An Authentic Day Exploring Longji Rice Terraces from Guilin

If you’re visiting Guilin and eager to see some of China’s most iconic rural landscapes, the 1-Day Longji Rice Terraces Tour offers an excellent balance of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and convenience. For $140 per person, this private experience takes you roughly 90 kilometers northwest of Guilin to the Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon’s Backbone for their striking, tiered appearance resembling a dragon’s spine.

The tour includes pickup from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or train station, a smooth two-hour drive, and visits to either Ping’an or Dazhai village—both charming spots with their own unique charm. We love how this tour provides a no-shopping focus, ensuring your time is spent appreciating the scenery and local culture rather than being pulled into commercial stops. Plus, the inclusion of round-trip cable cars adds a fun and efficient way to see the terraces from above.

That said, a potential consideration is the full day’s schedule involves some long drives, so if you’re short on time or mobility, this might feel a bit rushed. However, overall, it’s well suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, comfortable, and authentic glimpse of rural Guangxi.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate stunning landscapes, are interested in minority cultures, and want a private, guided experience that avoids the hassle of organizing transportation and logistics on your own.

Key Points

Convenient Pickup & Drop-off: Starts at the airport or train station, with flexible drop-off options for your hotel, airport, or village.
Scenic Cable Car Rides: Offers an enjoyable aerial view of the terraces and surrounding mountains.
Cultural Insights Without Pushy Shopping: Focuses on authentic village visits, like Ping’an and Dazhai, avoiding typical tourist traps.
Comfortable Private Transport: Includes air-conditioned vehicle and private guide, making the day smooth and stress-free.
Flexible Itinerary: Can drop you off at different locations based on your preference, including the villages or Guilin hotels.
Suitable for Moderate Activity Levels: Involves some walking and scenic viewing, but manageable for most travelers.

While in Guilin, here are other experiences we've covered

A Detailed Walkthrough of the Longji Rice Terraces Tour

Starting Point: Guilin Airport or Train Station

Your day begins with a friendly meet-and-greet by your private guide and driver, who will be holding a sign with your name. This setup instantly eases the stress of navigating a new city. From here, you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the two-hour drive to the rice terraces.

The Journey: Why the Drive Matters

The drive itself is part of the experience. Passing through Guangxi’s lush, hilly landscapes, you’ll see glimpses of rural life and terraced fields that stretch across the mountainsides. This window into local life is what makes this tour especially appealing—it’s not just about the destination but about the journey through scenic countryside.

The Main Attraction: Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces

Once you arrive, the highlight is the magnificent Longji Rice Terraces. These terraces, carved into mountains over centuries, are stunning in any season. When the sunlight hits the water-filled fields, they shimmer like mirrors—an extraordinary sight. If you visit during harvest time, you’ll see the terraces glowing with golden rice ears, making for picture-perfect moments.

Your guide will help you understand the agricultural importance of these terraces, explaining how they were built to maximize crop yields on steep slopes. Expect around three hours to explore this area. While admission tickets are not included, your guide can offer suggestions on the best spots for photos and viewing.

While you're exploring Guilin, here are other experiences we've looked into

Village Visits: Ping’an or Dazhai

Depending on your preference, you’ll visit either Ping’an Village or Dazhai Village. Both offer authentic glimpses into minority cultures—Ping’an, with its traditional wooden houses and narrow alleys, is often considered the most picturesque. Dazhai, known for its terraced farming, offers a more rugged, less commercialized feel.

Your visit includes the option to take a round-trip cable car, which makes traversing the terrain effortless and provides spectacular aerial views of the terraces. We appreciate the inclusion of cable cars—they save energy and provide fantastic photo opportunities, though they do come at an extra cost (not included in the tour price).

Cultural and Scenic Highlights

Your guide will share stories about the local minority people who farm these terraces—people of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups—and their traditional lifestyles. This focus on authentic culture enhances the experience beyond just sightseeing.

End of the Day: Flexible Drop-off Options

After a full day of exploring, your guide can drop you off at your hotel, train station, airport, or back in the villages. This flexibility means you can choose to continue your journey in Yangshuo or return directly to Guilin, depending on your plans.

What We Love About This Tour

First, the expert guidance makes all the difference. The tour includes a private, English-speaking guide who enriches the experience with insights and local knowledge that you simply wouldn’t get exploring alone. This personal touch turns a sightseeing trip into a meaningful cultural encounter.

Second, the spectacular views from the terraces and cable cars are genuinely breathtaking. Seeing the rice fields carved into mountains and watching local farmers tend their land offers a visually stunning and authentic experience. The combination of scenic landscapes and culture makes this tour a well-rounded day.

Considerations and Who It’s Best For

While the tour offers great value, it does involve a two-hour drive each way, so if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer shorter travel times, this might be a bit tiring. Also, since the tour involves walking and some uneven terrain, moderate physical fitness is recommended.

This experience suits travelers who prioritize scenic beauty and cultural insight without the pressure of shopping stops. It’s excellent for people wanting an easy, guided day with flexible drop-off options and the chance to witness one of China’s most beautiful landscapes firsthand.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This 1-Day Longji Rice Terraces Tour from Guilin offers a balanced blend of natural beauty, cultural education, and convenience. The private guide ensures your day is tailored to your interests and comfort, while the scenic views and authentic villages provide a memorable glimpse into rural life in China.

If you appreciate well-organized, hassle-free excursions that focus on real experiences—not tourist traps—this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a comprehensive view of the rice terraces and local culture without overextending their schedule or budgets.

For those who enjoy photography, scenic landscapes, and cultural stories, this trip delivers more than just a photo op—it offers a real window into the traditional life carved into China’s mountains.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Guilin to Longji Rice Terraces?
The drive takes approximately two hours each way, making the total travel time around four hours including transfers. This allows plenty of time for sightseeing and village visits, but keep in mind it’s a fair amount of sitting, so plan accordingly.

Are food and entrance fees included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price. You should budget for meals if you want to try local cuisine, and entrance tickets for the terraces are also not included—your guide can assist with ticket purchases or suggestions.

Can I choose where to be dropped off?
Yes, the tour offers flexible drop-off options. You can be taken back to your Guilin hotel, airport, train station, or directly to the villages. The choice depends on your schedule and plans.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
While generally manageable, the tour involves some walking and uneven terrain, so travelers should have moderate physical fitness. The comfortable transportation and scenic cable cars help ease the journey.

What is the best season to visit?
While not specified in the tour details, many travelers find the terraces especially stunning during the harvest season in late summer or early autumn. Springtime also offers lush green views and blooming flowers.

What makes this tour stand out compared to other options?
The private guide and transportation, along with no shopping stops, make this a straightforward, personalized experience. Plus, the spectacular views from the terraces and cable cars are unforgettable.

This tour offers a solid, well-rounded experience for anyone keen to see the iconic rice terraces while traveling comfortably and privately. Perfect for those who want to combine scenic beauty with cultural insights, all without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.