Longsheng Ethnic Minority & Rice Terraces Full-Day Tour

Longsheng’s Ethnic Minority & Rice Terraces Full-Day Tour offers an immersive experience through the region’s stunning landscape and rich cultural heritage. Explore the centuries-old Dragons Backbone Rice Terraces, marvel at the vibrant seasonal changes, and visit a traditional Yao village – all with the guidance of an English-speaking expert. This full-day excursion promises a memorable journey, from the captivating scenery to the delectable local cuisine. Whether you’re seeking an adventure or a deeper understanding of the area’s unique identity, this tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into the fascinating world of Longsheng.

Good To Know

• The Longsheng Ethnic Minority & Rice Terraces Full-Day Tour offers a comprehensive experience, including visiting the 13th-century Dragons Backbone Rice Terraces and a Yao village.
• The tour is priced at $166.87 per person, with an 8-hour duration and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour includes entrance tickets, transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a Chinese lunch, with the best visiting season from April to October.
• Participants can expect to see seasonal changes in the terraces, including silver in spring, golden in fall, and lush green in summer.
• The tour provides an opportunity to explore the Yao culture, including traditional attire and cuisine, enhancing the overall Longsheng experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

For the Longsheng Ethnic Minority Tour, the pricing starts from $166.87 per person for a full-day excursion.

The tour duration is 8 hours, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can also reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes pickup from Guilin hotels around 8:30 AM, entrance tickets, transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a Chinese lunch.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes and a passport or ID.

The best visiting season is from April to October.

Itinerary and Experience

The Longsheng Ethnic Minority Tour takes visitors on an 8-hour adventure, beginning with pickup from downtown Guilin hotels around 8:30 AM.

The tour explores the iconic Dragons Backbone Rice Terraces, established in the 13th century and completed during the Qing Dynasty. With elevations ranging from 980 to 6,600 feet, the terraces cover a vast area of 25 square miles.

Visitors can witness the captivating seasonal changes, from silver in spring to golden in fall, and the lush green resembling dragons in winter.

The experience also includes a visit to a Yao village, where travelers can learn about the local culture, try traditional costumes and cuisine, and enjoy a included Chinese lunch.

Inclusions and Transportation

The Longsheng Ethnic Minority Tour includes entrance tickets, pick-up and drop-off service, air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a Chinese lunch.

Cable car fees are an additional CNY 80 for the round-trip journey. The transportation is provided by van or coach, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes and their passport or ID card. The tour operates during the best visiting season from April to October, and the pickup time is confirmed the evening before the tour.

Participant Guidelines

Pregnant women aren’t recommended to join this tour. Comfortable shoes are advised, as the tour involves walking on uneven terrain. Participants should bring their passport or ID card.

The best season to visit the Longsheng Rice Terraces is from April to October when the terraces display their vibrant colors. Confirmation of the pickup time will be provided the evening before the tour. This ensures participants are aware of the schedule and can plan accordingly.

It’s important to note that this tour may not provide an in-depth cultural experience, as some past guests have suggested. The guidelines aim to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers have provided mixed reviews of the Longsheng Ethnic Minority Tour, reflecting both positive and negative experiences. The tour received an overall rating of 3.6/5 based on 16 reviews. While the transportation was rated highly at 5/5, the guide and service ratings were more modest at 3/5 and 3.6/5, respectively. The organization was rated 3.9/5. Common feedback included long travel times, limited cultural insights, and suggestions for local guides to provide a more immersive experience. However, customers positively remarked on the lunch and scenic views. The table below summarizes the key review metrics:

Metric	Rating
Overall	3.6/5
Guide	3/5
Transportation	5/5
Service	3.6/5
Organization	3.9/5

Seasonal Changes in Terrace Colors

One of the highlights of visiting the Longsheng Rice Terraces is experiencing the seasonal changes in the terrace colors.

In spring, the terraces shimmer with a silver hue as the paddy fields reflect the sunlight.

As summer arrives, the terraces transform into a lush, verdant green, resembling the scales of a dragon.

The real magic happens in autumn when the terraces turn a brilliant golden color, creating a breathtaking landscape.

In winter, the terraces take on a unique, snow-capped appearance, further enhancing the "dragons’ backbone" visual.

These dramatic seasonal shifts make each visit to the Longsheng Rice Terraces a truly remarkable experience.

Visiting the Yao Village

A visit to the Yao village is an integral part of the Longsheng Ethnic Minority Tour. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Yao people. During the tour, they can observe the traditional Yao costumes and enjoy a taste of the local cuisine.

Yao Village Highlights
Traditional Attire	Intricate embroidery and vibrant colors distinguish Yao women’s dress. Men wear simple, functional clothing.
Culinary Delights	Yao cuisine features locally-sourced ingredients and distinctive flavors, offering a unique gastronomic experience.
Cultural Insights	Interactions with Yao residents provide valuable insights into their way of life, customs, and traditions.

The visit to the Yao village adds a cultural dimension to the Longsheng experience, allowing travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s ethnic diversity.

Scenic Area Specifications

The Longsheng Ethnic Minority Tour takes place within a scenic area spanning approximately 25 square miles (66 square kilometers).

The terraces range in elevation from 980 feet (300 meters) to 6,600 feet (1,100 meters) above sea level, with a maximum gradient of 50 degrees.

These impressive rice terraces were established in the 13th century and completed in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Visitors can enjoy the seasonal changes in terrace colors, from silver in spring to golden in fall, lush green in summer, and resembling dragons in winter.

The tour also includes a visit to a Yao village to learn about local culture and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit the Rice Terraces?

The best time to visit the rice terraces is in the morning when the light is soft and the shadows are longer, providing the most beautiful views of the intricate terraced landscape.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

There are no known photography restrictions during the tour. Visitors are generally free to take photos throughout the experience, including at the rice terraces and in the Yao village, though they should be mindful of local customs and the guide’s instructions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a Chinese lunch is already included in the tour price, so bringing your own may not be necessary.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is offered in English, but other language options may be available upon request. Guests should check with the tour provider to inquire about language availability for their preferred tour date.

What Is the Policy for Travelers With Limited Mobility?

The tour may not be suitable for travelers with limited mobility, as it involves a significant amount of walking on uneven terrain. Visitors should consult with the tour provider to determine if reasonable accommodations can be made.

The Sum Up

The Longsheng Ethnic Minority & Rice Terraces Full-Day Tour offers a captivating exploration of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. With an English-speaking guide, delectable lunch, and opportunities to witness the terraces’ seasonal transformations and visit a traditional Yao village, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable journey for those seeking to enjoy the stunning Longsheng landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: