Guilin , China

The Rice Terraces of Longsheng

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About this experience

Magical moments await once you reach the highest peak of the Longji Rice Terraces and admire these man-made agricultural pearls that decorate the slopes of these mountains. Complete this full day with visiting ethnic minority villages and their people.

• See the amazing rice terraces at the Longji district;
• Meet the ethnic minorities that call this area their home;
• Watch the vastness of the Guangxi Mountain ranges;
• A local lunch near the rice terraces at a local restaurant is included;
• Return transfers from and to your hotel are included;

Available options

Private Tour 2026

Pickup included

Private Tour 2025

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch at a local restaurant (food only)

All applicable taxes and service charges

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.

All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.

A full-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide.

Detailed itinerary

Translated as the ‘Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, these man-made agricultural marvels are located in the county bearing the same name. There are about 66 square kilometres of terraced fields in the southeast of Longsheng. At Longji, the terraces are built all along the slope, from the riverside to the top of the mountain. At its highest point, the terraces rise 1100 meter above sea level. These rice terraces, first carved by hand into the hillside over 600 years ago, resemble great chains or ribbons, as they wind from the base to the top of the hill. This ingenious construction makes the best use of the scarce, arable land and water resources in the mountainous area. We will ensure that you will get the best panoramic views available once you reach the top of these staggered mountain ridges. Lunch is included at a local restaurant near the rice terraces.

Part of the day is reserved to get to know the ethnic minorities that have lived for centuries near the rice terraces. Villages inhabited by the Zhuang and Yao are pleasant walks through history, where daily life has not changed for generations. Many of these people work and around the Longji Rice Terraces as their sole source of income, and your guide will explain what these families sometimes have to endure to ensure that they can feed their families. Before we leave back to Guilin and leave the twisting, winding lines of the terraces behind you, we highly recommend taking some final snapshots as the lights, reflecting in the water will give Longji a new persona.

Arrival back in Guilin will be early in the evening.

What's not included

Personal expenses such as drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees

Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.

Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from Guilin’s International Airport or resorts located outside the central business district

Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point

Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply

A private guide will accompany the customers yet will join other guests during the actual tour

Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside downtown Guilin. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside the Central Business District, Yangshuo, and Longsheng, train stations, Li River cruise ports and Guilin’s Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions

Customers are advised that during the Lunar Festival celebrations (celebration of Chinese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal.

We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the simple lunch on board.

We regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users. Part of this excursion includes walking over unpaved roads and paths.

This may not suit guests with walking issues. Bear in mind that such paths may turn slippery / muddy after a rain shower. We suggest wearing good walking shoes, preferred closed shoes, when booking this tour.

We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.

Please note pick-up and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.

Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this

Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.

It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.

In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

Due to the altitude, it is recommendable to bring a sweater or thin jacket for any weather changes and drops in temperature.

Important notes

Our office hours are from 09:00 hrs until 18:00 hrs from Monday to Friday.

- Please contact Asian Trails at least 72 hours before your activity date to confirm your reservation and arrange transportation. Changes within 24 hours may be on request.
- Pick-up times for excursions will be reconfirmed one day prior to commencement of your booked excursion. As an indication, the pick-up time from your accommodation is scheduled 30-60 minutes prior to the confirmed starting time.
- Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minute prior to your scheduled pick up time.
- Upon pickup, please present your confirmation/voucher or photo ID in exchange for your activity.
- Due to the altitude, it is recommendable to bring a sweater or thin jacket for any weather changes and drops in temperature.

In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

About Guilin

Guilin is renowned for its stunning karst landscapes, with the Li River meandering through picturesque peaks and lush greenery. This city offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit destination in southern China.

Top Attractions

Li River Cruise

A scenic cruise along the Li River, offering breathtaking views of karst peaks, lush greenery, and traditional villages. The cruise typically starts from Guilin and ends in Yangshuo, covering a distance of about 83 kilometers.

Nature 4-5 hours for the full cruise Moderate (¥150-300 depending on the type of cruise)

Elephant Trunk Hill

A famous landmark in Guilin, shaped like an elephant drinking water from the Li River. The hill offers hiking trails, a scenic cave, and panoramic views of the city and river.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget (¥30-50)

Reed Flute Cave

A stunning limestone cave with a history of over 1,800 years. The cave is known for its intricate rock formations, colorful lighting, and ancient inscriptions.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget (¥80-100)

Longji Terraced Fields

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning terraced rice fields carved into the hillsides. The fields are a testament to the ingenuity of the local Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities, who have cultivated the land for centuries.

Nature Full day trip Moderate (¥100-200 for transportation and entrance fees)

Yangshuo

A picturesque town along the Li River, known for its stunning karst landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife. Yangshuo is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Nature Half day to full day trip Budget to Moderate (depending on activities)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen)

A local specialty made from rice, served with various toppings and broths. The noodles are thin, chewy, and often served with ingredients like pickled vegetables, peanuts, and meat.

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Beer Fish (Pijiu Yu)

A local delicacy featuring fish marinated in beer and deep-fried, served with a spicy sauce. The dish is known for its crispy texture and unique flavor.

Dinner Contains fish and gluten (beer)

Liangpi (Cold Noodles)

A refreshing and light dish made from rice flour, served cold with a variety of toppings and sauces. It is a popular street food and a great option for hot summer days.

Snack/Lunch Vegetarian options available

Osmanthus Cake (Guihua Bing)

A traditional sweet made from glutinous rice flour, osmanthus flowers, and sugar. The cake has a unique fragrance and a soft, chewy texture.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Rafting and kayaking Hiking Li River cruise Tea house visits Spa and wellness Visiting ethnic minority villages Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with moderate temperatures and lush greenery, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Cantonese, Zhuang (local dialect)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Guilin is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's essential to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Bargain for souvenirs and street food, and be cautious of overpriced or fake goods

Getting there

By air

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport • 27 km from city center

By train

Guilin Railway Station, Guilin West Railway Station

By bus

Guilin Long-Distance Bus Station, Guilin South Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient, with routes covering most of the city and connecting to popular tourist spots.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Zhengyang District Xiangshan District Qixing District

Day trips

Yangshuo

65 km from Guilin • Half day to full day trip

Yangshuo is a picturesque town along the Li River, known for its stunning karst landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife. The town offers a variety of adventures, from biking and rock climbing to rafting and kayaking.

Longji Terraced Fields

70 km from Guilin • Full day trip

Xingping Ancient Town

25 km from Guilin • Half day trip

A well-preserved ancient town along the Li River, known for its traditional architecture, historic sites, and scenic views. The town is famous for its appearance on the back of the 20 RMB note.

Festivals

Li River Festival • September Guilin Tea Culture Festival • March Zhuang Ethnic Minority Festival • Varies (usually in spring or autumn)

Pro tips

Take a Li River cruise at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds
Hire a local guide for a more informative and immersive experience, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages or historic sites
Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for their culture
Carry small denominations of cash for street vendors, tips, and small purchases
Use ride-hailing apps like Didi for convenient and affordable transportation, but ensure you have a local SIM card or eSIM