Short Li-River cruise and Longji Rice Terraces Private Day Tour

Experience the Best of Guilin: A Detailed Look at the Short Li-River Cruise and Longji Rice Terraces Private Day Tour

Planning a day trip that captures the essence of Guilin’s iconic scenery and vibrant culture can be tricky. That’s why this short Li-River cruise and Longji Rice Terraces private tour has become a favorite among travelers seeking a well-rounded, authentic experience. From tranquil boat rides to panoramic mountain vistas, this tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into some of China’s most breathtaking landscapes—all in just one day.

Three things we especially appreciate about this tour are its professional guides, the thoughtful itinerary, and the convenience of door-to-door pickup and drop-off. It’s designed to maximize your sightseeing without feeling rushed. That said, the trip does have a fairly long transfer time between activities, which could be tiring for some.

This tour is perfect for those who want an immersive experience that combines natural beauty, cultural highlights, and the convenience of private transport. It works well for travelers with moderate physical fitness who are looking for a full-day adventure packed with memorable sights.

Key Points

• Exclusive private experience with English-speaking guides and air-conditioned transportation
• Stunning views of the Karst landscape and rice terraces that are picture-perfect and culturally rich
• Flexible drop-off options including Guilin or Yangshuo hotels, train stations, or airports
• Entry fees not included at the rice terraces, so budget accordingly
• Small boat cruise with limited accessibility for children under 7 and seniors over 70
• Highly praised guides, especially Andy, known for their knowledge and friendliness

An Overview of the Tour

This private day trip is designed to cover two top attractions in Guilin’s area—the Li River and the Longji Rice Terraces—in a seamless, organized way. It’s tailored for travelers who want a balance of scenic cruising and cultural exploration, all with the comfort of private transport and personalized guidance. At $136.13 per person, it offers decent value, especially when considering the convenience and quality of the experience.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its emphasis on authenticity and comfort. You’ll begin with a morning pickup from your hotel or train station, setting the tone for a stress-free day. The small boat cruise along the Li River offers intimate views of Guilin’s iconic Karst mountains—something you might not get on larger, bus-based tours. The guide, often praised like Andy, provides valuable insights into the landscape and local culture, enriching your understanding of the scenery.

Following the cruise, the journey continues to the Longji Rice Terraces, a highlight for many. The visit includes exploring the traditional villages of Ping’an or Dazhai, where ancient terraces cascade down the mountainsides and local minority cultures thrive. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst panoramic views, soaking in the quiet beauty of rural China.

The Itinerary: Step-by-Step

Morning Pickup and Transfer to the Li River

The day begins between 7:30 and 8:30 am, with pickup from your hotel, train station, or airport. The exact timing depends on your location—if you’re staying in Guilin, you’ll be transferred to the Caoping River pier, closer to the city. If you’re in Yangshuo, the pickup will be at your hotel with the cruise starting from Xingping, closer to the vibrant Yangshuo scene.

The Li River Small Boat Cruise

From around 8:30 to 9:30 am, you’ll enjoy a short cruise on a small boat along the Li River. This is often described as a quiet, intimate experience, perfect for taking photos of the iconic limestone peaks. The boat itself is quite small (each boat seats about four people), so it’s a cozy way to see the landscape. Reviewers like David mention that the guide Andy’s insights made the scenery even more meaningful, highlighting the cultural and natural significance of the area.

It’s important to note that children under 7 and adults over 70 are not permitted on the small boat, which is worth considering if you’re traveling with seniors or young kids.

Transfer to Longji Rice Terraces

Post-boat cruise, you’ll board your private vehicle for a roughly two-hour drive to the Longji region. This peaceful journey takes you through lush countryside, setting the scene for the rice terraces and local villages you’ll explore next.

Exploring the Longji Rice Terraces

Once at Longji, you’ll visit Ping’an or Dazhai village, where the terraces stretch across mountain slopes in stunning layers. Expect to walk along well-maintained paths, with plenty of opportunities for photos and to learn about traditional farming methods. Reviewers like Leow_J pointed out that, despite the long travel time, the spectacular rice terraces are well worth it.

During the visit, you can also enjoy a local lunch within the village, giving you a taste of rural Guangxi cuisine while enjoying incredible views.

Return Journey

The day wraps up with a return trip back to Guilin or Yangshuo, arriving around 5:30 pm. The journey home allows for reflection on your day’s experiences and, if you’re lucky, some last-minute scenery.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour fee covers private transport, an English-speaking guide, and air conditioning—making it a comfortable experience. However, entrance fees to the rice terraces are not included, which adds approximately 115 RMB per person if you wish to access the terraces themselves. Food and drinks are also on travelers to arrange, although lunch is available at the village.

Practical Tips

• Be prepared for a full day of sightseeing; moderate physical fitness is recommended.
• The small boat cruise is a highlight but has accessibility restrictions—be sure to consider this if traveling with young children or seniors.
• Confirm your pickup location and time in advance to ensure smooth coordination.
• Since the tour is private, you can customize some aspects, such as lunch options or additional stops, if arranged beforehand.

Authentic Experiences: What Reviewers Say

Many travelers rave about their guides, especially highlighting Andy’s knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness. One reviewer described Andy as “not only a highly professional and knowledgeable guide but also incredibly friendly and attentive,” which made their experience more enriching.

The scenery receives universal praise: “The view of the rice terraces was worth the long travel,” says Leow_J, emphasizing that the landscape’s beauty outweighs the journey time. Others appreciated the cultural aspect, with Polina_L mentioning how Andy made sure they saw everything—from river views to traditional villages—making it a very cultural trip.

The value for money is another strong point. At just over $130, the tour offers a comprehensive experience that combines scenic beauty, cultural insight, and comfortable transportation—cost-effective compared to similar full-day options.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking a hassle-free way to experience Guilin’s top sights in one day. It’s perfect if you appreciate guided insight while exploring scenic landscapes and traditional villages. Travelers who value comfort and convenience will especially enjoy the door-to-door service and private vehicle.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children or seniors with mobility issues, the small boat restrictions and long transfer times might require some consideration. Budget-conscious travelers should note that additional admission fees** are not included, so plan accordingly for entry to the rice terraces.

This tour strikes a nice balance between scenic beauty, cultural insights, and ease of travel, making it a solid choice for those wanting to see the best of Guilin with minimal fuss.

FAQs

What is the duration of this tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, starting from early morning pickup to late afternoon drop-off.

Can I be dropped off at my hotel?
Yes, the tour offers flexible drop-off options including your Guilin or Yangshuo hotel, train station, or airport.

Is the boat cruise accessible for children or seniors?
The small boat cruise is not suitable for children under 7 or seniors over 70 due to safety restrictions.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees like the rice terraces (about 115 RMB) are not included in the tour price and need to be paid separately.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, some cash for entrance fees, and possibly a light jacket if the weather turns cooler.

Is this tour customizable?
Since it’s a private tour, you might be able to request minor adjustments, such as different pickup points or additional stops, with prior arrangement.

This private day tour from Guilin offers a well-rounded, scenic, and cultural experience that’s hard to beat for a single day. With stunning landscapes, expert guides, and flexible logistics, it’s a fantastic way to make the most of your visit to this lush part of China.