Guilin Longji Rice Terraces and Four Lakes Night Cruise Day Tour

Guilin Longji Rice Terraces and Four Lakes Night Cruise Day Tour Review

Taking a day to explore Guilin’s iconic landscapes and vibrant city nightlife offers a blend of breathtaking scenery and authentic local culture. This tour takes you from the lush, terraced hills of Longsheng to Guilin’s illuminated waterways, balancing natural beauty with lively urban charm.

One feature we especially appreciate is the combination of daytime sightseeing and evening relaxation—seeing the rice terraces in the morning and the city’s illuminated lakes at night makes for a well-rounded day. A potential drawback could be the timing of the drive, which takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way, depending on your starting point. Still, this is a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive Guilin experience in one day, especially if you’re short on time.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and a relaxed pace. If you’re after a mix of natural beauty and city life — and don’t mind a full day of sightseeing — this experience offers good value and memorable moments. Let’s unpack what makes this tour a worthwhile pick, and where it might not be perfect.

Key Points

• Stunning views of the Longji rice terraces built into the hillsides, showcasing centuries of farming ingenuity.
• Authentic visits to minority villages, including the famous Huangluo Yao village with its long-haired women.
• Balanced schedule with a mix of cultural sights, nature, and the lively Guilin night scene.
• Comfortable transportation via private air-conditioned vehicle, making the long drives more relaxed.
• Admission tickets included, simplifying the planning process.
• Timing and pacing are designed for a full-day experience, ideally suited for active travelers.
• Limited food options are not included, so packing a snack or planning a meal in advance is wise.
• Free cancellation policy offers peace of mind for flexible planning.

Exploring the Longji Rice Terraces and Villages

The core of this tour is the Longji Rice Terraces, often called the Dragon’s Backbones, because of their winding, scale-like appearance over the hills. These terraces are a stunning testament to traditional Chinese farming, carved into the mountains over centuries.

Your driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel in Guilin, Yangshuo, or Xingping, with travel times ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Expect a comfortable, air-conditioned ride, which makes the long journey easier—especially if you’re not used to big drives in unfamiliar territory.

First Stop: Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces

Once at the tickets office, you’ll purchase your entry tickets (included in the tour), then head to Ping’an or Dazhai Village to start your exploration. The 3-hour visit offers enough time to soak in the views, take photos, and understand the history behind these incredible landscapes.

The terraces are built into the hillsides and have been cultivated for centuries, creating a landscape that looks like a giant, layered puzzle. As you walk among these fields, you might hear the quiet hum of water systems or see local farmers tending to their crops—an authentic glimpse into rural life.

Visit to Huangluo Yao Village

A highlight for many is the visit to Huangluo Yao Village. Known for the women who grow their hair incredibly long—some as long as 6.6 feet (2 meters)—it’s a fascinating cultural stop. Here, you learn about the Yao people’s traditions and lifestyles, providing context to the minority groups that make up a significant part of the region’s identity.

Lunch with a View

Before heading back to Guilin, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional meal in Ping’an. While the tour doesn’t include lunch, many travelers opt for the local dishes served at village restaurants, which often feature fresh produce and simple, hearty flavors. Be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for this, but it’s a great way to taste authentic regional cuisine.

Guilin’s Scenic Waterways and Nighttime Charms

After the daytime exploration, the tour transitions into Guilin’s famed Four Lakes Night Cruise. This is where the city really comes alive, with lantern-lit waterways, music fountains, and small pavilions reflecting in the calm waters.

You’ll enjoy a gentle boat ride that lasts about an hour, passing through the lakes of Shan, Rong, Gui, and Molong. As dusk falls, the area fills with lights, making it a magical scene. Local performances and the vibrant atmosphere give visitors a taste of Guilin’s lively city spirit.

The Sun and Moon Pagodas

The cruise begins at the Twin Pagodas near the Riyue Shangta Cultural Park. These iconic structures are free to view from the boat and serve as a picturesque backdrop for your evening outing. The pagodas themselves are not part of the cruise but are visible from the water, adding to the overall visual feast.

Nighttime Views and Atmosphere

The experience of cruising through Guilin’s illuminated lakes is surprisingly relaxing and picturesque. This part of the tour is a highlight for many, offering the chance to unwind after a day of walking. The lights, music fountains, and gentle boat ride create a peaceful ambiance, perfect for capturing memorable photos.

Practical Details and Considerations

This tour is designed for those who prefer a structured, all-in-one experience. The private vehicle ensures convenience and comfort, especially given the travel times involved. The inclusion of admission tickets removes the need to carry cash or worry about ticket lines, which adds to the hassle-free feel.

However, one thing to remember is that food and drinks are not included. While you can bring snacks, most travelers plan for a meal either before or after the tour. You might find dining options in the villages, but these can be simple and sometimes limited in variety.

Timing-wise, the tour runs for approximately 10 hours, making it a full day. If you’re someone who enjoys packed itineraries and diverse sights in one day, this is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or focus solely on nature, you might consider splitting the experience into two days.

Value for Money

At around $199 per person, the price includes private transportation, guided visits, and the night cruise, which straightforwardly covers many of the costs involved. It offers good value considering the logistics and the variety of attractions covered, especially since entry fees are included.

Summary: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to see both natural beauty and urban charm in one day. If you’re keen on exploring iconic rice terraces, learning about minority cultures, and experiencing Guilin’s enchanting lakes and pagodas at night, this tour ticks all those boxes. It also appeals to those who appreciate comfort and convenience, thanks to private transport and included tickets.

While it’s a full and busy day, the payoff is a comprehensive look at what makes Guilin special—its landscapes, its culture, and its vibrant city life. Just remember, it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a slow, relaxed experience or are on a tight budget, since meals are extra and the day does involve quite a bit of driving.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour? Yes, the tour provides a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver, making the long drives more comfortable and stress-free.

What is the duration of the tour? The entire experience lasts around 10 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and the night cruise.

Are tickets to the attractions included? Yes, admission tickets for the Longji rice terraces, Huangluo Yao Village, and the night cruise are all included.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues? The tour involves walking through villages and terraces, which can be uneven and steep. It’s best suited for travelers with good mobility.

What should I bring? Besides the usual essentials, consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, water, and some snacks or a light meal for flexibility, since food isn’t included.

Is this a group or private tour? It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate, offering a personalized experience.

What is the best time of day to enjoy the rice terraces? Visiting in the morning provides softer lighting and fewer crowds, while the evening offers stunning views of Guilin’s illuminated lakes.

Are there any optional activities? The tour includes the main sights; additional activities, such as extra village visits or shopping, are not included but can be arranged separately.

How flexible is the schedule? The itinerary is quite structured, but your guide can answer questions or offer brief adjustments based on your interests during the day.

Final Thoughts

This Guilin tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s spectacular landscapes, traditional cultures, and lively city ambiance. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to maximize their day, combining scenic views with cultural insights and a touch of urban charm. The inclusion of private transport and tickets adds ease, but travelers should be prepared for a full day.

Perfect for active travelers and photography enthusiasts, the tour’s highlights—the terraced rice fields, minority villages, and glowing lakes—are sure to leave lasting memories. If you’re looking for a convenient yet immersive way to experience Guilin, this tour could very well be your best bet.

Whether you’re captivated by the rolling hills, intrigued by minority cultures, or simply seeking a beautiful city at night, this experience combines it all with practicality and flair.