Guilin : take a look at some of Earth's most incredible caves

The World Heritage Property of South China Karst is one of the world’s most spectacular examples of humid tropical to subtropical karst landscapes. It is a serial property that includes seven karst clusters in four Provinces: Shilin Karst, Libo Karst, Wulong Karst, Guilin Karst, Shibing Karst, Jinfoshan Karst, and Huanjiang Karst. The total area is 97,125 hectares, with a buffer zone of 176,228 hectares.

Guilin Karst is considered the best known example of continental fenglin and provides a perfect geomorphic expression of the end stage of karst evolution in South China. Scientific study of karst development in the region has resulted in the generation of the ‘Guilin model’ of fengcong and fenglin karst evolution.

Reed Flute Cave

Known as “the Palace of Natural Arts” is located in the northwest of Guilin. According to a legend, Reed Flute Cave got its name because people believed that the reed by the cave’s mouth could be made into flutes. The limestone cave offers a majestic fairyland of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, birds, plants and animals in fantastic shapes and colors.

Silver Cave in Yangshuo

The cave has many levels: The Upper Cave; Reception area and Lower Cave. In its entirety, the cave actually reaches through 12 different mountains in a labyrinth-like network. 

The cave boats an impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites and other unusually shaped limestone formations. These were formed in different geological periods. These are illuminated by coloured lights in an attempt to highlight the different contours and texture of the rock.

Crown Cave 

Is a twelve kilometer long, water eroded cave. It is a wonderland of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations. It was opened to tourists in 1995 and is fitted with illuminating lights, a sound control tour guide system and escalators. Tourists are able to see all of the most interesting areas by specially designed cars and boats.

The cave extends 12km, but only the 3km nearest the river has been explored to any large extent. It is protected by scheduled closures to ensure that its unique qualities are not lost. Stalagmites abound inside the cave making grotesque and imposing shapes that lead people into a fairyland. An underground stream originating from Mt. Haiyang empties into the Li River from this cave. The deepest spot is over 10 meters (over 30 ft). 

Take a look at some of Earth's most incredible caves,  all of which look like they belong on a planet we have no knowledge of…