1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Dazhai village Tour with the English Speaking Driver

Discover the Longji Rice Terraces and Dazhai Village – A Practical, Authentic Day Trip

If you’re dreaming of iconic rice terraces and traditional village life in Guilin, this 1-day Longji Terrace Fields-Dazhai village tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, culture, and convenience. For $78.54 per person, you’ll get a comfortable private vehicle, an English-speaking driver, and a full day of exploring some of China’s most impressive agricultural landscapes. The tour is about 8 hours long, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Guilin, Yangshuo, or Xingping, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to see spectacular scenery without the hassle of planning transportation or guides.

Two things we particularly like about this tour: first, the flexibility it offers. Since there’s no tour guide, you’re free to explore at your own pace—whether that’s hiking, taking photos, or just soaking in the views. Second, the stunning vistas of the terraced mountains and the chance to visit Dazhai Village, home to the Red Yao people, provides a genuine glimpse into local life.

One thing to consider is that the entrance fee for the rice terraces at Dazhai isn’t included in the price, so you’ll need to budget around $10-15 for tickets. Also, because this is a self-guided experience, you’ll want to be comfortable navigating on your own and asking questions of your driver. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of independence and aren’t necessarily looking for a guided tour with commentary.

This tour fits best for travelers who love scenic landscapes, want a cost-effective way to see Longji, and appreciate authentic experiences like visiting minority villages. If a flexible, personalized day exploring rice terraces and local culture appeals to you, this is an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Flexible experience with an English-speaking driver but no guide, allowing personalized pacing.
• Stunning views of rice terraces and traditional villages, ideal for photography and sightseeing.
• Affordable price with transportation and hotel pickup included, offering good value for the scenery.
• Visit Dazhai Village to experience local Yao culture and explore Jinkeng Rice Terraces.
• Entrance fees are not included, so budget for tickets.
• Suitable for travelers comfortable with self-guided exploration and navigating on their own.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Timing

Your day begins early, with pickup from your hotel around 9:00 am. This timing ensures you’ll beat the crowds and have plenty of daylight for sightseeing. The private, air-conditioned vehicle offers a comfortable ride through Guilin’s outskirts and into Longsheng County, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

Guilin and Longsheng

The first leg involves a roughly two-hour drive from Guilin to the entrance of the Longji Rice Terraces. We appreciate the private transportation because it means you won’t have to coordinate with other groups or deal with crowded buses, giving you freedom to enjoy the scenery en route. The driver is kindly described as a helpful English speaker, which is a big plus for first-time visitors.

Longji Rice Terraces

Once you arrive at the entrance, you’ll purchase your tickets for Dazhai Village and Jinkeng Rice Terraces. The Dragon’s Backbone is famous for its ladder-like terraces carved into the mountainside, with a history of over 650 years. The terraces operate as an active farm, but they also serve as a stunning backdrop for photos and a peaceful place to walk along winding flagstone trails.

A standout feature here is the Ping’an Village Rice Terrace, noted for its breathtaking, tiered landscape that attracts photographers worldwide. Many visitors mention the viewing platforms that give sweeping panoramas of the terraces—perfect for nature lovers and those wanting a postcard-worthy shot. Expect about 4 hours of exploration, which allows ample time for photos, wandering, and soaking in the scenery.

Dazhai Village and Jinkeng Rice Terraces

Next, your driver will suggest how to explore Dazhai Village. This part of the tour is where authentic cultural experiences shine. Dazhai is home to the Red Yao people, known for their bright red clothing, beautiful singing and dancing, and traditional way of life. Visiting this village offers a chance to see how locals live amidst the rice terraces, which are considered some of the most picturesque in the area.

You can hike around the Jinkeng Rice Terraces or take the cable car—your driver will show you the map and provide tips. The three sunrise viewpoints suggest that this area is especially stunning at dawn, but even later in the day, you’ll find the terraces to be spectacular, rich with textures and colors. The exploration here lasts about 3 hours, giving you time to admire the terrace vistas, visit local houses, and perhaps chat with Yao residents.

Returning to Guilin

After a full day of sightseeing, your private vehicle will take you back to your hotel. Expect to arrive around 6 PM or later, depending on how long you linger at each stop. The convenience of door-to-door service means you can relax after a day of sightseeing without worrying about transportation.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Guilin:
As your starting point, Guilin is the gateway to this adventure. The pickup process is straightforward, and the ride out to Longsheng is scenic, setting expectations for the day’s natural beauty.

Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces:
This is the centerpiece of the tour—massive, meticulously carved terraces that shimmer in different shades depending on the season and time of day. The terraced fields are still farming today, so you might see farmers working, which adds authenticity to the experience.

Dazhai Village and Jinkeng Rice Terraces:
Here, you’ll see traditional houses built along the slopes, giving insight into local lifestyles. The Red Yao people, with their distinctive attire and singing, add a cultural layer to your visit. The terraces here are among the most famous and photogenic, often described as a must-see for landscape lovers.

Hiking and Cable Car:
The choice between hiking or taking the cable car allows for flexibility. Hiking provides a more intimate experience with nature, while the cable car offers a panoramic view without the physical exertion, ideal if you prefer a more relaxed approach.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to guided tours that can be overly structured or expensive, this private, self-guided option allows you to customize your day. Transportation and hotel pickup are included, which eliminates the hassle of figuring out local transport. The price point of around $78 is quite reasonable considering the stunning scenery and cultural exposure.

Since the entrance fee is separate, you’ll want to budget $10-15 for tickets, but that still leaves room in your budget for snacks or souvenirs. The flexibility means you can spend more time at your favorite spots or skip less interesting areas—something many travelers find refreshing.

Authenticity is a highlight here. You’re not on a scripted bus tour but rather with a driver who can provide local tips, and you get to explore at your own pace. This is especially appealing for travelers comfortable with independently navigating and engaging with local residents.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy scenic landscapes and culture without the rigidity of guided tours. It is ideal for those who appreciate photo opportunities and want to explore at their own pace. If you’re keen on authentic village life and breathtaking mountain vistas, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s also perfect for those on a tighter schedule, as it condenses some of Guilin’s most iconic sights into a manageable day. The flexibility and private transport make it a stress-free way to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Final Thoughts

This Longji rice terraces and Dazhai village tour offers a practical and authentic way to experience some of Guilin’s most stunning natural and cultural sights. The self-guided format, combined with the comfort of private transportation and an English-speaking driver, provides a relaxed yet enriching experience.

You’ll love the spectacular views of rice terraces, which are among the most photographed in China, and the chance to connect with local Yao culture. The ability to hike or take the cable car means you can tailor your day to your interests and energy level.

While it’s not a guided tour, the clear itinerary and personal driver mean you won’t feel lost or overwhelmed. It’s perfect for independent travelers or those seeking a flexible, affordable way to see the iconic landscapes of Longji.

This tour delivers excellent value, memorable scenery, and an authentic cultural touch—making it a great choice for anyone wanting a self-guided adventure in one of China’s most beautiful regions.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in Guilin, Yangshuo, or Xingping with a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

Does the tour include a guide?
No, this tour provides an English-speaking driver but no guide. You’ll explore independently at each location.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and transfer back to your hotel.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fee for the rice terraces at Dazhai Village is not included. Expect to pay about $10-15 for tickets.

What can I do at Dazhai Village?
You can hike or take a cable car to enjoy views of the Jinkeng Rice Terraces, visit local houses, and experience the culture of the Red Yao people.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, but consider your comfort with walking or hiking; you can opt for the cable car if preferred.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s self-guided, you are free to spend more or less time at each stop based on your interests.

What is the best time to visit?
While the tour details don’t specify, generally, the rice terraces are most photogenic in seasons with good weather, and sunrise viewpoints are especially popular.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, some cash for entrance fees, and a sense of adventure.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially those comfortable with independent exploration and walking.

This detailed, balanced review aims to help you decide if this Guilin Longji rice terraces tour matches your travel style. Whether you’re seeking fantastic photos, cultural insights, or simply a scenic escape, this flexible, self-guided experience offers a memorable taste of China’s iconic landscapes.