why. 🙃 but still it was just as enjoyable. We went early in the morning (around 10-10:30) and it was perfect because it was not so crowded.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 21, 2024
- brist0lceltPortishead, United Kingdom256 contributionsSeen one cave……I’m beginning to think if you’ve seen one large cave, you can probably say you’ve seen them all. This was very similar to what we’ve seen in other big caves around the world. Perhaps more colourfully lit up than others. We spent about one hour and that was more than enough.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 2, 2024
- SandiLKatonah, New York203 contributionsDazzling spectacle of lights in a large and complex caveWe visited Reed Flute cave with a private guide on a five-day visit to the Li River area (Guilin/Yangshuo). It is one of maybe 30 caves in the area. We spent 2-3 hours there because we found it unusual and fascinating - several group tours passed us while we were there - but most people spend no more than an hour in the cave. If you have been to a cave system with stalactites and stalagmites in the U.S. or other location where lighting is dim or minimal, this is a very different experience. I have been to many, many caves, and, unlike the earthen colors I am used to, Reed Flute is an explosion of colored lights highlighting the cave formations. If you photograph the formations with a flash, you can see what they look like without the color - otherwise, the colors can highlight but also overwhelm the formation they are highlighting. As far as cave visits go, Reed Flute is large and beautiful - there are some extremely large and complex rooms, as well as some lovely smaller and winding passageways. As for accessibility, we are a healthy couple able to manage a lot of steps and ramps - we did not see any accommodations for people who need assistance, such as wheelchairs or strollers, and some of the steps were hard to see and slippery. There are LED lights at each set of stairs, however. We did not have trouble, but I could imagine someone with vision or accessibility issues finding the size and complexity of the cave a challenge. The cave is cool and damp, a lovely relief from the heat outside in August, and generally we did not need anything inside such as flashlights, rain gear, or particularly warm clothing. I would recommend a good pair of shoes. I am not posting photos because mine look like everyone else's who has posted here, but also because the photos just don't do the cave justice. Our photos all show a slice of a view, when in fact you are nearly always standing in the middle of a room surrounded by colors and cave formations on every side and up to the ceiling. Some others who reviewed this cave had criticisms - I can definitely understand the disconcerting feeling of seeing familiar cave formations lit up like Christmas trees - but we found the cave magical and definitely worth a visit. We would recommend it to sturdy travelers who either have never seen a cave or would be dazzled by cave formations highlighted in endless colors.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
2,057 reviews
Excellent
921
Very good
704
Average
340
Poor
67
Terrible
25
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada9,272 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We wouldn't say this is a must do activity in Guilin as it is a little out of the way and costs 90 RMB. With lots of tourists it could get noisy but we lucked out the weekend after golden week and we're able to go through mostly alone. We spent an hour in the cave checking out various named formations and another hour just walking around the area before we moved on. We would recommend good shoes as some areas are slippery.
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zarza's Travels
Auckland, New Zealand1,026 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
An incredible history, hearing of the first adventurers who entered the cave to find them in their beautiful natural state, but unfortunately these caves are slightly too touristy for my liking now. Packed with tourists, the path through them was overcrowded and quite noisy as Chinese tour guides were speaking with numerous groups. The lighting although impressive in photos, takes away from the natural beauty, and the placement of signs throughout provides an uneasy human impression on something which nature made awe-inspiring all on her own! The main part of the cave is used for weddings and shows. Worth a visit, yes, but arguably not as impressive as some of the reviews imply! If you do visit, be sure to look out for the signatures of the first explorers who found the cave - now that is impressive!
Written April 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angie P
Singapore, Singapore93 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We have visited several caves around the world. This cave is highly acclaimed, said to be visited by diplomats around the world. However, we were disappointed given that it is artificially decorated and described, with multiple multiple neon lights shining at different parts of the cave, and the tourist guide charging off on her own. Did not enjoyed this experience much.
Written December 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donavan
15 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This was only the 2nd cave I’ve been to and it was truly beautiful. You go in as part of a group but you don’t have to stay with the group as you move through the cave. The cave itself was beautiful with amazing lighting throughout l. Prices for children under 18 are advertised as half price BUT this is only for Chinese kids. There is a way around this by bringing your child’s student or library card with you. That may possibly get your child to get in half price - ¥90 per person is full price.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam297 contributions
Dec 2019
The caves are well managed as with most things in China. The tour though isn't too long and the formations are well lit and close to see. Make sure you don't wear too many clothes as it can get stuffy and warm inside. They take your photo at certain points for you to purchase if you like. If in the area worth a visit
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2015Family6
Singapore, Singapore179 contributions
Dec 2019
Underground caves and natural wonders. Be prepared to do quite a bit of walking and hiking. The colors are beautiful and the language translator is a must as you pass through various underground attractions. Plan to walk at least 90-100mins.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary S
Nottingham, UK13 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
After being the number one recommended place in Guilin, we were expecting these caves to be amazing. The whole thing was fine but nothing to write home about. There are bright, colourful lights everywhere which is atmospheric but takes away from the natural beauty.
We were told at the start that we had to wait for the next tour group to leave and that we weren’t allowed to explore by ourselves, but also that they don’t have any English tours. Not having English tours is fine but being forced to stay with a Chinese group where only 1 of the 4 of our party understood is a bit unfair on the 3!
It would have been good for the tour guide to slow down a little as there were a couple of points where we wanted to grab her and ask her something/double check something that she showed us, but she seemed to blitz through the preplanned script and scheduled order very quickly!
We were told at the start that we had to wait for the next tour group to leave and that we weren’t allowed to explore by ourselves, but also that they don’t have any English tours. Not having English tours is fine but being forced to stay with a Chinese group where only 1 of the 4 of our party understood is a bit unfair on the 3!
It would have been good for the tour guide to slow down a little as there were a couple of points where we wanted to grab her and ask her something/double check something that she showed us, but she seemed to blitz through the preplanned script and scheduled order very quickly!
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean C
Sunshine Coast, Australia214 contributions
Jul 2019
We took a guided tour of the caves which was good but left little to the imagination as all formations have been given signs and names / descriptions. The lights are good for highlighting the formations and shapes and shadows.
The caves themselves are very impressive especially the grand hall. The natural depth of the cave system ensures it is especially cool and welcoming to escape from the heat.
As you leave, you must walk through the shops - this is a bit much with all shop keepers trying to get you to spend with them. It's a big downside to what would otherwise be a pleasant experience.
The caves themselves are very impressive especially the grand hall. The natural depth of the cave system ensures it is especially cool and welcoming to escape from the heat.
As you leave, you must walk through the shops - this is a bit much with all shop keepers trying to get you to spend with them. It's a big downside to what would otherwise be a pleasant experience.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
André K
Hefei, China279 contributions
Oct 2020
I have visited a few caves already but this is the most beautiful cave I have visited. The formations is amazing and the accessibilty inside the cave is easy. The show against the cave roof is also very impressive. This is one of the top attractions in Guilin.
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bird D
13 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Very interesting rock formations, the lights were a bit over the top but looked cool anyways. There was a tour but I did not pay attention, sure it was great tho. Nice to see where they filmed the dragon palace for the monkey king tv show.
Also, I went in 2019 but the site won't let me select that rip
Also, I went in 2019 but the site won't let me select that rip
Written January 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
One of the website says it is possible to get to the Reed Flute Cave using boat from the Nanmen Bridge Wharf in Guilin. I tried to find the Reed Flute Cave destination wharf or pier on the map, but did not find anything similar. It means the river cruise from Guilin is just round trip without stop here? Or I can really take a boat from Guilin to reach this cave?
Written February 16, 2019
how to plan a guilin trip for 6 days from 22nd July to 29th July.which places can I visit?
Written July 8, 2017
You can stay 1 full day in Guilin : stroll around , visit the Red Flute Cave, the Pearl museum/ fabric and buy a good quality pearl bracelet or collar for example; other excursions are offered thereI, but I preferred to go to the last destination of this review, . You may go for a drink or even dancing in the old part of the city close to the Lake and the Elephant Trunk, there is also a night market and many food stalls around . Then drive to the rice fields ( minimum 2 hours) in Longshen and spend the day or even also sleep over: walk around the fields, go up (up the mountain by foot requires 2 hours min and good physical condition , or take a seat lift ) to the viewpoint with super scenic views, a coffee shop and little shops from the local people ; you may spend one night in one of the several hostels around (book in advance).
Your next destination is it three hours drive from this ricefields to Yongshuo. Or you go back to Guilin sleep over and take at 9:30 a 4-5 hour noisy boat trip from Guilin to Yongshuo (you have to book in advance and be ready one hour prior departure at the pier).
Yongshuo is one of the best places in China and the best of the area. In Yongshuo you may do many walking excursions , bicycle or motorcycle excursions (although I highly recommend to use the bike and enjoy the peace and the nature around) . Do not miss the non-motor boat tours please !!!! Do not miss the show on the lake at night (buy your tickets are your hotel or through your travel agent, they will provide go-return transportation). There is also a show several times a day about native people, but I haven't been there myself. It is also possible to have a fantastic view from the landscape with the special karstic little mountains, you may take mountingsby balloon or little airplane. Depending on the time of the year, there are also some spot for rafting. There are also some caves to visit and with some special games for young people. In the evening The centre of the town transforms in the very noisy and packed area. There is an ice skating ring underneath the kind of square at one end of the Main pedestrian street .There is also a very big night market full of live and many restaurants food stalls around, but what is impressive is one of the streets with very high music inside and outside, with karaoke , with live bands, and full of young Chinese people. Everything closes at midnight, anyway you can always find a peaceful area in the evening a bit of from this Main Street.
Even the road back to Guilin to take you to the train station or airport has fantastic views.
Enjoy your trip!
Written July 31, 2017
Is it possible to pay for luggage storage at Reed Flute Cave? Our only chance to visit the cave is after we check out from Yangshuo and before we go to the airport. We don't mind paying.
Written June 13, 2017
I'm planning on take a taxi to the cave. I would like to know can I get a taxi from the cave to my hotel, I 'm at the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel? Thanks!
Written April 13, 2016
Hi, I am planning on taking a taxi from my hotel the Lijiang Waterfall to the Reed Flute Cave. I would like to know will I be able to catch a taxi back to the hotel? Planning on doing this solo.
Written April 13, 2016
Is there any place to leave luggage at the bus station or cave entrance? Also how far is the bus station from the cave entrance?
Written September 19, 2015
The bus station is well away from the cave . The cave is away from the city . I did not see where to store luggage, but the tourist infrastructure is good. I find it easier you find store luggage at the bus station .
Written September 22, 2015
hola quisiera hacer un paseo en barco por el rio yangtze y ver la represa, nada mas, cual es el costo?
Written August 30, 2015
Lamento no poder ayudarte porque viajamos con todo incluido en nuestro tour de 12 días por China ¡que lo disfruten!
Written September 1, 2015
From the Guilin Ming Palace Hostel yha- where i stay how far is REED FLUTE CAVE,say i decide to travel by public bus,or a local train.Which is faster of the two.Can i book tickets for REED FLUTE CAVE online to avoid the long queues.
Written July 7, 2015
I used a private guide for our Full day tour of Guilin including the caves. However, if you are planning to do independent travel in Guilin (with out a tour or guide) I would recommend getting a guidebook to assist you with your travel planning. I used Rough Guide China, but i also recommend Lonely Planet China. I would also double check with the front desk at your hostel. Most hostels around the world have an information desk where you can get info about tours and often book them directly. I would contact your hostel for advice. I bet they could arrange it for you in advance, but at the very least they can help you chose a travel supplier to book through. I hope you have fun in China!
Written July 9, 2015
How long is the bus ride from Guilin to the Caves?
Written June 4, 2015
I don't believe that it was too long. Like others have said, it probably took around 30 minutes on the bus. The bus is super cheap and easy so I would take that if you're not in a rush.
Written June 5, 2015
Is there a fee for the entrance? if so, how much?
Written April 10, 2015
Yes, there is a fee but as everyone else we did not know , we had been taking care of all inclusive from Canada booking ,our trips are top knocks , we never have to wait for any entrances at all. We were saving so much time when the line is crazily long… for us paying a bit more it is worthy!
Written May 31, 2015
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