Guilin to Longji Rice Terraces

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Route overview

Self-drive

Driving lets you stop in valleys and villages along the way and arrive early to beat tour-bus crowds. A compact SUV or larger is recommended for the steep, narrow final section.

• Distance: ~95 km
• Time: 2–2.5 hours
• Cost: rental car ¥200–900/day (US$29–130) + fuel + entrance fee + parking
• Best for: confident drivers, photographers, early risers

Read our full Guilin to Longji road trip route and Longji guide.

Source & verification: Road conditions and distances are based on mapping data and traveler reports reviewed in August 2026. Mountain roads can change with weather; drive cautiously and avoid night travel.

Bus

Tourist buses depart from Guilin Main Bus Station and some hotels to the Longji entrance gates. The trip takes about 2.5–3 hours. From the parking lot, most hotels require a 20–40 minute uphill walk or a paid porter/shuttle.

Private driver

A private driver offers door-to-door comfort and local knowledge. Prices vary by season and vehicle but are often competitive for groups of 3–4. This is a good option if you do not have a Chinese license.

Parking at Longji

Each main entrance has a paid parking lot. Ping'an and Dazhai have separate gates and lots. If your hotel is inside the terraces, you usually cannot drive directly to it.

Reaching your hotel

From the parking lot, most hotels in Ping'an and Dazhai are reached on foot via stone paths. Confirm with your hotel whether they offer luggage porters or shuttle pickup. Pack light for Longji — wheel suitcases are impractical.

Cannot drive? Here's what to do instead

A Chinese driver's license is required to rent and drive in mainland China. If you do not have one, you still have excellent options for exploring Guilin:

• Private driver: Flexible door-to-door service, especially good for families or groups. Negotiate the route and stops in advance.
• Organized day tours: Cost-effective for Longji and Yangshuo highlights without the navigation stress.
• Li River cruise: The classic Guilin → Yangshuo scenic boat journey. See our Li River cruise guide.
• High-speed rail + local transport: Fast trains connect Guilin and Yangshuo; use DiDi or taxis for local trips.
• DiDi / taxi: Works well for short city trips and Guilin ↔ Yangshuo transfers.

Compare all options in our Guilin transportation guide.