Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田), also known as the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, are one of China’s most breathtaking landscapes, located in Guilin, Guangxi Province. Built over 700 years ago, these layered terraces stretch across the mountains like a dragon’s scales, offering unparalleled views, ethnic culture, and hiking experiences. Whether you visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, Longji promises stunning scenery and a rich cultural experience with the local Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities.
Essential Information
- Location: Longsheng County, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- Climate: Subtropical – mild winters, warm summers
- Language: Mandarin, local Zhuang & Yao dialects
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Time Zone: China Standard Time (GMT+8)
Interesting Facts About Longji Rice Terraces
- Built in the Yuan Dynasty – The terraces date back over 700 years to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368).
- Home to Ethnic Minorities – The Zhuang and Yao people still live here, preserving their unique customs, festivals, and dress.
- Changing Scenery Every Season – Golden fields in autumn, flooded mirrors in spring, lush green in summer, and snow-covered beauty in winter.
- Shaped Like a Dragon’s Backbone – The terraces resemble dragon scales winding around the mountains.
- Eco-Friendly Farming – The traditional rice-growing methods used here are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
How to Get to Longji Rice Terraces
By Air ✈️
- Fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) – the closest airport to Longji.
- From the airport:
- Taxi to Guilin city center (45 min, ~¥100-150).
- Airport shuttle bus to Guilin South Railway Station (1 hour, ~¥30).
With Train 🚄
- Take a high-speed train to Guilin from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.
- From Guilin Railway Station:
- Taxi to Longji (2.5 hours, ~¥200-300).
- Bus to Longsheng (1.5 hours) + local minibus to Ping’an Village.
By Bus 🚌
- From Guilin Qintan Bus Station, take a bus to Longsheng Town (1.5 hours, ~¥40).
- From Longsheng Bus Station, transfer to a minibus to Ping’an or Dazhai Village (1 hour, ~¥20).
Best Things to Do in Longji Rice Terraces
1. Hike Through the Terraces 🥾
- Most popular hike: Ping’an Village to Dazhai Village (5-6 hours).
- Easier hike: Ping’an to Nine Dragons & Five Tigers Viewpoint.
- Enjoy panoramic views, traditional villages, and majestic landscapes.
2. Visit Ping’an Village (平安壮寨) 🌾
- One of the oldest villages with breathtaking terrace views.
- Hike to Seven Stars with Moon (七星伴月) viewpoint for amazing photography.
3. Explore Dazhai Village (大寨红瑶村) 🏡
- Less touristy, more authentic than Ping’an.
- Offers higher terraces, better sunrise and sunset views.
- Ride the Dazhai Cable Car to the top for a 360-degree panoramic view.
4. Experience Zhuang & Yao Ethnic Culture 🎎
- Watch Yao women comb their famously long hair.
- Taste homemade rice wine and bamboo rice.
- Visit during the Longji New Rice Festival (September-October) to see traditional dances and harvest celebrations.
5. Stay in a Wooden Guesthouse 🏠
- Sleep in a traditional stilted wooden house and wake up to spectacular sunrise views.
Best Accommodation Options
Luxury & Boutique Hotels ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Longji One Art Hotel – Offers panoramic terrace views, luxury amenities, and eco-friendly design.
- Longji Panorama House Hotel – Stunning mountain lodge-style boutique hotel.
Mid-Range Guesthouses ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Li-An Lodge – Beautiful handcrafted wooden lodge with artistic rooms.
- Longji Star-Wish Resort – Located in Dazhai, great for hiking lovers.
Budget Options & Homestays ⭐⭐⭐
- Longji Rice Terraces Green Hotel – Affordable, clean, and with stunning terrace views.
- Ping’an Guesthouse – Friendly family-run traditional wooden guesthouse.
Best Attractions in Longji Rice Terraces
1. Seven Stars with Moon Viewpoint (七星伴月) 🌙
- One of the most famous viewpoints in Ping’an.
- A small circular rice paddy surrounded by seven hills resembling stars.
2. Nine Dragons & Five Tigers Viewpoint (九龙五虎) 🐉
- Best view of the entire terrace system.
- Named because the terraces resemble dragons and tigers fighting.
3. Jinkeng Terraces (金坑梯田) 🌅
- Located in Dazhai Village.
- Best place for sunrise and sunset photography.
Getting Around Longji Rice Terraces
- Walking & Hiking – The best way to explore!
- Cable Car in Dazhai – Saves energy for breathtaking views (~¥70 one-way).
- Minibuses – Run between Ping’an, Dazhai, and Longsheng Town (~¥20-50 per trip).
Day Trips from Longji Rice Terraces
1. Longsheng Hot Springs (龙胜温泉) ♨️
- Natural hot springs surrounded by forests.
- Located 1 hour from Ping’an.
2. Guilin & Li River (桂林 & 漓江) ⛵
- Take a Li River cruise to Yangshuo, known for karst mountains and bamboo rafting.
3. Sanjiang Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge (三江程阳风雨桥) 🌉
- A magnificent Dong minority bridge surrounded by traditional villages.
Practical Tips for Visiting Longji Rice Terraces
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (April-May): Flooded terraces look like mirrors.
- Summer (June-August): Lush green rice fields.
- Autumn (September-October): Golden harvest season (most beautiful time!).
- Winter (November-February): Snow-covered terraces offer a magical experience.
Packing Tips:
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes – paths can be steep!
- Bring rain gear in summer (occasional downpours).
- Pack a camera – the landscapes are stunning!
Local Etiquette:
- Respect Zhuang & Yao traditions.
- Avoid photographing locals without permission.
Cash & Payment:
- Cash is king! Most small guesthouses do not accept credit cards.
Conclusion
Longji Rice Terraces offer a perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re hiking between ancient villages, capturing stunning terrace views, or immersing yourself in Zhuang & Yao traditions, Longji is a must-visit for any traveler. Start planning your trip today and experience the breathtaking beauty of China’s most famous rice terraces! 🌾🏞️✨
