Explore the stunning stalactites 36 meters underground in Guilin and see rhinos and squirrels running all over the place

▲ A large natural dry cave beneath Guanyan features various forms of stalactites. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong, the same below)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Guilin Report

Due to the influence of limestone geology, picturesque peak forests can be seen everywhere in Guilin. These peak forests have their own unique shapes, and when paired with Guilin’s winding and clear Li River, as well as the misty and dreamy atmosphere, they create a uniquely enchanting landscape. Hence the long-standing reputation of “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven.”

However, actuallywhat makes Guilin truly amazing isn’t just the spectacular mountains and rivers on land — the hidden stalactite caves deep underground offer an even more profound experience that feels like stepping into “a whole other world.”

▲ Every drop of water on the stalactites is a fundamental element in their formation.

The Guanyan Scenic Area, located about 30 kilometers from downtown Guilin, houses a massive underground river cave system stretching 12 kilometers in total. Within this cave, a 3-kilometer tourist area has been developed, allowing visitors to explore the variously shaped stalactites underground through three modes of travel: “land, sea, and air.”

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The so-called “land, sea, and air” means visitors can first take a 36-meter-high transparent elevator to descend into a new underground world and view the massive caverns from unique angles. They can then take a boat ride through the cool underground river channels, and finally board an underground train to admire the cave’s wonders. The combination of different modes of transport such as an elevator, boat, and train adds an extra layer of fun to the underground journey at Guanyan.

▲ Flower of Life (right) and a squirrel with a huge tail.

The formation of stalactites is mainly due to the deposition of calcium carbonate and other minerals. Because they grow very slowly, they are particularly precious. Under different conditions, stalactites can take on various forms such as stone pillars and stone stalagmites, with shapes that are wildly diverse and uniquely fascinating. In the vast Guanyan karst cave, due to strong geological activity, visitors can admire a multitude of differently shaped stalactites.

▲ A large rhinoceros with a sturdy body.

According to guides, although stalactites can be seen everywhere in the Guanyan cave,the most important concept when appreciating natural wonders is: “three parts resemblance, seven parts imagination.” Without a touch of romantic imagination, these stalactites are just clusters of rocks.

▲ Using the underground river, visitors can navigate the cave by boat.

But with a bit of imagination, rugged rocks become horned beast heads with strong bodies behind them, coming together to form a vividly lifelike rhinoceros; while tall stone pillars topped with semicircular bulbs might resemble something cheekily phallic. Therefore, in the Guanyan cave, “imagination” is the best travel essential.

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Under the illumination of lights along the way, visitors can not only admire the strange rocks with the help of guides but also expand their horizons through their own imaginations. The highlight of the entire Guanyan cave is a large dry cave located deep inside. Within this dry cave stands a massive stalactite column, 56 meters high and 17 meters in circumference. Under red and green lighting, the prominently jutting stalactites resemble the fireworks display at Taipei 101 on New Year’s Eve — truly spectacular.

▲ Stalactites inside the Guanyan cave.

Next to it are two stalagmites of different sizes. If you look at the smaller one alone, it resembles an owl, but when viewed together with the larger one, the owl turns into a small squirrel and the large stalagmite becomes its fluffy, upright tail. According to guides, the squirrel’s tail is still growing upward and is estimated to connect with the cave ceiling in about 5,000 years, becoming another stone pillar.

As for the “Flower of Life” near the squirrel, it is a slowly growing stalagmite. Guides claim that, on average, the Flower of Life grows only 0.04 centimeters every 100 years and continues to rise drop by drop. Through this accumulation of time, perhaps we can better appreciate the preciousness of life and the wonder of nature.

A massive stalactite column 6 meters tall and 17 meters in circumference.

Guanyan
Address: Caoping Street, Caoping Township, Yanshan District, Guilin City
Attraction Level: AAAA-level scenic spot
Ticket: 80 RMB (approximately 409 NTD)
Opening hours: 08:30～16:30