Welcome to the Longji Rice Terraces, a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in Guangxi’s Longsheng County, also known as the Longsheng Rice Terraces. Famously nicknamed the “Dragon’s Backbone,” these spectacular fields cascade down the mountainsides like a dragon’s scales and are the centuries-old creation of the local Zhuang and Yao peoples. Renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful agricultural wonders, Longji offers a unique and unforgettable fusion of breathtaking scenery and vibrant ethnic culture.
Longji Rice Terraces Facts
- Type: Sights & Landmarks, Rice Terraces
- Location: Longji Mountain, Ping’an Village, Longji Town, Longsheng County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Area: 70 square kilometers
- The highest terrace altitude: 1180 meters
- The lowest terrace altitude: 380 meters
- Maximum slope: 50 degrees
- Best Seasons: April ~ October
- Recommended Visiting Time: 1~2 days
- Open Hours: All Day
- Tickets: ¥80. Trip.com discounts
The Longji Terraces, cradled by misty mountains, showcase nature’s grandeur and human artistry. Their cascading curves create ever-changing vistas, earning titles like “world’s finest terraces” and “nature’s perfect contours,” blending agricultural heritage with breathtaking scenery.
Longji Rice Terraces History
The Longji Terraces boast a remarkable agricultural history dating back over 2,300 years. Originating as one of the world’s earliest rice cultivation sites (6,000-12,000 years ago), their terrace farming system took shape during China’s Qin-Han dynasties. Migrating ethnic groups like the Zhuang and Yao expanded the terraces significantly during Tang-Song periods, reaching near-current scale by Ming-Qing times. In December 2022, Longji Terraces Dazhai Village was successfully selected into the list of “Best Tourist Villages” officially announced by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
Longsheng Rice Terraces Top Attractions
The Longji Rice Terraces are actually a large-scale terraced field group, which is divided into three spots:
- Jinkeng Red Yao Terraced Fields Spot
- Ping’an Zhuang Terraced Fields Spot
- Longji Old Village Cultural Terraced Fields Spot
Among the three spots, the Jinkeng Red Yao Terraced Fields Spot and the Ping’an Zhuang Terraced Fields Spot are the core of the Longsheng Terraces and are also the most beautiful parts.
Jinkeng Red Yao Terraced Fields Spot
Jinkeng Terraces, also called Dazhai Terraces, is the largest and most developed among Longji Rice Terraces spots, offering the most spectacular views. With three well-placed viewing platforms, it attracts the most visitors. For day-trippers, focusing on Jinkeng Terraces is recommended as there’s no shuttle service between the villages.
West Hill Music (Viewpoint No. 1), the highest observation deck in Jinkeng Terraces at 1,180 meters, offers the most spectacular panoramic views. Perfectly facing east, it is the ideal location for sunrise and sunset photography, overlooking thousands of ribbon-like terraced fields and rolling hills across 40-50 square kilometers.
Large-scale Thousand-layers Terraces (Viewpoint No. 2) is situated on the west side, closest to Dazhai Village. It offers superb sunrise and sunset views over the vast, stair-like terraces cascading down steep ridges, with traditional Yao villages dotting the dramatic landscape.
Golden Buddha Peak (Viewpoint No. 3) is renowned as the only cable-car-accessible lookout in the Longji Terraces, connecting directly to Dazhai parking lot. This west-facing platform, popular for its convenience, offers magnificent sunset views and photography opportunities over the expansive terraced landscape.
The majority of residents in Dazhai belong to the Red Yao ethnic group, renowned for their long hair. In addition to admiring the spectacular terraced fields, be sure to observe the Red Yao women around you and appreciate their beautiful traditional attire and elegantly coiled hair—a living, flowing cultural legacy.
Accommodation Recommendations in Jinkeng Dazhai
For your stay in Jinkeng Dazhai, Tiantou Village is highly recommended as it offers convenient access to two of the three main viewpoints.
When choosing a hotel, prioritize those that offer pickup service from Dazhai parking lot and are within walking distance to a viewpoint. A great example is Yunshang Chenxi Homestay, which provides transfers from the parking lot. It’s just a five-minute walk to Viewpoint No. 1, and the owner can also arrange a short ride to near Viewpoint No. 2, making it extremely convenient.
This modern-style homestay features a lovely terrace restaurant on its first floor, perfect for enjoying meals amid the scenery. You can book it or explore other options on Trip.com to find a stay that best suits your needs.
A recommended Route for Exploring Jinkeng Terraces
A recommended route for exploring the terraces is to begin your day at Viewpoint No. 1 (West Hill Music) for sunrise, then continue to the nearby Viewpoint No. 2 (Large-scale Thousand-layers Terraces) in the morning. These two spots are within comfortable walking distance and can be explored together in one smooth visit.
After a break for lunch in TianTou village, hike downhill in the afternoon to No.3 Golden Buddha Peak Platform, where you can enjoy spectacular sunset views. Finally, take the one-way cable car down directly from the Golden Buddha Peak site to the main parking lot.
Ping’an Zhuang Terraced Fields Spot
The Ping’an Zhuang Terraces, located in Ping’an Village, offer the most developed tourist infrastructure among the three main terrace areas. With a full range of amenities including restaurants, hotels, and cafes, visitors can enjoy modern comforts amidst the stunning landscapes. Compared to the larger Jinkeng (Dazhai) Terraces, Ping’an is less crowded and provides a more tranquil experience. The village is primarily inhabited by the Zhuang ethnic group and features two well-placed viewing platforms to enjoy its iconic scenery.
Seven Stars around the Moon (七星伴月): Formed by seven small, dome-like terraces encircling one large, circular terrace at the center, creating a pattern reminiscent of stars surrounding the moon. This unique formation originated from mounds left by villagers during centuries of mountain cultivation. It is not only a highly photogenic site but also renowned for its exceptionally beautiful sunrise views.
Nine Dragons and Five Tigers (九龙五虎): Derives its name from the dramatic landscape where nine ridges—seen as dragons—extend from the main mountain range, while five nearby hillocks rise like crouching tigers amidst the terraced fields. This area is particularly renowned for its spectacular sunset views, making it a favorite among photographers.
The “Nine Dragons & Five Tigers” viewpoint is conveniently accessible by direct shuttle bus (¥50 round-trip). In contrast, reaching the “Seven Stars Around the Moon” site requires either a walk through Ping’an Village from the parking lot, or taking the shuttle to Nine Dragons & Five Tigers first and then completing the journey with a scenic 30-minute walk between the two viewpoints.
Accommodation Recommendations in Ping’an Village
When choosing accommodation in Ping’an Village, it’s highly recommended to select a lodge that offers pickup service from the parking lot. A great option is Longji Terraces Far and Near B&B, located at the highest point of the village, offering exceptional views of the terraces. The owner is known for being warm and attentive, providing excellent service. You can also explore other highly-rated options on Trip.com to find the stay that best suits your needs.
In the evening, you can enjoy extraordinarily beautiful night views of the illuminated terraces, and if you’re fortunate, you may even encounter spectacular special events such as dazzling firework displays or the mesmerizing traditional torch-lit mountain walks.
Jinkeng Terraces or Ping’an Terraces?
Of the many scenic areas in the Longji Terraces, Ping’an Village and Jinkeng Dazhai are undoubtedly the two most popular and iconic destinations. If you’re having trouble deciding between them, the comparison table below can offer clear guidance to help you choose based on your travel preferences:
| Feature | Ping’an Terraces | Jinkeng Terraces |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Easy access; shuttle bus (10 mins) from parking to viewpoints; smooth stone paths, stroller-friendly. | Moderate difficulty; requires shuttle + walking/hiking; some steep trails. |
| Best For | Families, elderly, visitors seeking convenience and ease. | Hikers, photographers, adventure travelers. |
| Scenery Style | Traditional & elegant; resembles ink-wash paintings. | Grand & expansive; dramatic layered terraces with wide views. |
| Key Viewpoints | Seven Stars Around the Moon, Nine Dragons & Five Tigers | Xishan Shaoyue (sunrise, high altitude), Qianceng Tianti (layered terraces), Jinfo Ding (cable car, sunset). |
| Photography Tips | Reflective terraces; great for sunrise and cultural landscapes. | Sunrise & sunset panoramas; silver terraces during flooding season. |
| Time & Effort | Low intensity; short walks between sites. | Moderate to high; some hiking required to reach viewpoints. |
| Crowd Level | Less crowded, quieter experience. | More visitors due to larger area and famous viewpoints. |
| Cost Consideration | Generally affordable; shuttle included in ticket. | Optional cable car (extra fee: CNY 100 for round-trip); more dining/lodging choices. |
Longji Old Village Cultural Terraced Fields Spot
Known locally as Longji Village, the Ancient Zhuang Village is nestled amid layered rice terraces and can be reached by a pleasant 30-minute walk from Ping’an. This area boasts the best-preserved traditional Zhuang stilted architecture in China, with five historic wooden houses—the oldest dating back 150 years to the Qing Dynasty. Wandering its flagstone paths offers a serene glimpse into the past. As the smallest and least crowded of the terrace sites, it provides a uniquely peaceful and cultural experience.
Local Flavors at Longsheng Rice Terraces
A visit to Longji Terraces is not only a visual feast but also a culinary adventure. Don’t miss the local flavors at Longji Terraces!
- Bamboo Tube Chicken: tender chicken steamed in bamboo with herbs.
- Bamboo Tube Rice: glutinous rice and cured meat roasted in a fresh bamboo tube over fire. The rice absorbs a subtle fragrance from the bamboo and releases a rich aroma when opened.
- Longji Rice Wine: a sweet local specialty known as the “Magic Oriental Drink.”
These classic dishes are widely available at most local restaurants throughout the area.
Best Time to Visit Longji Rice Terrace
The best time to experience the Longji Rice Terraces is from late May to June, when the fields are flooded for planting. During this period, the terraces transform into vast liquid mirrors reflecting sunrises, sunsets, and dramatic cloud formations after rain. Nights are ideal for stargazing in the clear mountain air, and photographers often capture exceptionally clear views following rainfall. Accommodation remains affordable, and weekdays are generally less crowded than holidays.
By late September to October, the terraces turn into a golden landscape as the rice reaches maturity. The layered fields ripple in the autumn wind, creating a breathtaking scene of rural abundance.
While winter visits from December to February may reward travelers with a rare dusting of snow—turning the slopes into a serene monochromatic painting—this spectacle is weather-dependent and not guaranteed.
Festivals are also a good time to visit the Longsheng Rice Terraces, such as the Drying Clothes Festival on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, when visitors can take this opportunity to enjoy the traditional costumes and wonderful performances of the Yao people.
How to Travel between Dazhai Village and Ping’an Village
There are three main ways to travel between Dazhai and Ping’an Village:
- By Private Vehicle: Hiring a car is the most convenient option. The trip takes about 50 minutes and costs approximately ¥80. Note that only authorized vehicles can enter the Ping’an village parking area.
- By Bus with Transfer: Take the Dazhai to Longji bus from Dazhai Parking Lot to Erlong Bridge (approx. 30 minutes, ¥10). Then transfer to the Longsheng to Ping’an bus (approx. 20 minutes, ¥10), which will bring you to Ping’an Parking Lot. From there, you can walk up to the terraces.
- By Hiking: Follow the stone-paved paths for a scenic 4–4.5 hour walk between the villages. The route offers beautiful views but requires good physical condition. Remember to ask locals for directions along the way to avoid getting lost.
How to get to Longji Rice Terraces from Guilin
There are two main bus routes from Guilin to Longji Rice Terraces:
- From Guilin Qintan Bus Station, direct buses depart for Longji Terraces daily from 7:00 AM to 5:20 PM, with services every 20 minutes. The bus ride to the Longji Terraces Intersection takes approximately 1.5 hours. At the intersection, transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus to reach either Dazhai Parking Lot or Ping’an Visitor Center. The total fare is ¥60, which includes the transfer service. Tickets can be purchased conveniently through the official WeChat account of “桂林骏达客运 Guilin Junda Passenger Transport”.
- From Guilin Railway Station, North Bus Station, North Railway Station, or West Railway Station, take the dedicated shuttle bus to Longsheng Bus Station. Buses depart every 15-30 minutes starting at 7:00 AM. The fare is ¥55 and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival at Longsheng Bus Station, transfer to a direct shuttle to Dazhai Village, which takes about one additional hour. Tickets for this route can be booked through the official WeChat account of “桂林琴潭客运汽车站 Guilin Qintan Bus Station”.
How to get to Longji Rice Terraces from Yangshuo
From Yangshuo Bus Station, you can take the Airport-Longsheng shuttle bus to Longsheng Bus Station. Departures are available at 9:00 AM and 2:20 PM, with a fare of ¥80. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. After arriving at Longsheng Bus Station, transfer to a local shuttle bus to reach either Dazhai or Ping’an Village, which takes about an hour.
Longji Rice Terraces Tickets
Book Longsheng Rice Terraces Tickets Now| Admission Fee | CNY 80 covering Ping’an Zhuang Village and Dazhai Yao Village Rice Terraces; Children between 6 and 18 years old enjoy a half-price discount (CNY 40); Children below 1.2 meters are free of charge. |
| Ticketing Time | All day |
Longji Rice Terraces Tour Tips
- Choose comfortable, non-slip shoes for stability on stone paths and muddy trails.
- Carry warm layers for cooler mornings and evenings, as temperatures can vary significantly.
- Bring rain gear and sun protection due to unpredictable mountain weather.
- Clarify whether assistance (e.g., carrying bags, guiding, photography, or performances) requires payment before accepting.
- Consider hiring a local guide if concerned about getting lost, as trails are extensive and signages may be limited.
- Keep your entry ticket accessible—it will be checked at multiple scenic points.
- Avoid crowds by visiting during off-peak seasons for a more economical and relaxed experience.