Guilin Longji: Rice Terrace with Oil-Tea Demo & Zhuang Lunch

Imagine towering rice terraces sweeping across the mountains, a peaceful Zhuang village, and a chance to try making traditional oil tea yourself—all packed into one day. This tour from Guilin offers a taste of authentic minority culture, stunning scenery, and hearty local food for just $152 per person. With about 10 hours of activity, it’s a great way to get off the beaten path and see a side of China that often escapes the usual sightseeing crowds.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines interactive cultural activities—like rolling peanuts for oil tea—with breathtaking views at the terrace viewpoints. It’s clear the tour is thoughtfully designed to give a well-rounded experience, not just a quick peek. The second highlight is the authentic Zhuang-style lunch, served in a mountain village, which offers a genuine taste of regional cuisine.

One thing to consider: if you’re not comfortable walking uphill, the hike to the terrace viewpoints might be a bit challenging, though there’s a cable car option. This tour is ideal for those interested in cultural exploration with a dash of adventure, and who enjoy connecting with local traditions and stunning landscapes.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Visit a traditional Zhuang village, explore a museum of costumes, and learn about local traditions.
• Hands-On Activity: Make your own Longji oil tea with fresh ingredients—a fun, engaging experience.
• Spectacular Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of the rice terraces, either by hiking or cable car.
• Local Cuisine: Savor a hearty Zhuang-style lunch in a mountain village setting.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes pickup, drop-off, and a scenic shuttle to the viewpoint, making logistics simple.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (1-12) ensure a personalized experience with dedicated guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Longji Rice Terrace Tour

Starting the Journey: Scenic Drive into the Mountains

From Guilin, the tour begins with a roughly two-hour drive into the mountains of Longsheng County. Along the way, you’ll get glimpses of rice paddies, bamboo groves, and the quiet rural landscape that defines this part of southern China. It’s a chance to relax and take in the natural beauty before hitting the cultural highlights.

The drive alone is worth mentioning because it’s a visual feast—rolling hills, lush greenery, and farmland that looks like it’s been carved into the mountainsides for generations. Your guide will share insights about the Zhuang and Yao minorities, who have forged a way of life amid these terraces for centuries.

Guzhuang Village: A Quiet Glimpse into Mountain Life

Your first stop is Guzhuang Village, a tranquil Zhuang community at the foot of the terraces. Here, stone pathways wind through hundreds of-year-old wooden houses, giving you a real sense of rural life. The village’s museum displays traditional costumes, weaving tools, musical instruments, and ancestral artifacts—virtually a mini-history lesson in local culture.

Reviews mention this as a “peaceful, lesser-known stop,” which is a real perk. You won’t find crowds here, just local families going about their day and a chance to listen to stories of migration, farming, and family life passed down through generations. It’s a rare window into mountain village heritage that many travelers miss.

Making Oil Tea & Tasting Local Cuisine

Next is Ping’an Village, famous for its traditional Zhuang hospitality. Here, you’ll take part in the fun of making Longji oil tea, a signature beverage. The process involves roasting peanuts and soybeans, grinding your own mixture, and blending it with fragrant tea—an activity that reviewers say is “relaxing, engaging, and really fun.” One visitor raved, “We loved the way we could make the tea ourselves, and it made it all the more special.”

After the workshop, you’ll sit down to a hearty Zhuang-style lunch in a mountain home, prepared with fresh local ingredients. The reviews highlight the authenticity and deliciousness of these meals, with many saying it was “the best meal we had in China.” The warm hospitality and simple but flavorful dishes make this a memorable part of the day.

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The Terrace Viewpoints: Panoramic Beauty

Finally, the highlight for many is the view of the rice terraces. You can choose to hike uphill through farmland trails, which takes about 30-40 minutes, or opt for a scenic cable car ride. Either way, you’ll arrive at a spectacular vantage point overlooking the terraces that seem to stretch into infinity.

The terraces are often compared to waves of green silk, a phrase that doesn’t do justice to the scale and craftsmanship involved. The views are particularly breathtaking when the sunlight hits the fields, or if you’re lucky, you might catch a rainbow like some travelers did. It’s a truly iconic landscape, and you’ll want your camera ready.

Practical Details: What to Expect

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Guilin, which makes logistics hassle-free. The group size stays small (1-12), ensuring personalized attention and the chance to ask plenty of questions. The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, balancing sightseeing with culture.

The scenic shuttle to the terrace viewpoint is included, along with tickets to the Longji Scenic Area. The oil-tea workshop and Zhuang lunch are also incorporated into the price, adding excellent value for the variety of activities.

What Others Say

The reviews are unanimous in praising the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. One traveler remarked, “Our guide Tonwn was warm, friendly, and very professional,” while another called the whole day “thoughtful, rich in experiences, and truly memorable.” Many appreciated the authenticity of the meal and the opportunity to make their own oil tea—a highlight that adds a personal touch to the trip.

Even when faced with rain, travelers found the experience “wonderful,” thanks to attentive guides and memorable small details, like a hand-painted fan given as a gift.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy cultural insights, scenic landscapes, and authentic food. It’s perfect for those willing to walk a bit uphill for the best views and who appreciate small-group settings for a more personal experience. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain and walking involved. If you love a blend of activities—learning, tasting, and viewing—this tour offers excellent value and a balanced day in Longji’s stunning surroundings.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you want a well-rounded day combining natural beauty, cultural learning, and local flavors. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who enjoy making things with their own hands, like the oil tea workshop, and those who prefer authentic, less commercialized experiences. The small group size and friendly guides make it perfect for travelers who want a personalized touch and a deeper connection to the region.

The stunning rice terraces and panoramic viewpoints are the main draw—so if iconic landscapes are your thing, you’ll find plenty to love here. Plus, the chance to sample genuine Zhuang cuisine, prepared with fresh ingredients, makes this trip both flavorful and meaningful.

If a full day of cultural discovery, scenic hiking, and delicious food sounds appealing, this Guilin Longji tour offers a compelling way to experience some of China’s most captivating rural landscapes.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour involves some walking and uphill hiking, children with good mobility should enjoy the scenery and activities, especially the oil-tea workshop. However, it might be less suitable for very young kids or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring for the tour?
You should bring your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes for walking uphill, and some cash if you want to buy souvenirs or extra snacks. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended for sun protection.

How long is the drive from Guilin?
The scenic drive into Longsheng County takes about 2 hours, providing a relaxing start to the day with plenty of photo opportunities.

What is the group size?
The tour keeps groups small, with a maximum of 12 people, ensuring a more intimate experience and personal attention from your guide.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a Zhuang-style lunch in a mountain village, featuring local ingredients and authentic flavors. The oil-tea workshop is also part of the package.

Can I customize or cancel my booking?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your plans.

Is the viewpoint accessible by cable car?
Yes, there’s an option to take a cable car to the terrace viewpoint, which is helpful if you’re not keen on hiking uphill.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and French—so you can choose a language that suits you best.

This Longji Rice Terrace tour offers a thoughtful mix of scenic beauty, culture, and local cuisine. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to see some of China’s most iconic landscapes, learn about minority traditions, and enjoy genuine regional flavors—all in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: