Longji Rice Terraces Hiking Tour Full Day Adventure

Exploring the Longji Rice Terraces: A Full-Day Adventure in Guilin

If you’re heading to Guilin and craving a taste of authentic rural China, the Longji Rice Terraces hike offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and outdoor activity. For $89 per person, you get around nine hours of exploration, starting with a comfortable private transfer from your hotel—whether that’s the Guilin Bravo Hotel or another location—and culminating in a chance to walk among the famous terraces that carve their way into the mountains. Your guide, a fluent English speaker, ensures you navigate the terrain smoothly and learn about the minority villages and their traditions.

What we love most? First, the way this tour combines a manageable hike—about 3 hours—with visits to local villages, giving you both scenic views and genuine cultural encounters. Second, the opportunity to savor traditional dishes like bamboo rice and smoked pork in the villages, making it a culinary as well as visual feast. A minor consideration? The entrance fee of 80 Yuan is not included, so you’ll need to budget for that. Also, for those staying outside Guilin, there’s an additional fee for pickup from Yangshuo or Xingping, which is worth noting if your accommodation isn’t centrally located.

This tour is ideal for active travelers who appreciate walking in beautiful settings and want a taste of local life without a strenuous or overly long day. It suits those who value knowledgeable guides and authentic experiences, as well as travelers eager to see the iconic terraces up close. If these points resonate with you, this tour could be a highlight of your Guilin trip.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: The terraces wind around the mountains, creating mesmerizing views that change with the light and seasons.
• Cultural immersion: Visit traditional Zhuang villages and learn about local customs from your guide.
• Authentic food: Enjoy regional dishes like bamboo rice and smoked pork, making the experience flavorful as well as scenic.
• Comfortable logistics: Private transfer and air-conditioned vehicle ensure a relaxed day, with pickup from your hotel included.
• Moderate hike: Approximately 3 hours of walking on well-maintained paths, suitable for most active travelers.
• Flexible timing: Tour starts at 9:00 am but can be adjusted; includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

In-Depth Look at the Longji Rice Terraces Tour

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Your day begins with a warm welcome from your driver-guide, who will pick you up around 9:00 am from Guilin, whether from your hotel, the railway station, or the airport. The drive to Longji takes about two hours, during which you can relax in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, leaving the city behind as you head into the lush, mountainous landscape.

Once you arrive, you’ll explore the Longji Rice Terraces—a stunning engineering wonder that has been cultivated for centuries. The terraces are famous for their intricate design, winding along the mountainside like a dragon’s backbone, hence the name “Dragon’s Backbone.” The area is divided into three main sections: the Ancient Zhuang Village, Ping’an, and Dazhai. These different locations give a varied perspective of rural life and breathtaking views.

The Hiking Experience

The highlight for many travelers is the approximately 3-hour hike along well-maintained paths that meander through the terraces. As you walk, you’ll see the different stages of rice cultivation, with the terraces shimmering green or golden depending on the season. The terrain is gentle enough for most hikers, but it offers enough elevation change to keep things interesting. Your guide, who is well-versed in the routes, will point out details about the landscape and the farming practices, making the walk both scenic and educational.

One reviewer praises Leo, the guide, mentioning that “he knows very well all the hiking routes and went above and beyond to make my day perfect.” That level of knowledge makes a real difference, ensuring you experience the most photogenic spots and learn about the terraces’ history and construction.

Visiting the Minority Villages

Beyond the terraces, you’ll visit local Zhuang villages, where traditional wooden houses and local customs remain unchanged for generations. These visits give you a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who maintain these terraces, providing a sense of connection that purely sightseeing can’t match. You’ll also have the chance to taste regional specialties in the villages, such as bamboo rice—a dish cooked in bamboo shoots—or bamboo chicken, which is tender and infused with smoky flavors.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Insights

Eating regional dishes in the villages is a memorable part of the tour. The food is simple but flavorful, showcasing local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Many previous travelers note the quality of the food and the chance to experience authentic rural cuisine away from touristy restaurants.

The Return Journey and Summary

After the hike and village visits, you’ll be transferred back to Guilin in a comfortable vehicle, with about two hours for rest or reflection as you relax on the return trip. Many reviews highlight the driver-guide’s professionalism and friendliness, making the journey smooth and enjoyable.

What the Reviews Say

The glowing reviews confirm the high value of this tour. Cecile_Z, who rated her experience a perfect 5 out of 5, describes her day as “a magical day,” emphasizing the mesmerizing terraces and the guide Leo’s excellent English and extensive route knowledge. She notes that Leo “went above and beyond to make my day perfect,” which speaks to the personalized attention you can expect.

Other travelers appreciate the scenery, the cultural insights, and the quality of the guiding. The consistent praise for knowledgeable guides and stunning landscapes highlights what makes this tour stand out.

The Downsides

While most aspects are highly praised, a few travelers might find the entrance fee of 80 Yuan an extra cost to consider. Also, for those staying outside Guilin, the additional USD 70 for pickup from Yangshuo or Xingping could influence planning and budgeting.

The Value of This Tour

At $89, including private transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers excellent value for those looking to see the iconic rice terraces with minimal hassle. It balances scenic hiking, culture, and culinary experiences, making it a well-rounded day out. The small group or private nature means you’ll get personalized attention, which is often lacking in larger, bus-based tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is particularly suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor walks and want to step away from crowded tourist hotspots. If you love scenic landscapes, cultural visits, and regional cuisine, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s also perfect for those who value guides with local knowledge and appreciate a flexible schedule.

The Sum Up

The Longji Rice Terraces Hiking Tour from Guilin offers a compelling mix of stunning scenery, cultural authenticity, and comfortable logistics. It’s a chance to see one of China’s most picturesque landscapes while gaining insight into the lives of the minority communities who tend these terraces. The knowledgeable guides, especially Leo, help unlock the stories behind the views, making each step both beautiful and meaningful.

For active travelers seeking an immersive experience that combines nature, culture, and cuisine, this tour delivers at a very fair price. It’s best suited for those who don’t mind a 3-hour hike and want a deeply personal view of rural Guilin beyond the usual sights.

If you’re after a day filled with memorable vistas and authentic local flavor, this tour should be on your Guilin list.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel time, hiking, and village visits.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 9:00 am from the Guilin Bravo Hotel or other designated locations, and ends back at the same spot.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The hike is about 3 hours and on well-maintained paths, making it suitable for most active travelers. Those with mobility concerns should consider their comfort level.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fee of 80 Yuan per person is not included and must be paid separately.

Can I join this tour if I’m staying outside Guilin?
Yes, but there is an additional private transfer fee of USD 70 for pickup from Yangshuo or Xingping.

What food is included?
Lunch is not included; however, you’ll have opportunities to taste local dishes like bamboo rice, bamboo chicken, and smoked pork in the villages.

How flexible is the schedule?
The start time is generally 9:00 am but can be adjusted. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.