Longji Rice Terraces with the Dazhai Cable Car Private Day Tour

If you’re dreaming of lush, terraced hillsides and authentic village life in China’s Guangxi region, this Longji Rice Terraces private tour is a fantastic way to experience it. This full-day adventure combines scenic views, cultural insights, and convenient logistics, making it a popular choice among travelers who want to see the best of Longji without the hassle of planning every detail.

Three things we really like about this experience: First, the professional and knowledgeable guides who bring the history and culture to life. Second, the breathtaking views from cable cars and lookout points—perfect for photography and quiet reflection. And third, the opportunity to visit traditional Zhuang and Yao villages, which offer insights into local lifestyles and customs. The only thing to consider is the potential for crowds during peak hours, especially around lunchtime at the cable car stations.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a mix of natural beauty and culture, especially if you’re keen on avoiding overly commercialized experiences. It’s also ideal for those with limited time but who still want a comprehensive look at Longji’s iconic rice terraces.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning makes the long drive manageable.
• Expert guides enhance your understanding of the history, culture, and agriculture of the area.
• Cable car rides offer quick, scenic access to stunning viewpoints with minimal effort.
• Visit traditional villages like Ping’an and Dazhai to experience local life firsthand.
• Flexible itinerary allows for optional hikes and plenty of photo opportunities.
• All logistics are arranged, including tickets and hotel pickup/drop-off, saving you time and stress.

Exploring the Longji Rice Terraces

The Longji Rice Terraces, often called the “Dragon’s Backbone” due to their intricate, scale-like appearance, are a marvel of centuries-old farming ingenuity. First developed during the Yuan Dynasty over 650 years ago, these terraces are an ongoing testament to Chinese rural resilience and artistry. As we’ve read from travelers’ reviews, the views are nothing short of spectacular, whether you visit in the vibrant growing season or during harvest.

Starting the Day: Convenient Pickup and Scenic Drive

The day kicks off around 9 am with a hotel pickup in Guilin, which is a real plus if you’re staying centrally. This private tour ensures you won’t be part of a large group, giving a more personalized experience. The drive itself takes about 1.5 hours, during which your guide will share fascinating insights into the region’s history, culture, and agricultural practices.

Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle means you stay comfortable as you pass through scenic villages, rolling hills, and winding mountain roads. Passing Jinzhu Village and Huangluo Long Hair Village along the way, you’ll get glimpses of traditional architecture and local lifestyles that add depth to your day.

First Stop: The Entrance to the Terraces

Arriving at the entrance of the Longji Rice Terraces, there’s a quick 15-minute stop for ticket purchase. Though the ticket isn’t included in the initial price, the process is smooth, and your guide will assist. From here, it’s a short drive to Dazhai Village, the hub of the terrace system.

The Terraces and Villages: An Iconic Sight

Once at Dazhai, you’ll have time to soak in the sweeping views of the tiered rice fields—an experience described by one reviewer as “gorgeous rice terraces.” These terraces, carved into the hillsides over centuries, create a surreal, almost surreal landscape. Visitors often mention the narrow, winding flagstone trails, which make exploring both easy and scenic.

Here, you can also learn from guides about the science and craft behind rice farming in these terraces. The locals, mainly Zhuang and Yao minorities, still maintain traditional ways of life, which often include helping with the fields or showcasing their colorful ethnical costumes. One traveler noted how engaging it was to help locals in the fields and visit their distinctive stilted houses—a real cultural highlight.

Visiting the Villages: Ping’an and Jinzhu

The tour includes stops at Ping’an Village, home to over 200 residents, mainly Zhuang people. It’s known for its vibrant, traditional architecture and spectacular views. It’s also a place to observe how local communities live amidst these ancient terraces.

Jinzhu Village, a UNESCO-recognized model Zhuang village, offers a different perspective with its distinctive architectural style and scenic bamboo terraces. You can even walk through the Golden Bamboo Village, an area renowned for its terraced fields and traditional Zhuang culture.

The Cable Car Adventure: Reaching the Golden Peak

A highlight of the tour is the cable car ride from Dazhai to the No.3 viewing platform (Golden Buddha Peak). This 30-minute ride is a shortcut, allowing you to skip hours of uphill walking. Many travelers mention how the cable car provides incredible panoramic views and makes reaching the viewpoint quick and easy, especially during busy times when the area gets crowded.

From the cable car, you’ll get a stunning overlook of the rice terraces, often described as “golden during harvest season” or “lush and vibrant.” One reviewer noted that during their visit, the terraces looked especially beautiful, and the ride was well worth it.

Optional Hike and Lunch

Once at the top, there’s an opportunity for a short optional hike down the terraces—a great way to see the intricate design of the fields up close and perhaps catch a glimpse of local farmers at work. Alternatively, you can relax and take in the scenery from the viewpoint.

Lunch isn’t included in the tour, but your guide will recommend scenic restaurants, often with local specialties and fresh mountain ingredients. Many reviews highlight the quality and beauty of the meal, with one traveler mentioning “a great meal at a very scenic restaurant recommended by Andy.”

Return to Guilin

After a leisurely exploration, your guide will escort you back to the vehicle for the return drive—about 1.5 hours—culminating in a hotel drop-off. The day wraps up around 5 pm, leaving you with plenty of time to relax or continue exploring Guilin.

What Sets This Tour Apart

One of the most appreciated aspects of this private tour is its personalized nature. Guides like Andy and Jerry were praised for their attentiveness, knowledge, and safe driving—factors that make a big difference on winding mountain roads. As one reviewer put it, “Andy was alert and attentive driving us safely to destinations and back,” which reassures travelers unfamiliar with mountain driving.

The inclusion of all tickets and hotel pickup means you don’t need to worry about logistics, allowing you to focus on soaking in the scenery. The cable car rides, viewing platforms, and village visits are all carefully timed to avoid the busiest hours, especially around lunchtime, enhancing the overall experience.

Value for Money

At $165 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Longji’s most iconic sights without feeling rushed. The private guide, transportation, and tickets combine to create a smooth, hassle-free day. When compared to more generic group tours, the tailored experience and flexibility are worth the premium for many travelers.

Authentic Experiences

Travelers raved about the chance to see traditional villages and experience local culture firsthand, not just look at pretty pictures. The opportunity to interact with minority groups and learn about their lifestyle adds depth that many group tours lack.

The Sum Up

This Longji Rice Terraces private tour offers an excellent way to explore one of China’s most stunning landscape features while enjoying the comfort and insight of a private guide. The combination of scenic cable car rides, cultural visits, and flexible options makes it suitable for travelers seeking both natural beauty and authentic cultural encounters.

If you’re after a well-organized, meaningful day that balances sightseeing with culture, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially ideal for those who value comfort, personalized attention, and a mix of scenic vistas and village life.

While the price may seem on the higher side, the inclusion of tickets, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide ensures you get good value for your money—making it a memorable highlight of any Guilin trip.

FAQ

Do I need to book this tour in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book around 74 days in advance, especially if you want a private, personalized experience.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers private transportation, a guide, tickets for the Longji terraces and cable cars, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but your guide can recommend scenic restaurants where you can enjoy local dishes.

How long is the drive from Guilin?
Approximately 1.5 hours each way, giving you ample time to enjoy the scenery and relax between stops.

Can I hike down the terraces?
Yes, there’s an optional hike after reaching the top, which allows for a closer look at the fields and local farms.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the best time to visit?
While the tour runs year-round, the views are especially striking during harvest season when the terraces are golden, but even in other seasons, the scenery is impressive.

This tour offers a thoughtful blend of natural beauty, cultural discovery, and convenience—ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet manageable day in Longji.