Traveling to Guilin offers one of China’s most visually captivating experiences, especially when visiting the Longji Rice Terraces and Huangluo Yao Village. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed descriptions and reviews paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect. If you’re a fan of breathtaking landscapes, learning about ethnic cultures, and enjoying authentic rural scenery, this day trip seems to tick all the boxes.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the stunning views of the terraced fields that cascade down mountain sides. Second, the chance to visit ancient villages of ethnic minorities, especially the Yao women known for their extraordinary long hair. Lastly, the opportunity to explore two different scenic areas—Jinkeng and Ping’an—each offering their unique charm. That said, a potential consideration is the length of the day—covering various stops and a 2.5-hour bus ride may be tiring for some. This tour appears suited for travelers who want an authentic, scenic, and culturally rich experience without an overly commercialized feel.
Good To Know
- Stunning scenery of rice terraces and mountain views.
- Cultural insights into Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups.
- Flexible exploration with time to sample local cuisine.
- Visit to Huangluo Yao Village for a look at long-haired women and their traditions.
- Comfortable transportation with shared options available.
- Ideal for those seeking authentic landscapes and ethnic culture in one day.
An Overview of the Longji Rice Terraces and Huangluo Yao Village Tour
This tour offers a full-day journey into some of Guilin’s most iconic sights, with a focus on the spectacular Longji Rice Terraces and the fascinating Huangluo Yao Village. It’s designed to give travelers a taste of rural life, scenic beauty, and ethnic traditions—without feeling rushed. The total duration is about 8 hours, including transportation, guided visits, and free time for lunch and exploration.
The tour begins in Xiufeng District, from where you’ll hop on a coach for about 2.5 hours heading toward Longji. While the bus ride might sound long, it’s a good opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery outside the window, which is often described as lush and mountainous. The guided portion of about 2 hours at Longji gives you the chance to walk through the rice terraces, take photos, and learn about the history and farming practices of this UNESCO-listed landscape.
Afterward, there’s time to enjoy a local farm-style lunch, which you can explore at your own expense. You might find this is an excellent chance to sample authentic Guangxi cuisine, such as bamboo rice or stir-fried vegetables. Then, the journey continues to Dazhai Village’s Jinkeng Rice Terraces, a less crowded but equally breathtaking spot recognized for its expansive views, especially at sunrise or sunset. From here, the landscape opens up more than in Ping’an, offering wider vistas and more pristine scenery.
In the afternoon, the focus shifts to Huangluo Yao Village, home to the Red Yao women famous for their incredible long hair—the longest group hair record in the Guinness Book of World Records. Nearly every woman in the village sports hair over one meter long, coiled on their heads with pride. This visit provides a fascinating glimpse into their traditional lifestyle and hair care practices. For an extra fee, you can witness a long-hair dance performance, which many reviews recommend for its entertainment and cultural richness, though it costs about 80 RMB.
The tour concludes with a 3-hour return trip to Xiufeng District, giving you time to reflect on the day’s sights and experiences.
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What to Expect at Each Stop
Longji Rice Terraces
The highlight for most travelers, the terraces are truly something to behold. Their cascading curves weave through the mountains, creating an intricate pattern that shifts with the light. Visitors often comment on how stunning the views are—whether from the viewing platforms, the hiking trails, or the village balconies. The terraces are also a working farm, so you’ll see farmers tending to rice paddies, adding a layer of authenticity.
According to reviews, the Jinkeng Rice Terraces in Dazhai are preferred by some for their expansive vistas and better sunrise/sunset viewing points. They are considered more pristine compared to Ping’an, which tends to be more touristy. Expect to spend about 2 hours exploring, walking, and taking photos.
Ethnic Villages
Visiting the Zhuang and Yao villages provides a compelling cultural contrast. The Yao women’s long hair is the star attraction at Huangluo Yao Village, where the tradition of hair care has been maintained for generations. Visitors get a chance to learn about their unique clothing, customs, and hairstyles—long hair is a symbol of beauty and good fortune.
One reviewer mentions, “The women’s hair was astonishing—thick, shiny, and over a meter long. You can tell they take pride in their tradition.” The long-hair dance performance (optional, extra payment) is a colorful, lively display of Yao culture that many find worth the small fee.
More Great Tours NearbyLocal Cuisine
While meals aren’t included, the opportunity to try local farm-style dishes during your free time is highly valued. The food is generally simple but flavorful—think stir-fried vegetables, rice, and local herbs. Sampling the cuisine at a local restaurant or farmstead adds an authentic touch to your day.
Transportation and Logistics
The tour is generally operated in shared transportation, making it accessible and cost-effective, especially for small groups. The bus ride to Longji takes about 2.5 hours, which might be tiring but allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery. The return trip is longer, about 3 hours, so comfortable seating and some entertainment (e.g., snacks, music) help pass the time.
The guided aspect is in Chinese, but the itinerary is straightforward and well-organized. Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, as there’s some walking on uneven terrain, and cash for meals, entrance fees, or optional performances.
Pricing and Value
This tour, priced reasonably, offers a well-rounded day of scenery, culture, and local life. The inclusion of transportation, guide, and entrance fees—plus the flexibility of paying for extras like the long-hair dance—makes it a good value for those wanting a comprehensive experience. The optional performance costs about 80 RMB, which many reviews suggest is worth the added cultural insight.
Since meals are at your own expense, you can choose to indulge in local specialties or keep it simple. Travelers who appreciate scenic landscapes and cultural traditions will find this tour a worthy investment, particularly considering the spectacular views and the chance to learn about minority cultures firsthand.
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
This experience is ideal for those who want to see iconic scenery without doing extensive trekking or multiple days away from Guilin. It’s suited for culture enthusiasts, especially if curious about ethnic minority groups like the Yao, and photography lovers who want to capture sweeping landscapes and traditional dress.
It’s also a good choice for families or older travelers who prefer a structured day with transportation provided. However, travelers should be prepared for a full schedule and some travel fatigue, especially if they’re not used to long bus rides.
The Sum Up
The Guilin Longji Rice Terraces and Huangluo Yao Village Tour offers an authentic, scenic, and culturally enriching day in southern China. The views of terraced paddies stretching across the landscape are truly captivating, providing countless photo opportunities and moments of quiet awe. The visit to Huangluo Yao Village adds a rare glimpse into a living tradition, with long-haired women proudly showcasing their heritage.
This tour balances stunning natural beauty with cultural discovery, making it ideal for travelers who value immersion over commercialized attractions. It’s especially suited for those with a curiosity for ethnic minorities and a love for landscape photography.
While it involves a fair bit of traveling and walking, the experience offers excellent value—combining breathtaking scenery, cultural insights, and flexible options to enjoy local cuisine and performances. If your goal is to see some of China’s most iconic rural vistas and learn about its diverse cultures, this tour could be a memorable highlight of your Guilin trip.
FAQ
Is transportation provided between Guilin and Longji?
Yes, the tour includes shared transportation from Xiufeng District to Longji, with a coach that takes about 2.5 hours each way.
Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included, but you’ll have time to sample local farm-style dishes at your own expense during the day.
Can I pay for the optional long-hair dance performance?
Yes, the performance costs about 80 RMB per person and is paid separately. Many travelers find it adds a fun cultural dimension to their visit.
How long is the guided tour at Longji?
The guided part at Longji lasts about 2 hours, allowing enough time to walk, take photos, and learn about the rice terraces and villages.
Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, it’s suitable for most ages, especially if you’re comfortable with some walking and bus rides. Be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera for capturing the views, and cash for meals, entrance fees, or extra activities are recommended.
This tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, culture, and local charm—ideal for those wanting a meaningful day exploring some of Guilin’s best-known sights.
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