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

Traveling to China and craving an authentic taste of its rural traditions? This Guilin Longji rice terraces tour offers a beautifully balanced mix of breathtaking scenery, cultural insights, and hands-on experiences. It’s a full-day adventure that takes you into the heart of Zhuang and Yao minority villages, revealing their unique heritage while giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy spectacular views and local flavors.

What makes this tour stand out are the stunning panoramic vistas of the rice terraces, the interactive oil-tea workshop—a fun and tasty way to learn about local traditions—and the delicious, homemade Zhuang cuisine. We particularly love how it combines nature, history, and food in a relaxed, personable setting. But, it’s worth noting that the walk up to the terraces can be physically demanding for some, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with moderate hiking.

This tour is perfect for those eager to explore authentic minority villages, appreciate iconic landscapes, and enjoy a meaningful cultural experience—all in one manageable day. If you’re after a scenic, engaging, and well-organized adventure, this could be just what your Guilin trip needs.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Visit Zhuang villages and learn about their traditions through museums and local stories.
• Breathtaking Views: Panoramic vistas of the rice terraces are a highlight, ideal for photography lovers.
• Hands-On Activity: Make your own Longji oil tea, blending local ingredients in a fun workshop.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy a hearty Zhuang-style lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients.
• Flexible Excursion: Options to hike or take a cable car to scenic viewpoints cater to different energy levels.
• All-Inclusive Value: Ticket, transportation, meals, and activities are bundled into a well-priced day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Longji Rice Terraces and Zhuang Culture

The tour kicks off with a scenic two-hour drive from Guilin into the mountainous regions of Longsheng County. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush rice paddies, bamboo groves, and quiet countryside roads—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the rural ambiance. The guide provides context about the Zhuang and Yao minorities, who have farmed these lands for centuries, shaping the landscape into the iconic terraces we see today.

Guzhuang Village: A Quiet Glimpse into Mountain Life

Your first stop is Guzhuang Village, a peaceful Zhuang community at the foot of the terraces. Its stone-paved streets and wooden houses, some over a century old, evoke a sense of stepping back in time. Here, a local museum showcases traditional Zhuang costumes, weaving tools, musical instruments, and ancestral artifacts, offering a window into their daily life and customs.

Travelers like Diana appreciated this stop, noting, “Our guide, Tonwn, was so warm, friendly, and professional. He even took us to a local village where we picked seasonal fruits like passionfruit and wampee, which was such a fun surprise.” This stop enriches the experience by connecting you directly with the mountain community and its heritage.

Making Oil-Tea and Relishing Zhuang Cuisine

Next, you’ll head to Ping’an Village, where a warm local welcome awaits. Here begins the interactive part of the day: the oil-tea workshop. It’s a lively, hands-on activity where you roast peanuts and soybeans, grind your own blend, and mix it with fragrant tea to create the signature dish. Reviewers like Miguel lionized this experience, saying, “The view of Longji terraces was stunning, and we really enjoyed the oil tea experience. Epic, and highly recommend!”

After the workshop, a hearty Zhuang lunch awaits, featuring dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Elena described it as “the best food we tasted during our holiday in China,” highlighting the authenticity and deliciousness of the meal. The food is straightforward but flavorful, reflecting the warm hospitality of mountain villagers.

Reaching the Terraces: Hike or Cable Car

The highlight of the tour is reaching the terraces’ viewpoints. Depending on your energy level, you can choose to hike up a 30-40 minute trail through farmland and village lanes, or take a scenic cable car. Either way, you’re rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the rice terraces cascading across the hills like green silk.

Diana shared her experience, “We caught a rainbow while walking into the terraces—that moment made the whole day magical.” The terraces are among China’s most iconic landscapes, with their intricate layered fields creating endless photo opportunities.

More Great Tours Nearby

Why It Works

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the balance between nature, culture, and activity. You get a chance to see authentic villages and learn about local traditions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The small group size (1-12 people) adds a personal touch, and the inclusion of transportation, entry tickets, and meals simplifies planning.

The tour is approximately 10 hours long, with a well-paced itinerary that offers plenty of time for sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing. The price point of $152 per person reflects the comprehensive experience—covering transport, guided commentary in multiple languages, and all activities—making it a good value for a full-day, immersive tour.

Practical Tips

• Bring your passport or ID for entry and registration.
• Wear comfortable footwear for walking and hiking.
• Prepare for changing weather; layers and rain gear may be helpful.
• Carry some cash for small purchases or tips (though most expenses are included).
• The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Travelers

One reviewer, Elena, praised the organization and the guide, Tonwn, saying, “He took great care of our needs and drove us safely.” This personal attention is typical of the small group format, which fosters a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Another guest mentioned the rainy day didn’t dampen the experience: “Our guide gave us a hand-painted fan he made himself—it was such a meaningful gift.” Such details show how the tour adds a personal touch, making the day memorable.

The oil-tea workshop also receives enthusiastic feedback—guests love making their own blend and appreciating the local ingredients. The combination of a beautiful landscape, cultural storytelling, and practical activity creates a multi-layered experience that appeals to curious travelers.

The Sum Up

This Guilin Longji Rice Terraces tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Chinese rural life and stunning landscapes. It’s ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they crave cultural authenticity, interactive activities, and incredible photo ops all in one day.

The combination of breathtaking views, a meaningful cultural workshop, and a delicious local lunch makes this experience a rewarding choice. Its small-group format ensures personalized attention, and the inclusive price offers real value.

Perfect for those interested in minority culture, scenic hikes, and authentic cuisine, this tour helps you connect with the true spirit of Longsheng and its ancient terraces.

If you’re seeking a culturally rich, visually stunning, and engaging day out of Guilin, this tour ticks all those boxes—and then some.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Guilin city are included, with details confirmed the evening before.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, including travel, activities, and meals.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the physical aspects like hiking might be challenging for young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I customize the group size?
The tour typically operates with 1-12 people, but larger groups may inquire about custom options.

Do I need to pay extra for tickets?
All tickets for the Longji Scenic Area and shuttle bus to viewpoints are included.

Is there an option to just visit the terraces without the cultural activities?
This specific tour package combines the viewpoints with cultural experiences like the museum visit and oil-tea workshop, so standalone options aren’t specified.

What language is the tour guided in?
Guides speak Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and French, among others.

Are meals vegetarian?
The tour features local Zhuang cuisine, but dietary preferences aren’t specified. It’s best to inquire directly if you have special needs.

What if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine. Some reviews mention rain, but guides handle it well, and the experience remains enjoyable.

How physically demanding is the hike?
The hike to the viewpoints takes about 30-40 minutes uphill, which is manageable for most healthy travelers but could be tiring for some.

This tour provides a genuine, well-organized way to experience the natural beauty and cultural depth of Longsheng County. Whether you’re snapping photos of the terraces, learning to make oil tea, or chatting with friendly villagers, it’s a day packed with memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: