Looking for a break from Guilin’s bustling streets? This 2-day private tour to the Longji Rice Terraces offers a personalized escape into China’s stunning countryside. Priced at $288 per person, it’s designed for travelers who want a flexible, authentic experience with plenty of opportunities to hike, explore local villages, and enjoy scenic vistas. Your guide and driver will meet you at your Guilin or Yangshuo hotel, airport, or train station, making the start seamless.

What we really appreciate about this tour are its customizable itinerary—you can tweak the plan to suit your pace and interests—and its focus on local villages, including the Dazhai and Ping’an villages, where you can walk among rice terraces and meet villagers. We also love that the accommodation in Ping’an village is a four-star hotel, giving a comfortable base after a day of trekking.

A potential consideration: the driving time on Day 1 is about 2-3 hours, which might feel long if you prefer a more relaxed start. Still, it’s a small trade-off for access to some of the most beautiful terraced landscapes in China. This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to hike and explore at their own pace, as well as those wanting an authentic glimpse into rural life.

Key Points
– Flexible Itinerary allows for personalized experiences.
– Private transportation and guide ensure comfort and tailored service.
– Includes entry tickets to Longji terraces and Dazhai cable car, saving hassle.
– Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel in Ping’an village offers comfort after a day of exploring.
– Authentic visits to local villages provide genuine cultural insight.
– Option for pick-up and drop-off at your choice of Guilin or Yangshuo.

Exploring the Longji Rice Terraces: An In-Depth Review

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This private 2-day tour is designed for travelers who want more than just a snapshot of China’s famous rice terraces. It offers a personalized experience, allowing you to make adjustments along the way. With guided hikes through scenic areas like the Nine Dragons & Five Tigers and Seven Stars with Moon districts, you get a chance to walk among the terraced fields that have been cultivated for centuries.

The inclusion of local villages, like the Yao Village with its distinctive long hair hairstyles, enriches the experience. The tour’s hotels in Ping’an village also provide a comfortable and authentic base, making it easy to unwind after a day of trekking and sightseeing.

Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Yangshuo

Day 1: Guilin to Ping’an Village

Your adventure begins with a pick-up at your hotel, airport, or train station in Guilin or Yangshuo, followed by a 2-3 hour drive to Ping’an village. This scenic journey takes you through China’s lush countryside, offering glimpses of rural life different from city buzz.

Once you arrive, you’ll embark on a hiking route starting from the Nine Dragons & Five Tigers area to the Seven Stars with Moon district. The hike is manageable for most, with opportunities to stop and admire the expansive rice terraces—sometimes called the “stairways to heaven” for their step-like beauty.

During the hike, you’ll pass through Long Hair Yao Village, where local women with traditional hairstyles welcome visitors. It’s a rare look at living culture that’s still thriving in these mountains.

Quote from travelers: “We loved the way our guide explained how rice terraces are still maintained by local villagers—fascinating and beautiful.” This kind of insight adds depth to the visual experience.

Overnight at a four-star hotel in Ping’an, which offers comfortable accommodations with authentic touches, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the mountain air.

Day 2: Dazhai Village and Return to Guilin

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred by car to Dazhai Village. Here, you’ll take a round-trip cable car—a highlight for many—offering stunning aerial views of the terraces and mountains.

Dazhai is known for its more dramatic landscape, with terraced fields carved into steep slopes. Walking around this village offers a different perspective on rice farming and mountain life, making it a highlight of the trip.

Following the visit, you’ll head back to Guilin or Yangshuo with a transfer that allows you to reflect on the scenery. The entire tour wraps up with drop-off at your original pick-up point, making for a hassle-free experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The value of this tour lies in its inclusions: hotel pick-up and drop-off, a private guide and vehicle, entrance tickets to Longji Rice Terraces, and cable car rides in Dazhai. Staying at a 4-star hotel in Ping’an also enhances comfort, especially after a day of hiking.

However, meals are not included, so you can explore local eateries at your own pace—another way to enjoy authentic cuisine. Also, accommodations in Guilin or Yangshuo are not part of the package, giving you flexibility to choose your own hotels.

More Great Tours Nearby

What Travelers Say

Many reviews praise the personalized service and scenic routes. One mention is that the tour is highly customizable, which is great if you prefer a leisurely pace or want to skip certain stops. Conversely, some note that the driving time can be long, so packing snacks and patience might be wise.

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

2 Day – Longji Rice Terraces – Sunrise Hiking Tour

Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re seeking an authentic cultural experience combined with scenic hikes, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for adventurous travelers comfortable with walking and who want a private, flexible itinerary. The inclusion of local villages and traditional scenery makes it an enriching escape from city life.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Wear comfortable hiking shoes; terrain can be uneven.
Bring layers, as mountain weather varies.
Allocate some time for shopping or exploring Ping’an village after check-in.
Consider bringing snacks for the drive and hikes, as options may be limited.
Confirm your pick-up location and availability, as the tour’s start times are flexible.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for independent-minded travelers who want a customized experience without the constraints of a large group. It’s especially suitable for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and those who appreciate a mix of outdoor activity and local immersion. If you’re looking for a comfortable overnight stay in scenic surroundings, this tour offers a good balance of adventure and comfort.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
While the hikes are manageable for most, some walking on uneven terrain and slopes means moderate fitness is recommended. You can discuss your preferences with the guide to tailor the experience.

Can I change the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is flexible—you can alter stops or timing to suit your interests, which is one of its biggest advantages.

What if I want to arrive or leave at a different time?
The tour’s start times are flexible, so you can coordinate with the guide for early or late pick-up and drop-off.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. You’ll have the chance to enjoy local cuisine on your own or bring snacks for the journey.

Does the tour include entrance tickets?
Yes, the Longji entrance tickets and Dazhai cable car tickets are included, saving you the hassle of purchasing at each site.

Is there accommodation included?
Yes, the tour includes an overnight stay at a four-star hotel in Ping’an village, providing comfort after a day of exploration.

Can I book the tour without paying upfront?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

To sum it up, this private 2-day Longji Rice Terraces tour offers a wonderful blend of scenic hiking, culture, and comfortable lodging, all tailored to your pace and interests. It’s a smart choice for those who want to escape city life and experience the best of China’s rural beauty with a knowledgeable guide by your side. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious traveler eager to see iconic landscapes, this tour delivers a genuine, memorable experience that’s well worth the price.