Guilin Reed Flute Cave and Longji Rice Terraces Private Day Tour

This private day tour in Guilin offers a well-rounded glimpse into some of China’s most iconic natural and cultural sights. For about eight hours, you’ll travel comfortably with your own guide and vehicle, avoiding the hassle of group tours and tight schedules. From illuminated stalactites in a legendary cave to the lush, terraced mountains carved by generations of farmers, this experience promises a combination of awe-inspiring scenery and genuine cultural insight.

What stands out most is the chance to visit Reed Flute Cave, often called “the art palace of nature,” with its stunning formations lit up in a kaleidoscope of colors. Alongside this, you’ll get to explore Huangluo, the Long Hair Village, home to the Yao women known for their incredibly long hair, and conclude with the awe-inspiring Longji Rice Terraces, some of the largest in the world.

One thing to consider is that entrance fees for certain sites aren’t included, which might add to your costs, but this allows flexibility based on your preferences. This tour is ideal for travelers who love natural beauty, cultural stories, and personalized experiences, especially those who want a flexible, well-organized day out without the crowds.

Key Points

• Personalized Private Experience: Your own guide and vehicle mean tailored visits and flexible timing.
• Stunning Natural Formations: The illuminated stalactites and stalagmites of Reed Flute Cave are genuinely mesmerizing.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about the traditional Yao lifestyle and see their famous long hair at Huangluo.
• Spectacular Landscapes: The Longji Rice Terraces offer breathtaking sights and a sense of timeless farming life.
• Cost Consideration: Entrance fees for some sites (like Longji and Reed Flute Cave) are paid separately, so budget accordingly.
• Ideal for travelers who want a curated, hassle-free day with maximum sightseeing and culture.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Pickup and Transportation

Your day kicks off with pickup from your Guilin hotel around 8:30am. The private vehicle is a real advantage here — it means no waiting around, no complicated connections, and the comfort of your own space. Given that the entire day lasts approximately 8 hours, the drive to Ping’an village is around two hours, giving you time to relax and soak in the scenery en route.

First Stop: Reed Flute Cave

Your first destination is the Reed Flute Cave, often heralded as “the art palace of the nature,” which is a pretty accurate description. Inside, you’ll find stalactites and stalagmites in a riot of shapes, some resembling animals, flowers, or abstract sculptures, all glittering under colorful lighting. Reviewers consistently mention how stunning the cave is, with one describing it as “absolutely stunning,” and others noting that it’s a “cool cave to visit.”

While admission costs around 90 RMB, they’re not included in the tour price, so prepare for this additional expense. The cave’s cool, dimly lit environment provides a refreshing break from the outside heat or humidity, and the unique formations are a photographer’s dream. Many visitors appreciate that the guide, as well as the driver, are knowledgeable and helpful, making sure everyone gets the most out of the visit.

Visiting Long Hair Village: Huangluo Yao Community

From the cave, the journey continues to Huangluo, the Long Hair Village famous for the Yao women. Here, you’ll learn why women grow their hair to lengths of up to 6.6 feet (about 2 meters), which is considered a symbol of beauty and status. The guides often share interesting tidbits, such as how the Yao people maintain their long hair and what it signifies about their cultural identity.

This stop allows for a closer look at an authentic community that still practices traditional ways of life. Visitors typically find it fascinating to witness these cultural traditions firsthand and to take photos of the long-haired women in their traditional attire. The tour notes that this stop involves some walking and exploration of the village, which is manageable for most travelers with moderate physical fitness.

The Highlight: Longji Rice Terraces

The final major stop is Ping’an Village, perched among the awe-inspiring Longji Rice Terraces. These terraces are some of the largest and most famous in the world, carved into the mountainsides over many centuries. You’ll enjoy a traditional lunch here (which you pay for separately), often with local Zhuang and Yao cuisine, and then take a walk through the terraces with your guide.

Travelers who love landscape photography or simply want to enjoy lush, green scenery will find themselves enchanted by the views. One reviewer described the terraces and mountain vistas as “the high point of the day,” emphasizing how breathtaking the scenery is, especially when sunlight hits the fields during harvest or planting seasons.

Flexibility and Personal Touch

The beauty of this private tour is that it’s tailored around your interests. The guide, Andy, mentioned in reviews, is praised for his excellent English and friendly, helpful attitude. He’s also appreciated for his driving skills, especially navigating the sometimes challenging mountain roads.

The tour allows you to enjoy these sights at a relaxed pace, with plenty of room for questions or extra stops if you wish. Plus, because it’s private, you can tweak the itinerary — for instance, spending more time at a favorite spot or skipping what doesn’t interest you.

Pricing and Value

At $115.19 per person, the tour offers solid value, especially considering the private guide and transport. The main expenses outside this fee are the site entrance tickets—roughly 85 RMB for Longji and 90 RMB for Reed Flute Cave—so budgeting around 150 RMB extra per person covers these costs.

For travelers wanting an authentic, flexible, and comfortable experience exploring Guilin’s highlights, this price point is reasonable, especially when you factor in the convenience of door-to-door service and personalized attention.

What Our Reviewers Say

Multiple visitors have given this tour a perfect 5-star rating, emphasizing the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. Jelmer_K mentions the “great private tour” with a helpful guide named Andy, who helped tweak the itinerary, demonstrating the tour’s flexibility. Laura_S calls it a “great experience” and highlights the tour as a must-do in Guilin. Mark_P adds that Andy’s English was very good, and the scenery, especially the Reed Flute Cave and rice terraces, left a strong impression.

These reviews underscore that the tour’s success hinges on the guide’s expertise and the breathtaking sights, making it a reliable choice for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for an enriching day.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private Guilin tour is an excellent pick for travelers seeking a curated, hassle-free day of sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide. It’s perfect for those interested in natural wonders and cultural traditions, especially if they value comfort and flexibility. The combination of stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and personalized service creates a well-rounded experience that appeals to curious travelers.

While not bargain-basement cheap, the price reflects the private, tailored nature of the tour, making it worthwhile for anyone wanting a stress-free, immersive day. If you’re excited by scenic beauty, fascinating local communities, and impressive geological formations, this tour offers a compelling way to experience Guilin.

FAQ

How early should I book this tour?
Most travelers book about 28 days in advance, ensuring availability for this private experience.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Guilin, with private vehicle transport throughout the day.

How long does the tour last?
The entire tour is approximately 8 hours, giving plenty of time to explore each site comfortably.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for Reed Flute Cave (around 90 RMB) and Longji Rice Terraces (about 85 RMB) are paid separately, giving you flexibility on what to visit.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walking around the rice terraces and the village. Dress appropriately for the weather, which can vary.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Moderate physical fitness is suggested, but the tour is generally manageable for most ages.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, your guide can help adjust plans to suit your interests or timing preferences.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of stunning natural formations, cultural insights, and the personalized service makes this experience memorable.

How good is the guide?
Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s English skills, helpful attitude, and local knowledge, especially the guide named Andy.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
While the tour runs year-round, clear weather will enhance your experience, especially for photos and views of the rice terraces.

This Guilin tour offers more than just sightseeing; it’s about engaging with the landscape and culture in a relaxed, intimate way. Whether you’re a nature lover or keen to learn about local traditions, this private day trip strikes a balance between comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable scenery.