Ping’an + Dazhai in 1 day - driver or shuttles?

Question

Hi,

I will arrive at Guilin train station at 1:00 pm. From there, I plan to be picked up by the hotel and transferred to my accommodation near the Qianceng Tianti viewpoint (Xia Tiruijing Homestay).

The following day, I would like to visit all the main viewpoints in the Dazhai area and then do the loop at Ping’an with its two viewpoints, before returning to Guilin in the evening. The next day I will take the cruise to Yangshuo.

Would you recommend relying on the park shuttles between Dazhai and Ping’an, or is it more practical to hire a private driver for the entire day who can also take me back to Guilin?

I understand that DiDi cars are not available around Longji.

Thank you!

Answer

Hi,

For your plan to visit Ping’an and Dazhai in a single day, especially arriving in Guilin in the early afternoon and returning there the same evening, careful planning is key. Given your itinerary and the remote nature of Longji Rice Terraces, here are some considerations:

Option 1: Relying on park shuttles

The Dazhai and Ping’an areas are connected by park shuttle buses, which are designed to take visitors between main viewpoints and the village entrances.
The shuttles are inexpensive and run regularly during the day, but schedules can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak seasons.
You would still need to do some walking or hiking between viewpoints, which may be tiring if you want to cover both Dazhai and Ping’an loops in one day.
At the end of the day, you would still need to arrange transportation back to Guilin, as there are no regular public buses that align perfectly with your schedule.

Option 2: Hiring a private driver for the entire day

This is the most practical and time-efficient option. A private driver can pick you up from your homestay, take you to Dazhai, then to Ping’an, and finally return you to Guilin.
You can customize your stops, move at your own pace, and ensure that you cover all main viewpoints without worrying about shuttle timing.
While more expensive than park shuttles, it saves significant time and allows you to maximize your one full day in the terraces.
Drivers familiar with Longji are used to navigating the mountain roads safely and can give tips on the best viewpoints or photo spots.

Recommendation:

Given your limited time, the remoteness of Longji, and your need to return to Guilin in the evening, hiring a private driver is strongly recommended.
If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you could combine a driver for the initial Dazhai and Ping’an loop and then use park shuttles for internal transportation within the villages, but this adds complexity.

Since DiDi cars are not available in Longji, pre-booking a private driver through your homestay or a local travel agency is the safest and most convenient approach. Make sure to confirm the driver’s knowledge of the area and whether they can wait or return later to pick you up, as some drivers may charge extra for waiting time.

With a private driver, your day will be more relaxed, and you can enjoy the scenic terraces without rushing or worrying about catching shuttles or missing transport back to Guilin.

Ping’an + Dazhai in 1 day - driver or shuttles?

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