The Reed Flute Cave, also called Bamboo-flute Cave, is the largest and most spectacular cave in Guilin. It is named after the reeds that grow at its entrance and that are used to make flutes and pipes.

According to legend, a magician once lived in the cave and spent thousands of years carving the limestone stalagmites into sculptures of animals. By playing a magic reed flute the magician could bring the stalagmites to life. One day a young girl stumbled into the cave. Delighted by the magician's dancing sculptures, the young girl promised to keep the cave a secret, but unable to contain her excitement she told her neighbours and word quickly spread, until it reached the Dragon King of the Ocean. The King sent his troops to the cave, but rather than surrendering his magic reed flute, the magician sealed the cavde shut, keeping his sculptures safe for future generations to discover and admire. Today, the mythical magician is remembered in the names given to the most spectacular features.