Longji Dazhai Rice Terraces Day Tour Cable Car Adventure

This detailed review focuses on a popular tour that takes travelers from Guilin to the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces, including a cable car ride over the terraces and visits to local villages. While we haven’t personally experienced it, the tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic views, cultural insights, and convenience.

What we love about this experience? The stunning panoramic vistas of the terraces, the opportunity to ride a cable car for a relaxed view without hiking, and the chance to enjoy authentic local cuisine in traditional villages.

A potential consideration? The tour’s itinerary is quite full, with about 2 hours’ drive each way, possibly making it tiring for those seeking a very leisurely day. Also, some reviews highlight some confusion about what’s included, especially regarding lunch and extra charges.

Who would this tour suit best? Nature lovers who want to see the terraces without strenuous hiking, cultural explorers eager to visit minority villages, and travelers wanting a comfortable, organized day trip from Guilin.

• Stunning Views: You’ll see sweeping rice terraces from a cable car, offering perfect photo opportunities.
• Comfort and Convenience: Private transfers, air-conditioned vehicles, and a relaxed itinerary make for an easy day.
• Cultural Encounters: Visits to Huangluo Yao Village help you connect with local minority traditions.
• Authentic Food: You can feast on regional specialties like bamboo rice and smoked pork.
• Value for Money: The tour includes entrance fees, cable car rides, and private transportation, making it a good value.
• Flexible Pacing: You can explore at your own pace, with time for relaxing and enjoying scenery.

The Journey from Guilin to Longji

The day begins with a private pickup from your Guilin hotel, airport, or station around 9 am. The drive to Dazhai Jinkeng Rice Terraces takes approximately 2.5 hours, giving you time to relax, chat with your guide, or enjoy the scenic countryside. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a smooth ride, and since the guide is English-speaking, you can expect some informative commentary along the way.

Reviews praise the professionalism of the driver and the organization, with one mentioning that the trip was arranged to avoid queues and inconvenience, making for a hassle-free experience. The roughly two-hour drive is a great way to start enjoying the local landscape before reaching the terraces.

The Spectacular Dazhai Rice Terraces and Ropeway

Once arrived at Longji, the highlight is the opportunity to view the terraces from a cable car, which offers a panoramic perspective without the need for strenuous hiking. The tour fee covers the ropeway, so you can sit back and enjoy sweeping views of the rice paddies carved into the hillside.

Travelers note the visual impact of the terraces: terraced fields stretching endlessly, shaped by generations of farmers, and a scene so photogenic it’s hard to put your camera down. One reviewer mentioned that the experience of seeing the terraces suspended between sky and rice fields is “really interesting” and “wonderful.”

Exploring Huangyao Village and Local Cuisine

After the aerial experience, you’ll have lunch in Huangyao Village, a traditional settlement where regional dishes like bamboo rice, bamboo chicken, and smoked pork are served. Many reports highlight the deliciousness of these local delicacies, which add authentic flavor to your day.

Huangluo Yao Village is also part of the itinerary, giving you a glimpse into the lives of the Yao minority people. Travelers describe it as a “truly unique and relaxing atmosphere,” with some noting the chance to see local customs like traditional clothing and handicrafts.

The Return Trip and Relaxation

After an enjoyable afternoon, you’ll be driven back to Guilin, a journey that typically lasts around 2 hours. Reviewers mention appreciating this downtime, often spending it napping or simply gazing out at the scenery. The tour ends back at your starting point, usually around 6-7 pm, rounding out a full day of discovery.

The tour covers all the essential logistics: entrance fees to Longji Rice Terraces, ropeway fees, private air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking driver. This setup ensures a hassle-free experience where you don’t have to worry about hidden costs or navigating public transport.

However, lunch is not included in the price, so you’ll need to pay separately at the village restaurants. Some reviews have caused confusion about whether lunch payments are expected or if they’re included; the official details clarify that you are responsible for your meal costs.

Additional expenses, such as toll fees or transfers from Yangshuo or Xingping, incur extra charges (e.g., $70 for private pickup from these locations). It’s worth considering if you’re staying outside Guilin’s city center.

Authentic insight from reviewers emphasizes how the tour offers a relaxed pace ideal for those who want not only to see beautiful scenery but also to connect with local village life. One review highlighted the professionalism of “Leo,” the guide, who organized the trip to avoid queues and ensured a comfortable experience.

Practical tips include arriving early if you want the best photos from the cable car, as crowds can gather later in the day. Also, bringing a hat, sunscreen, and water is advisable, especially during warmer months. Since the tour is private, you can request departure times that suit your schedule, making it flexible.

At $99 per person, this tour presents a good value considering it includes private transport, entrance fees, and the cable car ride. For travelers who prefer an organized, comfortable experience over strenuous hikes, this package offers a lot of scenic payoff with minimal effort.

Some reviews mention that the trip is “unforgettable” and “excellent,” with the highlight being the scenic cable car ride and the chance to see the terraces in a relaxed setting. You also get the opportunity to sample regional cuisine without the hassle of organizing meals yourself.

This experience is perfect for those who want a snapshot of Longji’s stunning landscapes without intense walking or hiking. It’s suited for travelers who value comfort, cultural exposure, and scenic views. Families, seniors, or anyone with mobility concerns will find the cable car and private transport especially appealing.

If you’re short on time but want to maximize your exposure to the rice terraces and local villages, this tour offers a balanced and well-organized option.

The Longji Dazhai Rice Terraces Cable Car Adventure from Guilin provides a delightful combination of breathtaking scenery, local culture, and comfort. The inclusion of the cable car allows for spectacular views without the physical demand of hiking, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.

The tour’s value lies in its seamless organization, private transport, and authentic experience of minority villages and regional cuisine. While some might find the pace a bit brisk or the itinerary slightly packed, most will appreciate the hassle-free approach and the stunning vistas.

In essence, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an enjoyable, scenic day out that balances natural beauty with cultural insights—perfect for travelers who want to see the rice terraces in style.

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included in the price. You will need to pay separately at local restaurants in Huangyao Village if you choose to eat there.

What time does the tour start?
The pickup is scheduled for 9:00 am, but since it’s a private tour, you can request a different time to suit your schedule.

How long is the drive from Guilin to Dazhai Rice Terraces?
It takes about 2.5 hours each way, giving you ample time to relax during the transfer.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, toll fees and optional transfers from locations outside Guilin (such as Yangshuo or Xingping) come with extra charges, like the $70 fee for private transfers from these areas.

What does the tour include?
The package covers entrance fees to the rice terraces, ropeway costs, private air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking driver.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, especially since it involves minimal walking and includes a cable car ride, making it accessible for seniors and families.

Can I customize the departure time?
Since it’s a private tour, you can coordinate with the provider for a preferred pickup time.

How much free time do I get to explore the villages?
You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes to explore Huangluo Yao Village and enjoy local cuisine after the cable car ride.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, weather conditions can affect the cable car operation and visibility. It’s best to check the forecast and prepare accordingly.

This detailed look aims to help you decide whether the Longji Dazhai Rice Terraces Cable Car Adventure matches your travel style—offering a scenic, cultural, and comfortable exploration of one of China’s most iconic landscapes.