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

Exploring the 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Pingan Village Tour with an English-Speaking Driver

If you’re visiting Guilin and looking to experience one of China’s most breathtaking sights, the Longji Rice Terraces are a must-see. This private tour offers a smooth, personalized way to explore the famed terraces without the hassle of crowded group tours or strict schedules. Instead, you get comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable driver, and the freedom to hike, photograph, and soak in the scenery at your own pace.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its flexibility — you decide where to spend time, what to photograph, and how long to linger. Plus, the private transport means you won’t be sharing your experience with strangers, making it more intimate and stress-free. That said, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to handle entrance tickets and lunch on your own, which can be a plus for those wanting more dining options or budget control.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic landscapes, local culture, and independent exploration. It’s perfect if you prefer a tailored experience over a preset group itinerary. However, if you’re keen on guided commentary or included meals, this might not be the best fit. Overall, for quality, convenience, and the chance to capture stunning views, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Flexibility & Independence: You set your own pace while enjoying private transport.
• Stunning Views: Iconic terraces and panoramic platforms for perfect photos.
• Local Culture: Visit Ping’an Village and see traditional Zhuang houses.
• Cost Control: Pay for entrance fees and meals separately.
• Ideal for Photographers & Nature Lovers: Plenty of scenic spots to capture.
• No Group Stops: Your driver stays with you, ensuring a personalized experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Early with Comfort

The day begins with a hotel pickup around 9 am in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. This is a real advantage over public transit or crowded tours — your driver will be waiting at your hotel, ready to whisk you directly to Longji. The drive takes about two hours, giving you ample time to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. We loved the ease of having a dedicated driver, especially after a big breakfast, so you arrive energized for the day ahead.

The Longji Rice Terraces: A Visual Feast

Arriving at the entrance to the terraces, you’ll need to purchase your tickets for Ping’an Village, which is home to some of the most famous and picture-worthy rice terraces in Longji. The terraces themselves are a marvel — ancient, meticulously crafted, and carved into the hillsides over 650 years ago. Narrow, winding paths connect these fields, creating a layered, almost surreal landscape.

One of the standout features is the viewing platforms designed specifically for photography. From these spots, you’ll see the terraces stretching in tiered layers, resembling the scales of a dragon (hence the name Dragon’s Backbone). We found that the best time for photos was early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight hits the terraces perfectly. The views are so compelling that even non-photographers will be tempted to snap dozens of pictures.

Exploring Ping’an Village

Next, your driver will escort you through Ping’an Village, a living example of the harmony between agriculture and traditional life. The village boasts wooden stilt houses typical of the Zhuang ethnic group, which adds to the charm and authenticity. When you stroll around, you’ll notice the villagers going about their daily routines, selling handmade crafts or tending to their fields.

For those eager to get closer to the terraces, a moderate trek of about 40 to 60 minutes will lead you from the village to the No.2 Viewing Platform — known as “Seven Stars with the Moon.” This spot offers a bird’s-eye view of the terraced fields below. If you’re feeling more energetic, you can continue to the No.1 Viewing Platform (“Nine Dragons and Five Tigers”), which is flatter and slightly farther away.

The reviews mention that the guides are very helpful in pointing out the best spots and assisting with tickets, making the experience more relaxed. One reviewer commented, “Hill was really good and helped constantly to facilitate tickets, ordering, and payments,” which gives an idea of the attentive service.

Flexibility & Personalization

Since this tour is transport-only, you’re in charge of timing and activities. You can choose to spend more time taking photos, exploring the village, or hiking along the terraces. Plus, you’re free to decide where to have lunch — whether you prefer a local restaurant with rice noodle dishes or a simple picnic. This flexibility is a big plus for travelers wanting a less regimented experience.

Returning Comfortably

After a few hours of exploring, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Guilin, Yangshuo, or Xingping. The return trip offers a chance to relax and reflect on the stunning scenery, knowing that your transport and driver are arranged and waiting.

The Value of This Private Tour

At $78.54 per person, this experience offers good value considering the personalized service. The cost covers the private vehicle and English-speaking driver, which significantly enhances the convenience. Entrance fees and meals are not included, but that allows you to tailor your day — you can choose to spend a bit more on a scenic lunch or save by eating at local stalls.

Many travelers, including reviewers, found this tour to be worthwhile. One noted that their guide, Hill, “helped constantly to facilitate tickets, orderings, and payments,” making the day seamless. Others appreciated the chance to capture stunning photos with less crowd interference and to engage with local culture authentically.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those who appreciate scenic landscapes and local culture but prefer to avoid the rigidity of group tours. If you enjoy independent exploration with a guide or driver to sort logistics, this is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for photographers or nature lovers eager to capture the terraces during the best light.

However, if you’re someone who prefers guided commentary or an all-inclusive package, you might want to look at more guided options. Also, keep in mind that entrance fees and meals are extra, so it’s best for travelers comfortable managing those details.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This private Longji Terrace Fields tour offers a fantastic balance of comfort, flexibility, and authentic scenery. The ability to enjoy the terraces at your own pace, combined with the convenience of private transport and an attentive driver, makes it a compelling choice for many travelers. You’ll love the views from the viewing platforms and the chance to explore Ping’an Village without feeling rushed or crowded.

If you’re seeking an intimate, scenic day out that lets you customize your experience and skip the typical tour bus chaos, this is a strong contender. It’s especially suited for those who want to photograph the terraces during optimal times and interact with local culture without sacrificing comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes a private, air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking driver who picks you up from your hotel.

Do I need to buy tickets for the terraces? Yes, you’ll need to purchase entrance tickets at the Longji Terraces entrance, and these are not included in the tour price.

Can I choose where to have lunch? Absolutely. Since this is a transport-only tour, you can decide whether to eat at local eateries, pack a picnic, or explore dining options on your own.

How long is the drive from Guilin? The drive takes approximately two hours each way, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Is this tour suitable for all ages? Generally, yes. The tour involves some walking and moderate trekking, so travelers comfortable with that will enjoy it most.

Are guided commentary included? No, this is a private transport-only experience, but your driver can assist with logistics and point out highlights.

What’s the best time to visit? While the tour can be enjoyed year-round, photos are often best during early morning or late afternoon light, and the terraces look stunning whenever the weather is clear.

How much flexibility do I have? You can tailor your time at each stop, making this ideal for those who want a personalized experience.

This tour strikes a lovely balance between guided convenience and independent exploration. For travelers eager to see the iconic Longji Rice Terraces without the constraints of group tours, it offers an authentic, scenic, and flexible day in the countryside.