Longji Terraced Fields: Hiking to explore Ethnic Villages - An In-Depth Look at the Longji Terraced Fields Hike

5 Best Tours & Experiences In Longji

Discover the top tours in Longji including rice terraces, ethnic villages, and cultural experiences. Find the best option for your interests and travel style.

Longji is one of those places that captures your attention with its breathtaking terraced rice fields and vibrant ethnic villages. It’s a landscape that feels both grand and cozy, offering a variety of ways to experience its beauty and local culture. Whether you prefer a relaxed day exploring terraced fields, a guided hike into mountain villages, or an immersive cultural workshop, Longji has a lot to offer. Our favorite options include a full-day private tour that combines scenic views with local storytelling, and a more adventurous hiking experience that lets you really get into the mountain life.

If you’re drawn to learning about China’s diverse ethnic groups or want a peek into authentic mountain village life, some of the tours on this list will suit your style. For those looking for a smooth, all-in-one experience, the Longji Rice Terraces: 1-Day Private Tour offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s beauty and culture. If a more active day with hiking and village visits appeals, then the Longji Terraced Fields: Hiking to explore Ethnic Villages is perfect. And for those who want a deeper dive into local traditions, the Guilin Longji: Rice Terrace with Oil Tea Demo & Zhuang Lunch blends hands-on cultural activities with scenic views.

1. Longji Rice Terraces: 1-Day Private Tour

Longji Rice Terraces: 1-Day Private Tour

At number 1 on our list, the Longji Rice Terraces: 1-Day Private Tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Longji’s iconic landscape. For $89 per person, this 10-hour tour from Guilin is a fantastic way to see the famous terraced rice paddies, visit Huangluo Yao Village—home to the women with the longest hair in the world—and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at Liusanjie Tea Garden.

The tour balances scenic sightseeing with culture. You’ll start with a pickup in Guilin, then head to a photo stop at Longsheng Rice Terraces for about two hours of guided exploration and optional hiking. Afterward, you’ll visit Huangluo to see the Yao women’s remarkable long hair, hear their stories, and learn about their traditional lifestyle. The tea ceremony at Liusanjie is another highlight, where a local expert explains China’s tea culture while you sip on freshly brewed tea with mountain views.

This tour is especially good for travelers who want a well-organized day with plenty of cultural insights and beautiful photo opportunities. It’s rated 5/5 based on four reviews, emphasizing its high value and smooth logistics. The private group setting means you can tailor the pace and focus, making it ideal for couples or small groups.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a hassle-free, balanced experience that combines nature, culture, and local stories, this private tour is an excellent choice.

2. Longji Terraced Fields: Hiking to explore Ethnic Villages

Longji Terraced Fields: Hiking to explore Ethnic Villages

Number 2 is the Longji Terraced Fields: Hiking to explore Ethnic Villages, a 9-hour adventure perfect for active travelers who want to see Longji from a more authentic and less touristy perspective. For just $260 for your group of up to two, this private hike takes you along a 13 km UNESCO-listed trail through terraced mountains, connecting Ping’an and Dazhai villages.

What makes this hike stand out? It’s the chance to walk along stone-paved paths with sweeping panoramic views of the rice terraces and to visit Yao and Zhuang villages, where you can interact directly with local people. Your guide will share stories about their traditional farming techniques and daily life, making this more than just a walk—it’s a culture. The trail involves approximately 3.5 hours of hiking, so it’s suited for those with a moderate fitness level. The private transfer ensures comfort and flexibility, and the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.

Reviews mention that this tour is “an unforgettable way to see the real Longji,” especially for those who appreciate a mix of hiking and cultural encounters. The guide’s storytelling adds depth and meaning to the stunning vistas.

Bottom Line: For travelers eager to combine moderate hiking with authentic village visits, this tour offers a meaningful, active day in the mountains.

$260 per group up to 2

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

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

Coming in at number 3, the Guilin Longji: Rice Terrace with Oil Tea Demo & Zhuang Lunch combines cultural activities with scenic beauty in a 9-10 hour day. This tour is perfect for those who want a relaxed yet immersive experience of the local traditions, with a focus on Zhuang culture.

The tour starts with visits to a traditional Zhuang village, where you can explore a costume and traditions museum. The highlight is a hands-on oil-tea workshop, where you’ll learn how to make and taste this local specialty, gaining insight into mountain herbal medicine and daily life. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a Zhuang-style mountain lunch with stunning views of the rice terraces. The afternoon features visits to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the terraces, providing plenty of photo opportunities.

This experience is ideal for travelers interested in cultural crafts and local cuisine. The tour’s relaxed pace allows ample time for photo stops and casual exploration, making it suitable for families or those who prefer a gentle day with meaningful cultural engagement.

Bottom Line: If you’re curious about minority traditions and want a taste of local life combined with scenic views, this tour offers a harmonious balance of culture and nature.

4. Guilin In-Depth Longji Rice Terraces Day Trip with Lunch

Guilin: In-Depth Longji Rice Terraces Day Trip with Lunch

Right in the middle, at number 4, is the Guilin: In-Depth Longji Rice Terraces Day Trip. This 10.5-hour tour specializes in exploring less crowded, authentic villages and avoids the typical tourist spots. It emphasizes off-the-beaten-path hikes, ethnic home visits, and cultural storytelling.

The tour includes visits to two idyllic villages—each with its own character—where you can see traditional architecture and learn about local Zhuang and Yao cultures. The guide takes you on scenic hikes along terraced fields, with a focus on natural beauty and cultural authenticity. You’ll also have the opportunity to watch Yao long hair performances and enjoy a local bamboo rice meal. The itinerary avoids shops and commercial stops, making it more about genuine experiences.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a more intimate, less commercialized look at Longji’s rural life. The reviews praise the scenic hikes and cultural insights.

Bottom Line: If you prefer a quieter, more genuine experience that skips the crowds and shopping, this deep dive into local villages will suit you well.

5. Guilin: Longji Rice Terraces & Yao village Private day tour

Guilin: Longji Rice Terraces & Yao village Private day tour

Finally, number 5 on our list is the Guilin: Longji Rice Terraces & Yao village Private day tour. This private tour offers a flexible, personalized experience, focusing on hiking through the stunning terraces, visiting Huang Luo Yao Village, and enjoying a leisurely lunch.

The itinerary includes a 30-minute village visit followed by a 2-hour hike through terraced farmland, giving you a good sense of the region’s farming traditions. The tour allows for a flexible lunch, so you can choose when and where to eat, making it adaptable to your appetite and schedule. With hotel pickup and drop-off in Guilin, it’s convenient and private.

This experience is best for travelers who want a customizable day with plenty of scenic hiking and cultural insights, without the constraints of a large group or rigid schedule. It’s rated for its personal touch and flexibility.

Bottom Line: For those who prefer a tailor-made, intimate experience focused on local farming and village life, this private tour delivers.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Longji

When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you want an all-in-one, hassle-free experience that covers the highlights with some cultural extras, the Longji Rice Terraces: 1-Day Private Tour is hard to beat. For active travelers who love hiking and authentic village visits, the Hiking to explore Ethnic Villages offers a more immersive experience. If cultural crafts and traditional food appeal, the Oil Tea Demo & Zhuang Lunch makes for a memorable day.

For those seeking a quieter, more in-depth look at local life, the In-Depth Longji Rice Terraces avoids the crowds and offers an authentic journey. Meanwhile, if you prefer a flexible, private experience tailored to your pace, the Longji Rice Terraces & Yao Village delivers personalized service.

Final Thoughts

Longji’s landscape and culture offer a range of memorable experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you opt for a comprehensive private day tour, a vigorous hike, or a cultural workshop, each option provides a unique window into this stunning mountain region.

For travelers on a tight schedule, the private tours are a good bet—they’re well-organized and personalized. Adventurous souls might prefer the hiking experiences, while culture enthusiasts will find the oil tea and village visits especially rewarding.

Booking early is wise, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and ensure you get the experience that best matches your interests. No matter which you choose, Longji’s terraces and ethnic villages are sure to leave you with lasting memories.