Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Guilin hotel

Setting out on a day trip to the Longji Rice Terraces from Guilin offers travelers a chance to see some of China’s most iconic landscapes, combined with cultural visits to small mountain villages. This particular tour, offered by happychinatours, has earned a perfect 5-star rating from just two reviews—highlighting its potential as a memorable experience.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances stunning scenery with culture, all wrapped up in a convenient, well-organized package. The fact that it’s a private tour makes it flexible and intimate—perfect if you’re after a personal touch. One consideration to keep in mind is the driving time; from Guilin, it takes roughly 1.5 hours to reach the terraces, which might be a long haul if you prefer less travel time.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day out, combining scenic views with local culture, without the hassle of planning each detail. It suits those who appreciate authentic experiences, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed pace—perfect for photography lovers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see rural Guangxi.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: The rice terraces are carved into hillsides, offering remarkable photo opportunities and a sense of wonder.
• Cultural Highlights: Visiting the Yellow Yao women’s long hair village and Ping’an village showcases traditional lifestyles.
• Comfortable Transportation: An air-conditioned private vehicle and driver make the journey smooth and comfortable.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Includes ticket purchase, village visits, and a traditional lunch—your day is thoughtfully planned.
• Authentic Experiences: Insightful guides share stories about the rice terraces and local minorities.
• Good Value: For $135, you get a full day of sightseeing, transportation, and entry tickets, making it a solid option for those wanting a hassle-free trip.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pick-Up and Journey to Longsheng County

The adventure begins with hotel pickup, either from Guilin, Yangshuo, or Xingping, depending on your accommodation. The private driver, with a reputation for punctuality—an often overlooked but appreciated detail—sets the tone for a smooth day. From Guilin, the drive is about 1.5 hours, covering roughly 100 km, winding through scenic countryside. If you’re coming from Yangshuo, expect around 2 hours, and a bit longer if you’re in Xingping.

This early start means you’ll avoid the larger crowds that tend to gather later in the day, giving you a more relaxed experience at the terraces.

Visit to the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces

Once at the Longji ticket office, you’ll have a brief 15-minute stop to purchase your tickets. This is a practical addition, ensuring you’re prepared before heading to the key sights. The rice terraces here are often called “Dragon Backbones” because of their dramatic, wave-like appearance—an astonishing feat of agricultural design.

The terraces are built into the hillsides over centuries, and you’ll hear stories about how local farmers carved these fields from the steep slopes. This stop sets the stage for the beauty ahead and is a photographer’s dream.

Exploring Ping’an Village and Yellow Yao Women’s Village

Your first destination is Huangluo Yao Village, famous for its women who grow hair up to 6.6 feet long. Visitors get a chance to learn about the Yao people’s lifestyle, their traditions, and the significance of their hair. It’s an engaging cultural highlight that adds depth to the scenic visit.

Next, you’ll ascend to Ping’an Village, perched amidst the terraces. Here, wandering through traditional wooden houses feels like stepping back in time. The village is still home to Zhuang and Yao minorities, who tend to their fields and maintain age-old customs.

The tour includes a traditional lunch in Ping’an (at your own expense), giving you the chance to sample local cuisine—an important part of experiencing any culture fully.

The Scenic Walk and Photo Opportunities

With your guide leading the way, expect about two hours exploring the terraces. They’ll tell you how these landscapes were created and maintained, which adds context and appreciation. Many reviewers mention soaking up the “lush scenery” and capturing “timeless shots”—truly a highlight for photography buffs.

Returning to Guilin

The tour generally concludes with a comfortable drive back, often around 2 hours depending on your starting point. Many reviewers, like the one who said, “everything was very well organized,” appreciated the punctuality and smoothness of the return trip.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The Personal Guide Experience

One of the most praised aspects, according to reviewers, is the knowledgeable guide—Andy, who is fluent in English and even has some French skills. His insights, punctuality, and helpful attitude elevate the tour from a simple sightseeing trip to a truly engaging experience.

Authentic and Scenic

The rice terraces are visually stunning and offer a sense of tranquility and awe. Coupled with visits to traditional villages, you get a glimpse of rural life that’s increasingly rare in modern China.

Value for Money

At $135.02 per person, the price covers admission tickets, private car, and driver, making it a cost-effective choice compared to self-organizing similar activities. The inclusion of a private vehicle means you avoid crowded buses and have flexibility in your schedule.

Practical Considerations

While the drive duration is reasonable, it’s worth noting that if you prefer shorter trips, this might feel a bit long. Also, food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget for lunch. The tour’s flexible nature means you can choose to explore more or relax in the villages, depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Longji Rice Terraces day tour is an excellent pick for travelers who value authentic, scenic outdoor experiences combined with cultural insights. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate comfortable transportation, personalized guides, and a well-organized schedule.

If you’re after stunning photo opportunities, enjoy learning about local traditions, or simply want to escape the city for a day, this trip ticks all those boxes. It’s perfect for first-time visitors to Guilin who want a comprehensive yet relaxed experience—without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

However, if you’re looking for an extremely short or budget-friendly trip, or if long drives aren’t your thing, you might want to consider other options. Still, for most, this tour offers a genuine taste of Longji’s iconic terraces and vibrant minority cultures at a fair price.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Guilin to Longji?
It takes about 1.5 hours from Guilin to the terraces, covering roughly 100 km, making it a manageable journey for a full-day experience.

Is the tour private or group?
This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a more flexible and personalized experience.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers tickets to the rice terraces and villages, the private car and driver, and the air-conditioned vehicle. Food and drinks are not included.

How much time is spent at each stop?
You’ll spend about 3 hours at the rice terraces and villages, with time for sightseeing, photography, and cultural learning.

Can I expect good English-speaking guides?
Yes, the guide, Andy, is highly praised for his fluent English, helpful attitude, and knowledge of local history and customs.

Are the rice terraces suitable for photography?
Absolutely. Reviewers mention capturing “timeless shots” and soaking in the lush scenery, so bring your camera!

Is it possible to cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. Lunch is on your own, so consider bringing snacks or money for local eateries.

To sum it up, this Longji Rice Terraces day tour offers a thoughtfully curated blend of breathtaking scenery and culture. With its reliable guide, comfortable transportation, and well-planned itinerary, it provides a meaningful way to experience the beauty of Guangxi’s iconic landscapes. Ideal for travelers craving authentic rural sights and a relaxed pace, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Guilin itinerary.