If friends take a tour package to Guilin, the first destination will usually be Reed Flute Cave or Tiexiang Cave, which is located in the northern region of Guilin City, Guangxi Province, China. Here we will be amazed by the mysteries of nature in the form of caves with rock formations that inspire the imagination.
Tiexiang Cave, which is called Reed Flute Chili in English, takes its name from the green reeds that grow outside it, a family of herbs that people often use to make flutes. But there are also those who argue that the name Red Flute Cave derives from the formation of stalactites and stalagmites that resemble the red flutes found in the cave.
Exploring Tiexiang Cave – Reed Flute Cave
After purchasing the tickets, our tour guide took us to our first stop, which is a kind of mini mall selling all kinds of Chinese souvenirs. Friends who like to shop and get unique souvenirs from Reed Flute Cave must be ready to shop first. Because the exit path no longer goes through this step.
Entering the Bamboo Flute Cave is not like entering an abandoned cave. Dark, stuffy and smells like damp. Here is a tourist cave, thousands of people come and go, then one of the local government ATMs. So it’s no wonder that as soon as it enters her mouth, the cool air immediately brushes against her warm face and skin out there.
Even if the path inside is a little muddy, there is no need to worry. The road surface inside the Reed Flute Cave was covered with macadam stone that was firmly cemented. But you still have to be careful, friends.
Staglamite Formation, Staglamite
Along the path of Tiexiang Cave, about 240 meters long and about 80 meters wide, I gasped. The various unique and varied geological formations of stalactites and stalagmites are exactly as described by the previous guide: “Just play with your imagination, then you can find the goddess Kwan Im inside…”
Then, if friends are observant enough, you’ll come across rock formations like this:
- Bamboo flute (reed flute): the formation of stalactites and stalagmites resembling bamboo flutes, which gives this cave its name.
- Stone Temple (Stone Temple): stalactite formations resembling a temple, particularly beautiful when illuminated by the light of cave lamps.
- Wisteria tree: stalagmite formations resembling flowering wisteria trees.
- Lotus flower (Lotus flower): stalagmite formation resembling a lotus flower.
- Underwater castle: formations of stalactites and stalagmites that form in underground pools and resemble underwater castles.
- Hiasan Naga (dragon decoration): stalactite formations resembling dragon ornaments on the cave ceiling.
- Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy): stalactite formations resembling the goddess Kwan Im (Guan Yin) in Buddhism.
- Animal Island (Animal Island): formations of stalactites and stalagmites resembling islands with various shapes of animals such as turtles, monkeys and others.
- Flying rock (flying rock): a large rock formation that seems to want to fall from the roof of the cave.
Colored lights
What will make your imagination come to life, and one of the attractions of Reed Flute Cave or Tiexiang Cave is the shooting of colorful lights.
The lights are positioned at various points to produce a dramatic effect when reflected off the limestone formations from the cave walls and ceiling.
The colored lights in Reed Flute Cave begin at the entrance and extend deep into the cave. In some formations, the installed lights give light of different colors. There are green, red, pink, yellow, blue, purple and others green. All of this adds to the dramatic effect.
Indeed, the impression is far from natural caves. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale. And I have to admit that colored lights are a lot of fun. It gives the impression of a magical happy atmosphere.
Oh yes, before joining our group, the guide had reminded us that visitors are strictly forbidden to touch the geological formations or the lights present. That is to maintain sustainability in the cave where the temperature is always maintained at a certain temperature level. So that the formations are not damaged by human breath and sweat.
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Work in the caves
Another interesting thing about Reed Flute Cave or Tiexiang Cave is that we are also treated to Chinese opera performances.
It is held in a large hall inside the cave, a natural amphitheater with excellent acoustics. What I saw at the time was not a “live” show but a video playback with the screen directly above the dome. It provides a different experience than the big screen performances in movie theaters.
On the other hand, opera performances at the Red Flute Cave often feature themes from classical Chinese culture, such as ancient folklore and myths, with distinctive performances and to compensate for the bright colors on display. in my cave.
The theme of the shows varies. While there, I was treated to an origin story of the Bamboo Flute Cave, which began about 180 million years ago when Guilin was still below sea level. Over thousands of years, rainwater and river water flowing over this cave formed the stalactites and stalagmites we see today.
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History of Reed Flute Cave or Rumba Flute Cave or Reed Flute Cave
It started about 180 million years ago when Guilin was still under the sea. This cave was hidden for thousands of years until it was discovered by a farmer in the 1940s during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
During the war, Tiexiang Cave was used as a hideout for the people of Guilin. After leaving, people started exploring the cave and discovering the beautiful nature inside.
Reed Flute Cave was opened as a tourist spot in 1962 and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Guilin. Every year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the natural beauty inside the cave.
The Reed Flute Cave has been an inspiration to many artists and poets over the centuries. This cave is considered one of China’s greatest natural wonders.
Reed Flute Cave Facts
Location: 5 kilometers (3 miles) northwest of downtown Guilin
Dimensions: 240 meters (262 yards) deep; maximum height of 18 meters (59 feet); Widest point 93 meters (102 yards).
Length of the tour: approximately 500 meters (550 yards)
What’s Inside: A spectacular world of stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations
How old: about 700,000 years
When Found: In 1959
Reed Flute Cave, Bamboo Flute Cave in Guilin, China was last modified: March 27, 2023 Of
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