How can I best travel from Hong Kong to Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces besides flying?

You may take a train to Guangzhou East from Hung Hom Railway Station (about 2 hours). Next, take metro line 1 from East Railway Station to Gongyuanqian Station, and switch to metro line 2 to South Railway Station. Then, take a bullet train to Guilin West (about 2.5 to 3 hours). Afterwards, take a taxi to Qintan Bus Station for about CNY 50. Upon arrival, take a bus to Longsheng, and get off at the terraces. :)