1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Dazhai village Tour with the English Speaking Driver

An Honest Look at the 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields & Dazhai Village Tour

If you’re visiting Guilin and eager to see some of China’s most iconic terraced landscapes, this Longji Terrace Fields and Dazhai Village tour offers a blend of breathtaking scenery and local culture—all without the need for a guide. For $78.54 per person, you get a private driver, flexible timing, and the chance to explore at your own pace, making it an excellent option for travelers who prefer autonomy over guided groups.

One thing we particularly like about this experience is the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the rice terraces, often lauded for their stunning tiered design and historical significance. Plus, the flexibility to hike, take a cable car, or wander Dazhai Village on your own makes it accessible for various activity levels.

A potential consideration is that this tour doesn’t include the entrance fees for the terraces, so you’ll have to purchase tickets on arrival—something to keep in mind when planning your budget. Also, since it’s a self-guided experience with just a driver, those craving in-depth narration or local storytelling might find it a little light on context.

This tour suits travelers who value independent exploration, beautiful scenery, and good value. If you’re comfortable with a bit of planning on the ground and enjoy scenic hikes and cultural encounters, this is likely to tick your boxes.

Key Points

• Flexible & private: A private driver means you set your pace and itinerary.
• Stunning views: The rice terraces and Dazhai Village offer awe-inspiring scenery.
• Cost-effective: For around $78, this is a good value for the extensive scenery and cultural exposure.
• No guided commentary: You’ll be responsible for your own navigation and ticket purchases.
• Ideal for independent travelers: Perfect if you prefer self-guided adventures over group tours.
• Includes pickup and drop-off: Convenient hotel collection and return, saving you logistical fuss.

Exploring Guilin’s Longji Rice Terraces: What to Expect

Starting early from your Guilin hotel, the tour kicks off around 9 am, giving you a full day to soak in some of China’s most iconic agricultural landscapes. The journey to the Longji rice terraces takes approximately two hours, during which your driver (and hopefully friendly, chatty) will set the tone for what’s ahead.

Once at the entrance to the terraces, you’ll need to purchase your own tickets—these aren’t included in the tour price. This gives you the chance to decide how much you want to spend, and perhaps explore at your own pace, avoiding the often crowded group tours. Many visitors find the Ping’an Village Rice Terrace particularly captivating, with its layered fields carved into the mountain slopes, creating a stairway to the sky.

The terraces here have a history of over 650 years, making them a tangible reminder of ancient Chinese farming ingenuity. The narrow fields and winding trails are photogenic, especially at sunrise and sunset, but even during the day, the views are enough to make your camera work overtime. The terraces are built tier upon tier, with viewing platforms providing panoramic vistas. Many travelers mention how “impressive” and “beautiful” the scenery is—and it’s easy to see why.

Dazhai Village and Jinkeng Rice Terraces: A Cultural & Scenic Blend

After exploring the terraces, your driver will guide you to Dazhai Village, located about 50 km from Longsheng County. Dazhai is a hub of the Red Yao people, renowned for their distinctive traditional dress and vibrant singing and dancing. Here, you can choose to hike or take a cable car to the Jinkeng Rice Terraces.

We loved the idea that you can customize your experience—hiking rewards you with closer encounters with the terraces and villagers, while the cable car offers sweeping views without the physical effort. Dazhai’s houses, spread around the terraces, give a glimpse into rural life that’s both authentic and picturesque.

Reviewer insights reveal that some travelers appreciated having a local map and tips from the driver on how to navigate the village, making self-guided exploration straightforward. Others mentioned the “beautiful view of the terraces” and the chance to see the Red Yao culture up close, which adds an extra layer of richness to the trip.

Timing and Tips for Visiting Dazhai and Jinkeng

Expect about three hours for this part of the trip, giving ample time for walking, photography, and cultural appreciation. Some visitors have noted that early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for sunrise or sunset views, and the terraces look magical during those times.

Comfort & Logistics: What’s Included & What’s Not

Your private car and English-speaking driver are included, which simplifies transportation, especially given the rural roads. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort after the sometimes strenuous hikes or long drives. However, note that lunch is not included, so packing some snacks or a picnic could enhance your day.

The main expense outside the tour cost is the entrance tickets, which you’ll need to buy upon arrival. Some visitors have mentioned that without guided commentary, you might miss some contextual details, but the scenic value and flexibility often make up for it.

Authenticity & Local Insights

While the tour doesn’t come with a dedicated guide, travelers who have used this service praise the driver’s politeness and helpfulness. One reviewer mentioned that Andy, the driver, was “polite, nice, good in conversation, and very patient,” which can make a big difference when navigating unfamiliar terrain.

The opportunity to explore Red Yao culture and enjoy the rice terraces at your own pace means you experience a slice of rural China that’s often missed in more commercialized tours. The views are consistently described as “spectacular,” with some noting the terraces’ intricate design and the peaceful rural life they embody.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for independent travelers who are comfortable navigating some logistics themselves and prefer a flexible schedule. It’s also well-suited for those who want to avoid large crowds and enjoy the scenery at their own pace. The cost-effective nature makes it accessible, but be prepared to purchase tickets and do some planning on the spot.

It’s ideal for culture enthusiasts interested in the Red Yao people, as well as nature lovers eager to take in stunning terraced landscapes. If you’re seeking a comprehensive guided commentary, this might not be your best fit, but if you’re happy with a self-guided adventure, it’s a very solid choice.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For travelers craving spectacular views and cultural glimpses, this tour hits the mark. The private driver ensures comfort and flexibility, while the breathtaking terraces offer countless photo opportunities. The lack of a guide isn’t a drawback for many, especially if you enjoy exploring at your own speed.

Given the price point, this tour provides excellent value—you get private transport, stunning scenery, and the freedom to explore Dazhai Village and the terraces with minimal fuss. The experience is straightforward but fulfilling, making it suitable for travelers who want a relaxed yet authentic day trip.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, flexible, scenic adventure that combines nature and culture, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the private car and English-speaking driver are included, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

Are entrance fees to the rice terraces included?
No, you will need to purchase tickets at the site. This gives you flexibility on timing and spending.

Can I hike instead of take the cable car in Dazhai?
Yes, the driver can guide you on how to hike to the Jinkeng Rice Terraces, providing a more physical experience of the scenery.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, from pickup around 9 am to returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Is it suitable for all fitness levels?
Mostly yes, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking or hiking involved around the terraces.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and possibly snacks—since lunch isn’t included.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely, the terraces are photogenic at different times of day, especially sunrise and sunset.

How do I book this tour?
You can book through Viator or similar platforms; just ensure you select the private, self-guided option.

What do reviewers say about the experience?
Reviewers love the stunning views and the helpfulness of the driver, with one saying, “Hes polite and nice. Good in conversation, and very patient with my mother.”

This tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and flexibility. Whether you want to hike, photograph, or simply relax and soak in the views, it provides a memorable glimpse into one of China’s most iconic landscapes.