A 2-day Hike through Longji Rice Terraces

Hiking is the best way to discover the ethnic minorities’ life and admire the endless stunning rice terraces. The Zhuang and Yao people have lived in this mountain area from generation to generation. You will start the hike from the Ancient Zhuang Village, stay overnight in Ping’an Village (a Zhuang people’s village), and arrive at Dazhai Yao Village on the second day. On day 1, around 2 hours’ hike is just a warm-up; while another 5 hours on day 2 requires a certain amount of physical strength and endurance. The hiking path is in good condition so a pair of comfortable shoes would be fine.

Trip Highlights

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city
A professional English-speaking guide for hikers
Travel all the highlights of the rice terraces
Interact with the local ethnic minorities
Spend a starry night on top of the mountains

Tour Essentials

Quality

No Shopping Traps

Group Type

Private

Tour Focus

Hiking, Local interaction, Nature & Landscape

Accommodation

Nights:1

Best Season

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Full itinerary for A 2-day Hike through Longji Rice Terraces

Day 1

Guilin – Longsheng by Road: Hike from the Ancient Zhuang Village to Ping'an Village (lunch)

Morning

Your personal guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Guilin at the appointed time. A 2.5-hour drive takes you to Longji Rice Terraced Fields Scenic Area. The well-preserved Ancient Zhuang Village is your first stop, recently opened to tourists. Around 700 Zhuang residents still live there, keeping most of the traditional customs and the way of farming. Have a leisurely walk through the village, talk with the local people and visit Zhuang Culture Museum.

The Roofs of Ancient Zhuang Village

The Terraced Fields of Ancient Zhuang Village

Afternoon

After lunch, you will continue to hike all the way to Ping’an Village for about 2 hours. With the breeze blowing and birds singing, how enjoyable it is to have a glass of iced beer after hiking! This afternoon could be leisure time, sitting and relaxing at the side of the rice terraces. You could also hike up to the two viewing platforms (Seven Stars around the Moon and Nine Dragons Five Tigers) to have a panoramic view of the famous Dragon Backbone Terraces.

Seven Stars around the Moon

Evening

It will be a quiet night while sitting in the darkness and looking up into the starry sky. Sleep tight and be ready for the longer hiking the next day.

Day 2

Hiking from Ping'an to Dazhai Village and return to Guilin (breakfast & lunch)

Morning

Eat a big breakfast and pack everything. Your guide will lead the way to Dazhai Yao Village, visiting Zhongliu Village en-route. The hiking routes have been well explored and most of them are paved with stones. Each path will take you to different view platforms for different angles of the rice terraces, which are the treasure of the local minority ethnic groups. Have a break on the way if necessary. Feast your eyes on the pure country life and the beautiful village scenery.

Dazhai Yao Village

Afternoon

Hiking from half way up the mountain down to the foot, you will reach your destination, Dazhai Yao Village. The residents have a different dressing style and local dialect from the Zhuang people. You may visit one of the local houses and see how they make a local popular drink – oil tea. A visit to the local primary school is also available if it is school season. After a short rest, you will meet your driver at the parking lot. A foot massage would be a great option after you get back to Guilin.