Longji Rice Terraces: Red Yao Heritage & "Dragon's Backbone" Hiking - 600-Year-Old Terraced Fields and Long-Hair Culture Exploration | Guilin Private Tour
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Longji Rice Terraces: Red Yao Heritage & Dragon's Backbone

600-Year-Old Terraced Fields and Long-Hair Culture Exploration

1 day
Private Tour
4.8 (198 reviews)

Tour Overview

A deep dive into the 600-year-old terraced fields and the unique long-hair culture of the Red Yao tribe.

Detailed Itinerary

08:00 AM

Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive to Longji

Your private guide meets you at your Guilin hotel. Enjoy a 2-hour scenic drive through rural Guangxi, passing traditional villages and terraced hillsides.

Private air-conditioned vehicleBottled water and snacks providedPhoto stops along the way
10:00 AM

Arrive Ping'an Village & Cable Car to Viewpoint 1

Take the cable car to the first panoramic viewpoint. Your guide explains the 600-year history of the terraces and the Red Yao ethnic minority culture.

Cable car ride included360-degree terrace viewsCultural storytelling
11:00 AM

Hiking Through 'Dragon's Backbone' Terraces

Hike along stone pathways through the terraced fields. Pass through Yao villages and witness traditional long-hair women demonstrating their cultural heritage.

Moderate 2-hour hikeVisit local Yao family homesLong-hair culture demonstration
01:00 PM

Authentic Yao Minority Lunch

Enjoy a traditional lunch at a family-run restaurant featuring bamboo rice, smoked pork, and organic vegetables grown on the terraces.

Authentic Yao cuisineFarm-to-table ingredientsVegetarian options available
02:30 PM

Explore Jinkeng 'Golden Pit' Terraces (Optional)

For those wanting more, visit the larger Jinkeng terraces area with even more dramatic views. Or relax at a teahouse with terrace views.

Flexible itineraryMultiple viewpointsTea tasting experience
04:00 PM

Return Transfer to Guilin

Relax during the scenic drive back to your Guilin hotel. Your guide shares insights about Guilin's other attractions.

Comfortable private vehicleHotel drop-off included

What's Included

  • Private English-speaking guide with ethnic minority culture expertise
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
  • Entrance tickets to Longji Rice Terraces scenic area
  • Cable car tickets (if applicable)
  • Authentic Yao minority lunch at local family restaurant
  • Bottled water and snacks during tour
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Guilin city center
  • All parking fees and highway tolls

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities for guide and driver (recommended but not required)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional sedan chair carriers for elderly travelers (available for hire)
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary

Important Information

  • •This tour involves moderate hiking with stone steps; wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip
  • •The hike can be customized to your fitness level; sedan chair carriers are available for hire
  • •Bring layers as mountain weather can change quickly; temperatures are 5-10°C cooler than Guilin city
  • •Best seasons are May-June (water-filled terraces) and September-October (golden harvest); winter offers snow-covered views
  • •The Yao minority lunch can accommodate vegetarian and dietary restrictions with advance notice
  • •This is a private tour - pace and itinerary are fully customizable to your interests and abilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler Reviews

4.8(198 reviews)
Linda Martinezfrom Spain
December 2, 2024

The Longji Rice Terraces are absolutely breathtaking! Our guide arranged a homestay with a local family which made the experience authentic and memorable.

Kevin O'Brienfrom Ireland
November 15, 2024

Stunning landscapes and fascinating Zhuang culture. The hike was moderate and the views from the top were worth every step. Excellent guide!

Anna Kowalskifrom Poland
October 8, 2024

Beautiful terraces and interesting cultural experience. The drive was long but the destination was worth it. Great photography opportunities.

What Our Travelers Say

4.7(3 reviews)
Linda Martinez
Spain

The Longji Rice Terraces are absolutely breathtaking! Our guide arranged a homestay with a local family which made the experience authentic and memorable.

December 2, 2024
Kevin O'Brien
Ireland

Stunning landscapes and fascinating Zhuang culture. The hike was moderate and the views from the top were worth every step. Excellent guide!

November 15, 2024
Anna Kowalski
Poland

Beautiful terraces and interesting cultural experience. The drive was long but the destination was worth it. Great photography opportunities.

October 8, 2024

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