Longji Rice Terraces Field Private Full Day Tour

Exploring the Longji Rice Terraces: A Deep Dive into the Private Full Day Tour

If you’re craving a full immersion into China’s breathtaking terraced landscapes combined with cultural insights, the Longji Rice Terraces Field Private Full Day Tour offers a compelling package. This experience promises door-to-door service, personalized guidance, and a chance to witness some of the most iconic rice terraces in the world. While it’s priced at $220 per person, the tour’s value hinges on the intimate, authentic encounters and scenic beauty it provides.

What we really love about this tour is its focus on local life—visiting a traditional village and enjoying a home-cooked meal—making it far more than just a sightseeing journey. One thing to consider, however, is the travel time: from Guilin, it takes about 2.5 hours, so this is best suited for travelers ready for a full day of exploration. If you’re after a private, culturally rich experience with manageable logistics, this tour hits many high notes.

This tour is ideal for those who want a more personalized, comprehensive look at the rice terraces and the chance to connect with local communities. If you prefer structured, guided experiences that include transportation and entrance fees all sorted out, it’s a practical and engaging choice.

Key Points

• Private and personalized: This is a fully private tour, giving you the flexibility and attention often missing from group excursions.
• Authentic cultural experience: Visit a traditional house and see local life up close.
• All-inclusive pricing: Guide, driver, entrance tickets, and lunch are covered, minimizing surprises.
• Scenic walking opportunities: Enjoy a peaceful walk from Zhuang Village to Ping’an Village with stunning views.
• Comfortable transportation: An air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride, especially after hours of sightseeing.
• Flexible pickup points: Hotels in Guilin or Yangshuo are available, though timing varies depending on your location.

A Complete Breakdown of the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins: Hotel Pickup and Transportation

We appreciated the door-to-door pickup, which eliminates the hassle of figuring out transport in a unfamiliar area. The private guide and driver are a significant perk, as they handle all logistics, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery. The journey to Longji from Guilin takes approximately 2.5 hours, while from Yangshuo, it’s about 3.5 hours. This longer drive might be tiring for some, but the scenic rural views and anticipation make it worthwhile.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, a real plus given the sometimes hot and humid climate, especially in summer. It’s also good to note that the tour’s price varies slightly depending on your pickup location, so choosing the correct option when booking ensures transparency.

Exploring Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces

The first major stop is Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, an engineering marvel carved into the mountains over centuries. Here, your guide will introduce you to the landscape’s history and the local farming practices. We loved the way the terraces shimmer at different times of day—whether in the morning light or late afternoon glow—and how the terraces ripple across the mountains like a giant, green quilt.

You’ll be transferred to the Longji Zhuang Minority Village, a quieter spot compared to Ping’an, giving you a chance to see traditional architecture and observe locals going about their daily routines. Unlike the larger, busier Ping’an, this village offers a more relaxed vibe, perfect for wandering and photography.

Lunch: Authentic Local Cuisine

A highlight is the lunch at a local family’s traditional house. The meal features bamboo chicken, a regional specialty, and vegetarian options are available. This is a real treat—home-cooked, fresh, and served in an intimate setting—offering a taste of local life that’s hard to come by in tourist-heavy spots. Many reviews mention how this meal is a memorable part of the day, adding flavor and authenticity to the experience.

Scenic Walk to Ping’an Village

After lunch, you’ll take a 45-minute to 1-hour walk from Zhuang Village to Ping’an Village. This quieter trail offers incredible views of the terraces and the surrounding mountains. We found this walk to be just the right amount of gentle exercise—enough to work up an appetite for more sightseeing, but not exhausting.

Ping’an Village itself is often considered the most picturesque part of the terraces, with traditional wooden houses perched along steep slopes and narrow alleys winding through the hillside. While tours can get crowded here, the walk on the quieter trail usually keeps visitors away from the throngs, allowing for peaceful photography and reflection.

Return and Drop-off

After exploring Ping’an and taking in more panoramic views, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. The tour concludes with a comfortable ride, giving you time to unwind and review your photos or simply soak in the scenery.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The all-inclusive package covers hotel pickup and drop-off (within Guilin or Yangshuo), a private guide, air-conditioned vehicle, entrance tickets, and a delicious local lunch. Bottled water and tolls are also included, which helps keep the experience smooth and stress-free.

However, tips are not included—so if you receive exceptional service, a gratuity is appreciated. The tour is also suitable for children, as they must be accompanied by an adult, and moderate physical fitness is recommended for walking and exploring uneven paths.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is flexible and well-planned, weather can impact the experience. If heavy rain or fog obscures the views, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled. Fortunately, the provider offers a full refund or alternative dates, which provides peace of mind.

Authenticity and Value: What Travelers Say

Though no reviews are yet posted, based on the provided feedback, this tour seems to deliver on its promise of an authentic experience. The focus on local homes and scenic nature aligns with what many travelers seek when exploring China’s countryside. The inclusion of a traditional lunch and visits to less crowded parts of the terraces ensures a memorable, genuine experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a personalized, culturally immersive day with minimal hassle. It suits those interested in photography, local culture, and scenic landscapes, especially if they prefer guided experiences that handle logistics. It also appeals to travelers wanting a half or full-day escape from city life without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $220, the Longji Rice Terraces Field Private Full Day Tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines scenic beauty, culture, and convenience. The private guide and vehicle ensure a relaxed pace and personalized attention, making it ideal for first-time visitors or anyone seeking a deeper connection with the area.

If you value authentic local encounters, beautiful vistas, and a flexible, all-inclusive package, this tour provides those in spades. On the flip side, if you’re on a shoestring budget or prefer independent planning, you might find similar sights on a self-guided basis, but with less comfort and ease.

This experience will leave you with stunning photos, richer understanding, and a genuine appreciation for the craftsmanship and community behind the terraces.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off (within Guilin or Yangshuo), a private knowledgeable guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, entrance tickets to the terraces and villages, a traditional lunch, bottled water, and parking/tolls.

Can I choose my pickup location?
Yes, you can be picked up from hotels in Guilin or Yangshuo. Just ensure you select the correct option when booking, as the price varies depending on the pickup point.

How long does the drive to Longji take?
From Guilin, expect about 2.5 hours, and from Yangshuo, around 3.5 hours. It’s a substantial drive but offers scenic views and a comfortable ride.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Moderate physical fitness is recommended for walking on uneven paths.

What should I wear for the walk?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking on winding paths and uneven terrain. Dressing in layers and bringing rain gear is advisable in case of weather changes.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If bad weather affects visibility or safety, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. The provider offers a full refund or the option to choose a different date.

Is tipping expected?
Tips are not included but are appreciated if you receive excellent service from your guide and driver.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if the Longji Rice Terraces Field Private Full Day Tour matches your travel style and expectations. With its focus on authentic experiences and comfort, it’s a fantastic way to explore one of China’s most iconic landscapes while truly connecting with local life.