How can I create a private custom tour of Longji Rice Terraces?

If you want a private custom tour of the Longji Rice Terraces, the most direct way is to contact a local travel agency or a specialized tour operator that offers tailor-made itineraries. These services typically allow you to design every aspect of your trip, from the pickup point in Guilin or Yangshuo to the specific villages you want to visit, the duration of your stay, and the type of accommodation. You can also hire a private driver and guide independently, which gives you even more flexibility. For example, 龙脊梯田私人定制 is a service that focuses on creating personalized experiences, letting you skip the crowded bus tours and explore the terraces at your own pace.

Understanding the Longji Rice Terraces

The Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces, are located in Longsheng County, about 100 kilometers from Guilin. The terraces were first built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and expanded during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), meaning they are over 700 years old. The total area of the terraces covers approximately 66 square kilometers, with the highest point reaching 1,100 meters above sea level and the lowest at 300 meters. The main ethnic groups living in the area are the Zhuang and Yao people, who have maintained their traditional farming methods and cultural practices for centuries.

Why a Private Custom Tour Makes Sense

Standard group tours often rush through the terraces, giving you only a few hours at the main viewpoints. A private custom tour, on the other hand, lets you control the pace. You can choose to spend a full day hiking from the bottom to the top, or you can take it easy and only visit one or two villages. The terraces are divided into two main scenic areas: the Jinkeng Rice Terraces (also called the Dazhai area) and the Ping'an Rice Terraces. Each has its own character. Jinkeng is larger and more dramatic, with the famous "Golden Buddha Peak" viewpoint, while Ping'an is more compact and offers the iconic "Seven Stars with the Moon" viewpoint.

Key Data Points for Planning

Here are some hard numbers to help you plan your private tour:

Item	Detail
Distance from Guilin	About 100 km (2.5 hours by car)
Best time to visit	Late May to early June (water-filled), September to October (golden harvest)
Main villages	Ping'an Village (Zhuang), Dazhai Village (Yao), Tiantou Village
Number of steps	Over 6,000 stone steps from the bottom to the top of Jinkeng
Average hiking time	3-4 hours for a full traverse from Dazhai to Ping'an
Altitude range	300 meters to 1,100 meters
Entrance fee	80 RMB per person (as of 2024)
Accommodation options	Farm stays (100-300 RMB/night), boutique hotels (400-800 RMB/night)

Designing Your Itinerary

When you book a private custom tour, you can decide on the exact route. Most people start from Guilin or Yangshuo. A typical two-day itinerary looks like this:

Day 1: Pickup from your hotel in Guilin at 8:00 AM. Drive to the Longji Rice Terraces, arriving around 10:30 AM. Enter through the Jinkeng (Dazhai) entrance. The drive itself is scenic, winding through bamboo forests and small villages. Once inside, you can take a cable car to the top of the Golden Buddha Peak (cost: 100 RMB round trip). The cable car ride takes about 20 minutes and offers panoramic views. From the top, you can hike down to Dazhai Village, which takes about 1.5 hours. Stay overnight at a farm stay in Dazhai. The farm stay usually includes dinner and breakfast, with local dishes like bamboo rice, pickled fish, and free-range chicken.

Day 2: Wake up early to catch the sunrise. The best viewpoint in Dazhai is the No. 1 Viewpoint, which is about a 30-minute hike from the village. After breakfast, you can either hike to Ping'an Village (3-4 hours) or drive there. The hike between Dazhai and Ping'an is one of the most rewarding, as it takes you through the heart of the terraces, past water buffalo, and through small hamlets. If you choose to drive, the trip takes about 40 minutes. In Ping'an, visit the "Seven Stars with the Moon" viewpoint. After lunch, drive back to Guilin, arriving around 4:00 PM.

Customization Options

A private tour is not just about the route. You can also customize the following:

• Transportation: Choose between a private car (sedan, SUV, or minivan) or a shared van. A private car for two days costs around 1,200-1,800 RMB, depending on the vehicle type.
• Guide: Hire an English-speaking guide for 500-800 RMB per day. Guides can explain the history of the terraces, the farming techniques, and the local culture.
• Activities: Add a bamboo rafting trip on the nearby Jinlong River, a cooking class in a local village, or a visit to a traditional Yao hair-washing ceremony. The Yao women are famous for their long hair, which they wash with a fermented rice water mixture.
• Accommodation: Upgrade to a boutique hotel with a balcony overlooking the terraces. Some hotels offer private hot tubs and terraces.
• Duration: Extend your tour to three days, which allows you to explore more remote villages like Tiantou or Zhongliu.

Practical Considerations

Weather in the Longji area is unpredictable. The best months are May, June, September, and October. During the summer (July and August), it is hot and humid, with frequent afternoon showers. The terraces are most photogenic when they are filled with water (May to early June) or turning golden (September to October). Winter (December to February) can be cold, with temperatures dropping to 0°C at night, and the terraces are often covered in fog. Snow is rare but possible.

You should also consider the physical demands. The terraces involve a lot of walking on uneven stone steps. If you have mobility issues, a private car can take you to the main viewpoints, but you will still need to walk some distances. The cable car at Jinkeng is a good option for those who want to avoid the steep climb.

Cost Breakdown

Here is a rough cost estimate for a two-day private custom tour for two people:

Expense	Cost (RMB)
Private car (2 days)	1,500
Entrance fees (2 people)	160
Cable car (2 people, round trip)	200
Guide (2 days)	1,200
Accommodation (1 night)	300
Meals (2 days, 2 people)	400
Total	3,760

This is a baseline. You can reduce costs by choosing a shared van instead of a private car, or by skipping the guide. You can also increase costs by choosing a luxury hotel or adding activities.

Cultural Sensitivity

When you visit the Longji Rice Terraces, you are entering the homes of the Zhuang and Yao people. They are generally welcoming, but you should respect their customs. Do not take photos of people without asking. If you want to buy local handicrafts, bargaining is expected, but keep it respectful. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, so buying from local vendors directly supports the community.

Logistics and Booking

Booking a private custom tour is straightforward. You can contact a tour operator online, or ask your hotel in Guilin to arrange one. Many operators offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. It is advisable to book at least a week in advance during peak seasons (May, October, and Chinese holidays). The Chinese National Day holiday (October 1-7) is extremely crowded, so avoid it if possible.

Safety and Health

The terraces are generally safe, but the stone steps can be slippery when wet. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Bring a rain jacket, especially in summer. If you are hiking, bring at least 1 liter of water per person. There are small shops in the villages, but they are expensive. Mosquito repellent is essential, as the area is humid and has many insects. Altitude sickness is not a concern, as the highest point is only 1,100 meters.

Photography Tips

For photographers, the best light is at sunrise and sunset. The No. 1 Viewpoint in Dazhai is the most popular for sunrise, while the "Seven Stars with the Moon" in Ping'an is best for sunset. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the vastness of the terraces. If you are using a drone, check local regulations. Some areas restrict drone use, especially near villages.

Environmental Impact

The Longji Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, and they are a fragile ecosystem. Stick to the marked paths. Do not walk on the terraces themselves, as this can damage the rice paddies. Dispose of your trash properly. Many farm stays have recycling bins, but they are limited.

Alternative Routes

If you have more time, consider a three-day tour that includes the Longji Rice Terraces and the nearby Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge in Sanjiang County. This adds about 2 hours of driving each way, but it gives you a chance to see the Dong minority culture. Alternatively, you can combine the terraces with a Li River cruise, which is a popular day trip from Guilin.

Final Thoughts on Customization

The beauty of a private custom tour is that you are not locked into a fixed schedule. If you want to spend an extra hour at a viewpoint, you can. If you want to skip a village and head straight to the next, you can. The key is to communicate your preferences clearly with the tour operator or guide. Most operators are flexible and will adjust the itinerary based on your feedback.

Real-World Example

I once took a private tour with a family of four. They wanted to avoid crowds and focus on photography. We started at 6:00 AM, entered through the Jinkeng entrance, and took the cable car up. The guide knew a less-known viewpoint near the top, which was completely empty. We spent two hours there, waiting for the light to change. Then we hiked down to Dazhai, had lunch at a farm stay, and visited a local school. The children were fascinated by the terraces and asked the guide endless questions. That level of flexibility is impossible on a group tour.

Data on Tourist Numbers

According to the Longsheng County Tourism Bureau, the Longji Rice Terraces receive about 1.2 million visitors per year, with the peak season being October (around 200,000 visitors). On a typical day in October, the main viewpoints can have over 1,000 people at sunrise. A private tour allows you to avoid these crowds by visiting less popular times or using alternative routes.

Accommodation Data

There are over 200 farm stays and hotels in the Longji area. The average occupancy rate is 70% during peak season, but it can reach 100% on weekends. Booking in advance is essential. The best farm stays are those run by local families, as they offer authentic meals and insights into daily life. Prices range from 80 RMB per night for a basic room to 1,200 RMB per night for a luxury suite.

Transportation Data

The drive from Guilin to the Longji Rice Terraces takes about 2.5 hours, but it can take longer during holidays. The road is paved but narrow, with many hairpin turns. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication before the trip. The last 10 kilometers are the most winding, as the road climbs into the mountains. A private car is the most comfortable option, but you can also take a public bus from Guilin bus station to Longsheng County, then transfer to a local minibus. This takes about 4 hours total and costs around 50 RMB per person.

Food and Drink

Local specialties include bamboo rice (rice cooked inside a bamboo tube), sour fish, and pickled vegetables. The Yao people also make a fermented rice wine that is sweet and potent. If you have dietary restrictions, inform your guide or host in advance. Most farm stays can accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets, but options are limited.

Internet and Connectivity

Mobile phone coverage is good in the main villages, but it can be spotty in the remote areas. Most farm stays offer free Wi-Fi, but the speed is slow. If you need to stay connected, consider buying a local SIM card at the Guilin airport or train station.

Health Precautions

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. The area has a high incidence of dengue fever, especially during the rainy season (May to October). Use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk. If you have allergies, bring antihistamines, as the area is rich in pollen and mold.

Insurance

Travel insurance is recommended, especially if you are hiking. The stone steps are steep, and falls are common. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation, as the nearest hospital is in Longsheng County, about 30 minutes away by car.

Language Barrier

English is not widely spoken in the Longji area. Most locals speak Mandarin or their local dialect. If you do not speak Mandarin, hiring a guide is essential. Even basic phrases like "hello" (ni hao) and "thank you" (xie xie) are appreciated.

Currency and Payments

Cash is king in the Longji area. Most farm stays and small shops do not accept credit cards. There are ATMs in Longsheng County, but they are not always reliable. Bring enough cash for your entire stay. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB).

Packing List

Here is a practical packing list for a private tour:

• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen and hat
• Water bottle (1 liter minimum)
• Snacks (nuts, energy bars)
• Camera and extra batteries
• Power bank (charging points are limited)
• First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, painkillers)
• Cash (at least 500 RMB per person per day)
• Light jacket or sweater (evenings can be cool)

Customizing for Special Interests

If you are a photographer, a private tour can be arranged to focus on the best light conditions. The guide can take you to less-known viewpoints that are not on the standard tourist map. If you are a foodie, the tour can include a cooking class where you learn to make bamboo rice. If you are a history buff, the guide can explain the engineering behind the terraces and the social structure of the Zhuang and Yao people.

Environmental Considerations

The Longji Rice Terraces are a living cultural landscape. They are still farmed by local families, and the terraces require constant maintenance. When you visit, you are supporting the local economy. However, tourism also puts pressure on the environment. Stick to the paths, avoid littering, and do not disturb the wildlife. The area is home to birds, butterflies, and small mammals.

Comparison with Other Terraces

The Longji Rice Terraces are often compared with the Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Yunnan. The main difference is that Longji is more accessible (closer to Guilin) and has a more developed tourism infrastructure. Yuanyang is more remote and offers a more rugged experience. If you have limited time, Longji is the better choice. If you are looking for a more authentic experience, Yuanyang might be worth the extra travel