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

Exploring the Longji Rice Terraces and Dazhai Village: An Honest Review

Taking a day trip from Guilin to explore the Longji rice terraces and Dazhai village offers a fantastic chance to see some of China’s most iconic landscapes and cultural gems. This particular tour, priced at around $78.54 per person, is praised for its straightforward, hassle-free setup and the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and unique local culture of Longsheng.

What makes this trip appealing? We love how it combines breathtaking views, an authentic glimpse into Red Yao culture, and the simplicity of a private driver service. The flexibility to hike or take the cable car around Dazhai means you can tailor the day to your energy levels and interests.

However, a key consideration is that there’s no official guide along the way—just an English-speaking driver—and that means you’ll need to be comfortable exploring independently. This setup works best for travelers who enjoy some freedom and don’t mind self-guided wandering. Overall, if you’re after a value-packed day with stunning scenery and cultural insights, this tour is well-suited for those with a flexible itinerary and a sense of adventure.

Key Points

• Private, hassle-free transportation with an English-speaking driver
• Flexible exploration options at Dazhai village, including hiking and cable car rides
• Stunning views of the iconic Longji rice terraces, especially Ping’an and Jinkeng
• Cultural insights into Red Yao traditions and the local lifestyle
• Affordable price point offers great value for the scenery and experience
• Self-guided format allows for personal pacing but requires some independence

The Itinerary in Detail

Guilin Pickup and Early Start

The tour begins with a 9:00 am pickup from your hotel in Guilin, Yangshuo, or Xingping. This early start is perfect for maximizing your day—plus, it gives you a good chunk of time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. We appreciate that the vehicle is air-conditioned, offering comfort during the drive.

The Journey to the Longji Terraces

The drive to Longji, or the “Dragon’s Backbone,” takes about two hours. Along the way, you’ll get glimpses of Guilin’s lush landscape and terraced hills, setting the tone for what’s ahead. The entrance to the rice terraces is free to enter, but you’ll need to purchase tickets for the actual terraces in Dazhai village, which adds a small extra cost.

Longji Rice Terraces: A Visual Feast

Once at the terraces, you’ll find yourself amid a landscape that looks like it’s been stitched together by winding, narrow rice fields carved into the hillside. The Ping’an Village area, known for its photogenic terraced fields, offers several viewing platforms that let you take in the layered beauty from different angles. Expect to see terraced fields that are over 650 years old—a testament to the skill and dedication of local farmers.

One reviewer mentioned that they were particularly impressed by the “splendid agricultural spectacle,” with the terraces spreading out like giant staircases. The winding flagstone trails make it easy to explore at your own pace, and the views are particularly stunning during the early morning or late afternoon light.

Dazhai Village and Jinkeng Rice Terraces

After about four hours exploring the terraces, you’ll head to Dazhai village, about 50 km from Longsheng County. Here, the focus shifts from panoramic views to experiencing local culture.

The village is home to the Red Yao people, known for their vibrant traditional dress and skill in singing and dancing. One reviewer highlighted the “pristine life” of the Red Yao, making Dazhai an interesting cultural stop. You can walk around the village, take in the traditional houses, and see the Jinkeng Rice Terraces—another spectacular set of terraced fields.

The driver will provide a local map and tips, so you can opt to hike or take a cable car to the viewpoints. Many visitors enjoy hiking up to the terraces for closer views and photo opportunities, while the cable car provides a quicker, less strenuous option to enjoy the scenery from above.

Some reviews emphasize the beauty of the terraces, especially during sunrise, with three viewpoints available for catching the early light. The experience of discovering Red Yao traditions—dancing, singing, and wearing their signature red clothes—adds a memorable cultural layer to the landscape.

Return to Guilin

After your exploration, the driver will take you back to your hotel in Guilin, Yangshuo, or Xingping, arriving around 6-7 pm. The journey back offers time to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights.

Real Traveler Insights

One reviewer called the tour “wonderful,” praising the polite and patient driver—named Andy—who made the experience smooth and enjoyable. They appreciated not only the views but also the friendly, helpful attitude of the driver, which can make a big difference in a self-guided setup.

Another traveler, who had only about 12 hours in Guilin, found it the perfect solution to see the rice terraces in a short time. They mentioned the well-priced nature of the tour and how it suited their tight schedule, highlighting its practicality for travelers with limited time.

The absence of a guide didn’t seem to detract from the experience for most, as the driver provided useful advice and local context, plus ample time for personal exploration. The lack of included entrance fees for the terraces means a small extra expense, but many reviewers found it justified by the quality of the scenery.

Practicalities and What to Expect

Transportation & Comfort

The private car and English-speaking driver ensure a comfortable, personalized experience. The air-conditioned vehicle is especially appreciated in the warmer months. It also means you’ll avoid the crowds and rigid schedules typical of larger group tours, giving you more flexibility.

Timing and Duration

The entire tour spans about 8 hours, from pickup to drop-off. With about two hours of driving each way and several hours exploring, you’ll have plenty of time to appreciate the terraces and culture without feeling rushed.

Cost and Value

For around $78.54, this tour offers solid value. The private transport, access to some of the most beautiful scenery in Guilin, and the cultural insights make it an attractive option. The extra cost for entrance tickets is modest but important to note.

Who This Tour Is Best For

Travelers who enjoy independent exploration and flexible schedules will love this tour. It suits those comfortable navigating on their own, with the driver acting as a friendly guide rather than a full-time guide. It’s ideal for people who want to see the rice terraces with minimal fuss and enjoy authentic views without overpaying for a guided group experience.

Final Thoughts

This 1-day Longji Terrace Fields and Dazhai village tour is a well-priced, flexible, and scenic way to experience some of Guilin’s most iconic sights. The combination of stunning terraced landscapes and the chance to learn about the Red Yao culture makes it a memorable day trip for those seeking natural beauty and cultural authenticity.

While it’s not a guided tour, the private driver setup offers comfort and local insights that many travelers will appreciate. The ability to hike or take a cable car at Dazhai means you can tailor the experience to your preferences, whether you want to walk close-up through the terraces or enjoy views from above.

This tour is especially suited for independent travelers, couples, or small groups who value flexibility, stunning scenery, and cultural discovery without the high price tag of guided group tours.

FAQ

Do I need to pay extra for entrance tickets?
Yes, you will need to purchase entrance tickets for the Longji Terraces in Dazhai Village separately. The tour price does not include these.

Can I hike around the terraces?
Absolutely. You have the option to hike the terraces or use the cable car at Dazhai. The driver will provide a local map and advice for exploring.

How long is the drive from Guilin to the terraces?
The drive takes around two hours each way, giving you plenty of time for sightseeing and breaks en route.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, as long as they are comfortable with some walking and the drive. The flexibility to take the cable car or hike makes it adaptable.

What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable shoes for walking, sun protection, water, and possibly a light jacket in cooler months. Don’t forget your camera for capturing the views!

Is this tour offered as a group or private experience?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a more personalized and flexible experience.

This tour delivers a genuine taste of Guilin’s landscape and local culture, all at a price that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re after picture-perfect views, cultural insights, or just a comfortable day out, it’s sure to leave you with lasting memories.