Beneath Guangming Hill lies a world of wonder. This is the Reed Flute Cave. Prepare to be amazed by this “Palace of Natural Arts”.
Legend says its name comes from the reeds outside. These reeds were once used to make beautiful flutes. But the real magic lies within.
The Reed Flute Cave stretches 240 meters. It is a fairyland of karst formations. Stalactites and stalagmites create breathtaking shapes. Stone pillars and curtains add to the spectacle.
Imagine birds, plants, and animals formed from stone. Glistening colors illuminate everything. Names like Pines in the Snow and Dragon Pagoda spark the imagination. Feel the awe that visitors have felt for centuries.
People have visited the Reed Flute Cave since the Tang Dynasty. Evidence of this lies in 77 stone inscriptions. These inscriptions cover many years of history.
One large grotto is called the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King. It can hold 1000 people. During wartime, it even served as an air-raid shelter. Look for the white rock slab hanging like a waterfall. See the human-shaped stalactite on the other side.
There is a story of a scholar who visited here once. He tried to capture the cave’s beauty in a poem. It took him so long to find the right words. Finally, he turned to stone.
The Reed Flute Cave opened to the public in 1962. Today artificial lighting enhances the visual experience. It truly is a palace of natural art.
These formations began 180 million years ago. Consistent dripping water shaped them over time. Water containing calcium ions dripped from cracks. This created stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling. Water also dripped onto the ground. This created stalagmites growing from the bottom. Over time these joined to form stone pillars. Remember the Chinese saying. “Consistent water can drop through stone.” But here it forms stone.
Many formations resemble mythological creatures. Others look like natural images. One even looks like the Statue of Liberty. Locals have given each rock a poetic name.
Consider the Lion Rock and Sunrise formation. The stalactites create tall peaks and dense forests. Imagine lions dancing in front of the rising sun.
Then there is the Crystal Palace. It is the widest part of the cave. A huge “Crystal Palace lamp” hangs above. It fills the hall with magical colors. It is like the Dragon King’s palace from myth.
See the Pines in the Snow. One stalagmite looks like a snowman. The other resembles a snow-covered pine tree. The “snow” is made of calcite crystals.
Marvel at the Sky-Scraping Twin pillars. They rise through a “primeval forest”. These dense pillars form a spectacular stone forest.
Don’t forget the ancient inscriptions. The oldest dates back to 790 AD. Scholars, monks, and tourists wrote poems and travelogues here. These writings show the cave’s long history as a tourist destination. They also provide insight into the spread of Buddhism.
Outside the Reed Flute Cave explore more of the scenic area. Visit Mountain Hou and Peach Blossom River. Cross Flying Phoenix Bridge. The Peach Blossom River winds through limestone areas. The Flying Phoenix Bridge dates back to the Song Dynasty.
Remember to bargain with vendors if you buy a reed flute. The first price is never the best price.
As you leave the Reed Flute Cave carry its magic with you. Remember the beauty and the history. The Reed Flute Cave is a treasure. It is a testament to the power of nature.