Private tour or group tour to Longji Rice Terrace

Question

Hi, we're a couple arriving in the Guilin area at mid-end of Golden Week. We're planning to take a tour of the rice terraces on October 9th. As we're not very interested in the Yao village (and feel it's more of a show put on for tourists...), we're debating between taking a private tour and arriving to all 3 platforms, or a 'regular' group tour with Yao/Dazahi village and Golden Buddha Peak I believe, reached by a cable car rice terrace. What do you think? There's not much of a difference price-wise for two

Answer

Visiting the Longji Rice Terraces in October during Golden Week will be busy, so planning ahead is key. Since you’re not particularly interested in the Yao villages and want to focus on the terraces themselves, your choice between a private tour and a group tour depends on flexibility, pace, and experience preferences.

Consider the following:

Private tour: You have full control over the itinerary. You can visit all three main terrace platforms (Ping’an, Jinkeng, and Dazhai) at your own pace, stop for photos wherever you want, and skip any attractions you’re not interested in, such as the staged Yao village performances. This is ideal if you prefer a more personal experience, fewer crowds, and the ability to adapt the day to your energy levels.
Group tour: Standard group tours often include a visit to a Yao village, Dazhai terraces, and sometimes Golden Buddha Peak with cable car access. They are more structured and can be faster paced, with less flexibility to skip stops or linger at viewpoints. However, they can be convenient if you don’t want to worry about logistics like transport, tickets, and parking.

Other practical considerations:

Golden Week crowds: Both options will be crowded, but private tours allow you to start earlier or adjust timing to avoid peak crowds at the most popular viewpoints.
Transportation: Reaching multiple terrace areas in one day by private car or van is more comfortable and avoids relying on public buses or group transfers.
Photography: If your main goal is photography, a private tour gives more flexibility to catch the best light and wait for ideal conditions without feeling rushed.
Cost: Since you mentioned price is similar, the decision should lean more on personal preference and experience rather than budget.

Summary:

If you want flexibility, control, and to skip touristy performances, a private tour is recommended.
If you prefer a hassle-free, fully organized day with all logistics handled, a group tour is convenient, but you may have to accept visiting areas you’re less interested in and move at the group’s pace.

Given your priorities of seeing the terraces and skipping the Yao village, a private tour would likely provide a more rewarding and relaxed experience.

Private tour or group tour to Longji Rice Terrace

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