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Longsheng Rice Terraces

Rural Landscapes

Example 4 Day Tour
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Experience the rural rice terrace and karst landscapes of the Guangxi Region on this 4-day active China trip. Visit the Longsheng Rice Terraces and connect with the Zhuang and Yao people and glimpse into their quiet way of life. Hike, bike and raft as you explore the breathtaking karst landscapes that follow the Li and Yulong Rivers. Enjoy four days in breathtaking scenery on this Yangshuo adventure.
Li river and hills in the sun, YangshuoLi River HikingLongsheng Rice TerracesYangshuo CyclingLi River HikingYulong RiverLongsheng Village sceneLongsheng Rice TerracesMoon HillLongsheng Rice TerracesSunrise over the mountains of YangshuoLi River HikingLi River HikingLi River Longsheng Rice Terraces
Places Visited
  • Asia
  • China
  • Guilin
  • Fuli Town
  • Guangxi
  • Longsheng
  • Moondance Resort
  • Ping'An Village
  • Xingping
  • Yangdi
  • Yangshuo
Activity Level: Moderate
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Longsheng

Arrive into the airport in Guilin where you are met by your guide and start the 1.5-2 hours drive to the Longsheng scenic area. Here you may store your larger luggage before you switch vehicles and board the Ping'an shuttle that takes you an additional 40 minutes on to Ping'an Village. The village has been traditionally inhabited by the Zhuang ethnic group and is surrounded by rice terraces. From here, hike a half hour uphill to Li'an Lodge and settle in for the evening.

The minority group of Zhuang people here are the second largest of 56 recognized ethnic groups in China. The majority follow an animist faith which includes elements of ancestor worship. The Yao people, another minority group in the region, wear heavy earrings, have long hair, and work the rice paddies. Their rice terraces, built over 650 years ago, cover an area of over 16,000 acres and span an altitude between 980 ft and 3600 ft. Every year in May or early June they flood the rice paddies and transfer young plants into them to re-plant for the harvest in fall. Their wooden houses dot the terraces with their colorful tiles.

After checking in to your lodge, explore the charming Zhuang village. You may even have time to do the round trip 2 hour hike to nearby Longji Village.

Day 2: Li River Hike

After breakfast, hike back down to the Ping'An parking lot for the shuttle bus back to the Longsheng Scenic Area. Drive about 2 hours to Yangdi Village to start today's hike. Follow a gentle trail along a more isolated stretch of the picturesque Li River. Take bamboo rafts or local ferries a few times to cross the river, passing through local villages along the way. See village kids playing, water buffalos, rice paddies and tangerine yards. After 4-5 hours of hiking, arrive to the trail's end in Xingping Village. Explore this old town with history dating back over 800 years. From Xingping Village you will drive an hour to a new hotel near Moon Hill in Yangshuo. Enjoy some free time the evening to explore Western Street, Yangshuo's oldest street with 1400 years of history from a variety of cultures.

Hiking: 7-9 miles / 12-15 km / 4-6 hours. Flat hiking.

Day 3: Yulong River Biking & Bamboo Raft

Yangshuo is a lovely town set at the base of the Li River, which meanders through steep limestone peaks. This landscape paints one of the most dramatic backdrops in all of China.

Today we bike from our hotel on roads through villages, narrow trails along rice fields, and along the Yulong River. Though not as large, the scenic Yulong River offers a more remote and peaceful experience away from the tourist boats found on the Li River. After your bike ride, stop for lunch at a local farmer's house, and then embark on a 2 hour bamboo raft for a smooth ride downstream to the pier. Cross over dikes and continue to raft downstream. Before returning to your hotel, hike a half an hour up the famed Moon Hill and enjoy the stunning karst landscape view.

This evening is free for you to explore. We recommend opting to attend the Impression of Liusanjie Show, a night time laser lights show over the water. The show was created by Mr. Zhang Yimou, the director of the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies in 2008, and is a visitor favorite.

Biking: 12-18 miles / 20-30 km / moderate difficulty on flat, sometimes narrow trails.

Hiking: 820 steps / half hour

Day 4: Fuli Town

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning drive 20 minutes to nearby Fuli town. Located along the Li River, it is one of the best preserved ancient towns in Guilin. Get a taste of true rural life away from the tourist scene in this small and quaint town. See the local market in action and watch as locals sell vegetables, crops, herbs, meat, and live chickens and ducks. The market occurs everyday, but to see it in full swing, come on a day of the month ending in a 2, 5 or 8. Fuli town is known as the hometown of Chinese painted paper fans. Wander the fan-making workshops and perhaps witness a vendor making a fan inside the shops. After lunch return to the Guilin airport for your flight on to your next destination.

Accommodations

Li-An Lodge

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Interior
Room

Yangshuo - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$1,401

Notes

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Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches
  • 3 Nights Accommodations
  • 1 Day Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Luggage storage and porter fees Ping'An Village
  • International Flights
  • China Visa Fee - US citizens must obtain visa prior to arrival
  • Meals not Included - Alcohol not included with meals
  • Optional Excursions - Optional Liusanjie Impression Show. 168 RMB or approx. $28
  • Luggage Storage/Porter Fees Ping'An Village

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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