2-Day Private Tour to Longji Rice Terraces and Ping’an Village from Guilin

Exploring the 2-Day Private Tour to Longji Rice Terraces and Ping’an Village from Guilin

This 2-day private tour offers travelers a chance to experience some of Guilin’s most iconic sights—the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces and the charming Ping’an Village—without the hassle of navigating on your own or dealing with crowds. Designed for those who value comfort, convenience, and authentic scenery, it’s an excellent way to see the countryside with a knowledgeable guide at your side.

What really makes this experience stand out is the private transport and personalized guide service, which ensures you get the most out of your time. We love how it combines culture with stunning vistas, all wrapped into a well-organized package. That said, it’s worth noting that the physical element—like hiking around the terraces—requires moderate fitness. This tour mostly suits travelers who enjoy gentle outdoor activity and want a smoothly curated experience.

If you’re visiting Guilin for the first time, especially if you don’t speak Chinese, this trip offers a straightforward, stress-free way to explore. It’s a good fit for those looking for a blend of scenic beauty, local culture, and comfort, all in a manageable two-day format.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience means entrance fees, lunch, and private transportation are covered, making the trip straightforward.
• Expert Guide enhances the experience with local insights and language support.
• Spectacular Views of rice terraces and mountain scenery are the main highlights—perfect for photography lovers.
• Moderate Hiking is involved; good physical fitness will enhance enjoyment but isn’t too strenuous.
• Authentic Cultural Stops include visits to Yao and Zhuang minority villages, offering a glimpse into local life.
• Flexible Options like choosing to drive up and hike down the terraces provide personalized comfort and pace.

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect

Day 1: Witnessing the Longji Rice Terraces

The adventure begins early, with hotel pickup at 9:30am, which is a real plus for avoiding the hassle of figuring out transportation on your own. The drive to the Longji Rice Terraces takes roughly 2.5 hours, giving you a chance to relax while enjoying the scenic countryside. Once you arrive, the guide will take you through the terraces—massive, tiered ribbons winding around the hillside that look as if they were painted on the landscape.

The highlight here is the option to drive up the terraces and hike down—a good choice for those who prefer a less tiring ascent or want to conserve energy for exploring. The hike lasts about 1.5 hours, during which you’ll see features like the “stars & moon” and “dragons & tigers,” which are cleverly designed patterns in the terraces, adding visual intrigue to your walk.

We appreciated the local Guilin-style cuisine served for lunch, which provides a taste of regional flavors—simple, hearty, and satisfying. After lunch, you’ll continue exploring the terraces and visit a Yao people’s village, giving you a genuine sense of the local minority cultures.

Day 2: Strolling Through Ping’an Village and Nearby Trails

The next day kicks off with a 9:00am guide meet-up. From there, a 3-hour hike takes you from Ping’an Village to Zhuang Village, passing traditional bamboo and wooden houses that seem untouched by time. This provides an authentic peek into rural life in this part of China—quiet, picturesque, and full of photo opportunities.

The trail is well-loved by travelers for its natural beauty and the chance to see local architecture and daily life in action. Following the hike, an authentic Guilin-style lunch wraps up the experience before heading back to Guilin. Your guide then handles the return transfer, so you can focus on soaking in the scenery and not on logistics.

What’s Included & What’s Not

This tour offers a comprehensive package, with private guides, driver, entrance fees, and meals included. That makes it an excellent value considering the convenience and personalized attention. However, tips are not included but are often appreciated, especially if your guide enhances your experience.

What’s not included are hotel accommodations (which you’ll need to arrange separately) and additional expenses like souvenirs or extra snacks. The tour emphasizes a moderate physical challenge, so travelers should be comfortable with walking and hiking on uneven terrain.

Why This Tour Might Be a Great Fit

This experience is particularly suited for travelers who crave scenic views and cultural insights but prefer to avoid the stress of planning transport or navigating language barriers. The private guide ensures you’re well-informed, and the pace can be adapted to your comfort level.

It’s also attractive for those who want a full, yet manageable two-day trip—covering two major attractions without feeling rushed. If you love stunning landscapes, authentic village life, and the comfort of door-to-door service, this tour ticks most boxes.

What We Love About This Experience

One of the standout features is the stunning scenery—the rice terraces are truly mesmerizing, especially when viewed from above or walking through them. The way they cascade down the hillside, especially at sunrise or sunset, makes for unforgettable photos.

The local village visits give you a glimpse into the lives of minority groups like the Yao and Zhuang, adding cultural depth to the trip. The guide’s insights help contextualize what you see, making these moments more meaningful.

The flexibility of choosing to drive up and hike down is a smart detail, allowing travelers to tailor the experience to their energy levels. Plus, the inclusion of a good-quality lunch helps you avoid the hassle of finding decent food on your own.

The Practicalities

Transport is private, comfortable, and reliable—no worrying about group schedules or crowded buses. The tour starts at a reasonable time of 9:00am, giving you a full day for exploring without feeling rushed. The moderate physical effort involved is manageable for most travelers with decent fitness levels.

The price of $328 per person is quite reasonable for a two-day private experience, especially considering all logistics and entry fees are included. It offers good value for those who want a hassle-free, curated adventure without sacrificing authenticity or scenic beauty.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This 2-day private tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Guilin who want a balanced mix of stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and comfort. It’s tailored for travelers who prefer guided trips to maximize their understanding and enjoyment while avoiding the complexities of independent travel.

It’s perfect for those who appreciate moderate outdoor activity and want to see the iconic rice terraces without feeling exhausted. The focus on authentic villages offers a meaningful cultural touchpoint that enriches the visual spectacle.

If you’re after a well-organized, all-in-one package that minimizes hassle and maximizes scenery and cultural insights, this tour provides genuine value. Just remember, some walking and hiking are involved, so pack comfortable shoes and be ready for spectacular views and memorable experiences.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour starts with pickup from your centrally located Guilin hotel, making your day seamless from the start.

What’s the best time of day to start?
The tour begins at 9:00am, giving you a full day to explore without feeling rushed.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for the terraces and villages are covered in the price.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s suitable for most with moderate fitness levels. Elderly travelers should consider their mobility with the hiking involved.

How physically demanding is the hike?
The hike around the terraces lasts approximately 1.5 hours, but you can choose to drive up and hike down, which reduces physical exertion.

Will I have time for photos?
Absolutely. The terraces and mountain views are stunning, and your guide can help find the best spots for photos.

What kind of lunch is included?
A Guilin-style local meal that is hearty and regional, served after the morning activities.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so your guide can help adapt the experience to your interests and energy levels.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera or smartphone for capturing the views.

This 2-day private tour offers a thoughtful, scenic, and culturally enriching experience of Guilin’s famous rice terraces and villages. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers wanting a hassle-free, authentic glimpse into rural China with the comfort of private transport and expert guides.