Guilin: Longji Rice Terraces & Yao Village tour with guide

Summary

Step into the winding terraces and stories of Longji’s villages

You’ll wander ancient rice terraces near Guilin, meet Yao women in Huangluo village (yes, their hair is really that long), share a meal in Ping’an Village, and walk hillside paths with a local guide who knows every shortcut. It’s a day full of quiet moments and unexpected details you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the view — it was the sound. Somewhere between Guilin and the rice terraces, our driver rolled down the window and all you could hear was water trickling through ditches, frogs croaking like they were competing for attention. Our guide, Li, pointed out a patch of bamboo and said something about how fast it grows here. I was still half-awake, but that stuck with me for some reason.

We reached Huangluo, known as the “Long Hair Village,” just as a few Yao women were gathering outside their wooden houses. Their hair really is as long as everyone says — one woman unwrapped hers and it nearly brushed the ground. She laughed when I tried to say “ni hao” in her dialect (I didn’t even get close). There was this faint smell of woodsmoke and something sweet frying — maybe rice cakes? The whole place felt quietly busy, like everyone had somewhere to be but nobody was rushing.

After that, we drove up to Ping’an Village. The road twisted so much my phone kept losing signal. Ping’an sits right on the edge of those famous Longji Rice Terraces — you know, those green steps that look unreal in photos? They’re even stranger up close; you can see where people have patched them over generations. We stopped for lunch (Li ordered for us — no way I could read the menu), and I swear I’ve never tasted rice quite like that before. Maybe it’s just fresher here or maybe it’s all in my head.

Walking through the terraces after lunch, Li told us how families still tend these fields by hand. The air was thick with humidity but somehow not heavy — more like being wrapped in a warm towel after a swim. At one point we just stood there watching clouds drift over the hills, not talking at all. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Longji Rice Terraces and Villages

• Pickup from Guilin or Yangshuo
• Visit Long Hair Village and Ping'an Village, explore rice terraces
• Return to Guilin or Yangshuo

Top questions

How long does the Longji Rice Terraces tour take?

The private day trip lasts about 9 hours including travel time from Guilin or Yangshuo.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Guilin or Yangshuo as well as from Guilin airport or train stations.

Do we visit both Huangluo (Long Hair Village) and Ping’an Village?

Yes, you’ll stop at Huangluo to meet Yao women before heading up to Ping’an Village among the rice terraces.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

You’ll have time for lunch in Ping’an Village; food cost is not included so bring some cash or card.

Are entry tickets to Longji Rice Terraces included?

If you select the private-guided option when booking, entry tickets are included.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s special about the Yao women’s hair?

The Yao women in Huangluo grow their hair extremely long—sometimes over 2 meters—and wrap it around their heads daily.

What’s included

Your day includes private car transport with hotel pickup from Guilin or Yangshuo (or airport/train station), entry tickets to Longji Rice Terraces if you choose a guided option, and a local guide who leads you through both villages before returning in the evening.