9 Days South China Rice Terraces and Ethnic Culture Tour to Yuanyang and Longji Rice Terraces
Embark on a mesmerizing 9-day journey through the picturesque rice terraces of Yuanyang and Longji, delving into the vibrant cultures of the Hani and Zhuang ethnic groups. This tour combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and delectable local cuisine, providing an immersive exploration of South China’s stunning landscapes and diverse heritage.
Tour Highlights
- Guilin: Discover the iconic karst formations and tranquil Li River, famous for its breathtaking scenery.
- Yangshuo: Engage in outdoor adventures like biking and rock climbing amid stunning landscapes and charming villages.
- Longji Rice Terraces: Marvel at the Dragon’s Backbone rice terraces, a testament to ancient agricultural ingenuity, and experience the lifestyle of the local Zhuang community.
- Jianshui: Explore this historical town with its ancient architecture, including the renowned Zhu Family Garden and the Jianshui Confucius Temple, reflecting the rich history of the region.
- Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Witness spectacular sunrises over the terraced fields and learn about the unique traditions of the Hani ethnic minority.
- Stone Forest (Shilin): Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its extraordinary limestone formations and stunning landscapes.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Guilin
- Arrival: Land in Guilin and transfer to your hotel.
- Evening Activity: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Li River, taking in the illuminated landscapes or visit the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area for a scenic night view.
Day 02: Guilin – Yangshuo
- Morning Visits: Start your day with a visit to the Reed Flute Cave, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and Elephant Trunk Hill, a symbol of Guilin.
- Li River Cruise: Take a scenic boat ride from Guilin to Yangshuo, enjoying breathtaking views of karst peaks and rural landscapes.
- Yangshuo Exploration: Explore West Street, famous for its vibrant atmosphere, local shops, and eateries. Try some local delicacies like beer fish.
Day 03: Yangshuo – Longsheng
- Morning Activities: Choose from biking through the countryside or hiking to iconic viewpoints.
- Transfer to Longsheng: Travel to Longsheng in the afternoon, arriving at the Longji Rice Terraces.
- Evening Performance: Attend a local cultural show showcasing traditional songs and dances of the Zhuang and Yao people.
Day 04: Longsheng – Guilin – Kunming
- Longji Rice Terraces: Spend the morning walking along the terraces and visiting nearby Zhuang villages. Enjoy panoramic views and learn about the rice cultivation process.
- Return to Guilin: After lunch, head back to Guilin for your flight or train to Kunming.
- Evening in Kunming: Arrive in Kunming and enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local dishes.
Day 05: Kunming – Jianshui
- Stone Forest: Visit the Stone Forest in the morning, where you can wander through towering limestone formations that resemble petrified trees.
- Transfer to Jianshui: Travel to Jianshui, a town rich in history, and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon Visits: Explore the Zhu Family Garden, a beautifully preserved classical garden, and the Jianshui Confucius Temple, one of the largest in China.
Day 06: Jianshui – Yuanyang
- Depart for Yuanyang: Set off for Yuanyang, enjoying scenic views along the way.
- Local Market: Visit a local market in the afternoon to experience daily life and shop for handmade crafts.
- Sunset Views: Head to a viewpoint to enjoy a stunning sunset over the rice terraces.
Day 07: Yuanyang
- Sunrise Experience: Rise early to witness the breathtaking sunrise illuminating the rice terraces, creating a mesmerizing landscape.
- Explore Terraces: Spend the day trekking through the terraces, visiting Hani villages, and learning about traditional farming practices.
- Cultural Interaction: Engage with local families and learn about their customs, rituals, and daily lives.
Day 08: Yuanyang – Shilin – Kunming
- Departure from Yuanyang: Leave Yuanyang and stop at the Stone Forest en route to Kunming.
- Explore Shilin: Discover the unique geological formations of the Stone Forest, taking in the beauty of nature’s artistry.
- Return to Kunming: Arrive in Kunming, where you can relax or explore local attractions like the Green Lake or Kunming Flower Market.
Day 09: Departure from Kunming
- Final Activities: Depending on your flight schedule, take time to explore Kunming further or shop for souvenirs.
- Transfer to Airport: Head to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your memorable journey through South China’s stunning rice terraces and rich ethnic cultures.
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
- Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
