Guilin: Day tour of Longji Rice Terraces and Yangshuo

Guilin: Day tour of Longji Rice Terraces and Yangshuo offers a well-rounded glimpse of southern China’s natural beauty and traditional village life. For $159 per person, you get a full-day adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes with culture. The tour lasts roughly 10 to 12 hours, with flexible start times depending on your chosen option. It’s designed for those who want to see two of Guilin’s most iconic sights—the Longji Rice Terraces and the charming town of Yangshuo—without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Two things stand out immediately: We love how the tour combines spectacular rice terraces, with their shimmering flooded fields, and the relaxed, scenic vibe of Yangshuo, renowned for its Li River views. The fact that you can pick up from your Yangshuo hotel and be dropped off at your Guilin hotel or airport makes this a seamless experience. Plus, with over eight options to customize your itinerary, there’s flexibility for different interests and schedules.

One minor consideration is that entrance tickets and lunch are not included, so you’ll want to budget for those extras. However, this focus on a private guide and vehicle ensures personalized attention and fewer crowds—ideal for travelers craving an authentic, comfortable experience. This tour appeals most to those eager to see iconic landscapes, enjoy cultural villages, and value a well-organized, flexible day in Guilin and Yangshuo.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Trip: Visit both the Longji Rice Terraces and Yangshuo in one seamless day.
• Flexible Pickup and Drop-off: Options to start from Yangshuo and finish in Guilin or vice versa.
• Cultural Insight: Experience villages inhabited by Zhuang and Yao minorities.
• Stunning Scenery: Witness flooded rice terraces and Li River views, especially at dawn or dusk.
• Customizable Options: Over eight choices to tailor your experience.
• Exclusive Private Tour: Private guide and vehicle for a personalized journey.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Guilin’s Natural and Cultural Marvels

Guilin might be famous for its karst peaks, but this tour zeroes in on two of its most striking sights: the Longji Rice Terraces and the charming town of Yangshuo. We’ll start with the terraces, which are a marvel of human ingenuity and natural beauty. These terraces are carved into the mountainsides, creating a patchwork quilt of water-filled fields that reflect the sky and sunlight with mesmerizing clarity.

The Longji Rice Terraces: A Photo-Opportunity Like No Other

Arriving near the end of May, we’re treated to the first stage of rice planting—fields flooded and shimmering in the morning light. This is when the terraces are at their most photogenic, with pools of water reflecting the azure sky and surrounding greenery. We loved how the guide explained the distinct areas: Ping’An village inhabited by the Zhuang minority, and JinKeng with its Yao communities. The walk through these villages reveals traditional architecture and the rhythms of rural life.

What makes this part of the tour special? We found that the dawn and dusk visits are particularly breathtaking. During these times, the pools mirror the sun’s first or last rays, creating views that feel almost surreal. The terraces are not just a farming tool—they are a living piece of art, shaped over centuries.

The Village Experience

Walking through the villages, you’ll notice the different cultures—Zhuang in Ping’An, Yao in JinKeng—each with their own dress, customs, and history. It’s a rare chance to see minority communities thriving in their traditional homes, away from the tourist crowds. The guide provides context and stories, making your visit both visually stunning and culturally meaningful.

The Journey to Yangshuo: A Scenic Drive

After the rice terraces, the tour continues southeast to Yangshuo, famous for its limestone karsts and the Li River. The drive itself offers a visual feast, with views of lush hills and rivers that have inspired countless Chinese paintings. In Yangshuo, we loved the relaxed atmosphere, the bustling streets, and the chance to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

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Yangshuo: The Town and Its Natural Beauty

Your guide will take you on a two-hour tour of Yangshuo, where you can soak in the scenery or explore local markets and cafes. As the end of the tour approaches, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport—making logistics simple and stress-free.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour is designed for flexibility, but a typical day includes:
– Pick-up at your hotel or designated location (depending on your choice).
– A scenic drive to the Longji Rice Terraces, with roughly two hours allocated for exploring the villages and terraces.
– A guided walk through the villages, observing traditional houses and minority customs.
– Travel to Yangshuo with a stop for photos and a brief introduction to its scenic highlights.
– A guided two-hour tour of Yangshuo, including highlights or free time.
– Drop-off at your hotel or airport, depending on your plan.

Transportation and Guide

The private car and guide ensure a comfortable, personalized experience. Expect a clean, air-conditioned vehicle, with flexible timing to suit your pace and interests. The guide is knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the scenery, culture, and history.

Cost and Value

At $159 per person, the price covers the private guide and transportation, creating a hassle-free, intimate experience. Remember, entrance tickets and lunch are not included, so plan accordingly, but many travelers find the overall value excellent given the convenience and depth of experience.

Considerations

While the tour covers two major highlights efficiently, it’s a long day—around 12 hours—so be prepared for a full schedule. The timing is flexible, but check the starting options when booking. If you’re interested in exploring more or need specific start times, verify availability ahead of time.

Authentic Experiences That Enrich Your Visit

We loved how the tour offers more than just sightseeing. Walking through villages inhabited by minorities, seeing the flooded rice terraces at dawn or dusk, and enjoying the gentle serenity of Yangshuo’s landscape all add depth to your understanding of rural China. The excellent guide makes these moments even richer, providing stories and context that transform a sightseeing trip into a meaningful experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day of scenic beauty and cultural insight without sacrificing comfort. If you’re eager to see iconic rice terraces, explore traditional villages, and enjoy lush river scenery—all in one day—this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate private, flexible arrangements and want to avoid the pitfalls of group tours with rigid schedules.

Final Words

In summary, the Guilin: Day tour of Longji Rice Terraces and Yangshuo offers an authentic, visually stunning, and thoughtfully curated experience. It balances culture with breathtaking scenery and gives you the convenience of private transport and guides. While it doesn’t include some extras like entrance fees and lunch, the overall value is commendable considering the personalized attention and flexibility.

Travelers who love natural beauty, traditional villages, and the peaceful charm of China’s countryside will find this tour a highlight of their Guilin visit. It’s especially suited for those who want a full, immersive day with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural stories to bring the landscape to life.

FAQs

Are entrance tickets and lunch included?
No, entrance tickets and lunch are not included. You should budget extra for these expenses.

Can I choose the pickup location?
Yes, pickup options include your Yangshuo hotel or other designated locations, and the drop-off can be arranged at Guilin hotels, airports, or stations.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 10 to 12 hours, depending on your starting time and pace.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While suitable for most, consider the walking involved at the rice terraces and villages, which may be challenging for some with mobility issues.

What is the most scenic part of the tour?
Many find the flooded rice terraces at dawn or dusk particularly breathtaking, as well as the views of Yangshuo’s karst mountains.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, with over eight options available, you can tailor certain aspects of the tour to suit your interests.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended to capture the scenery and make the most of your day.

Will I have free time at Yangshuo?
The two-hour guided tour includes highlights, but you can request extra free time or specific activities when booking.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Most outdoor scenery is best enjoyed in clear weather; check the forecast and plan accordingly.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through the provided booking link, with flexible payment options and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This detailed, well-paced tour balances scenic beauty with cultural discovery—a fantastic way to appreciate Guilin’s countryside without the stress of independent planning. Whether you’re after stunning landscapes or authentic village life, this experience offers a genuine taste of China’s natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: