Longji Rice Terraces
The Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area, located in Longsheng County, Guilin, China, is a UNESCO Global Geopark celebrated for its breathtaking agricultural landscapes and rich ethnic culture. Carved into the mountainside over 700 years ago by Zhuang and Yao minorities, the terraces resemble dragon scales when viewed from afar, earning the name "Dragon’s Backbone." Covering 66 square kilometers across villages like Ping’an and Jinkeng, the area showcases humanity’s harmony with nature, featuring cascading rice paddies, traditional stilt houses, and vibrant folk traditions.
Historical Overview
Terrace construction began during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 AD) and peaked in the Ming and Qing dynasties as ethnic communities adapted to steep slopes. The Zhuang and Yao people developed irrigation systems using bamboo pipes and forested ridges to retain water and soil. Over centuries, the terraces became a symbol of sustainable farming and cultural resilience. In 1999, the area was designated a provincial scenic spot, later earning UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2018 for its ecological and cultural significance.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into two major zones:
Ping’an Zhuang Village Terraces: Known for their "Seven Stars with the Moon" pattern, featuring curved terraces wrapping around hills.
Jinkeng Yao Village Terraces: Famous for the "Thousand-Layer Terraces" and "Seven Stars Around the Moon" vistas, accessible via cable car.
Key structures include:Stilt Houses: Traditional wooden homes with thatched roofs, some over 300 years old.
Dragon’s Backbone Ridge: The central mountain range offering 360-degree panoramas.
Ancient Irrigation Channels: Bamboo pipelines that distribute water from mountain springs.
Major Attractions
Ping’an Zhuang Village: Explore stilt houses, handicraft workshops, and the "Nine Dragons and Five Tigers" terrace formation.
Jinkeng Yao Village: Hike to the "Golden Buddha Peak" or ride the cable car for aerial views of the "Thousand-Layer Terraces."
Yellow Luo Han (Arhat) Terraces: A section where terraces turn golden during harvest season (October).
Seven Stars with the Moon: A natural depression in the terraces that fills with water, reflecting the stars at night.
Longji Ancient壮寨 (Zhuang Village): Witness traditional Zhuang dance performances and silver craftsmanship.
Hongyao Ethnic Culture Museum: Learn about Yao customs, including long-hair traditions and embroidery.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (Half-Day):
Ping’an Village entrance → "Seven Stars with the Moon" viewpoint → Stilt House Visits → Lunch at a local farmhouse.
Highlights: Iconic terrace patterns and cultural interactions.
Extended Route (Full Day):
Jinkeng Cable Car (up) → Thousand-Layer Terraces → Golden Buddha Peak → Huangluo Yao Village → Hongyao Museum.
Highlights: Hiking, ethnic villages, and museum exhibits.
Comprehensive Route (2 Days/1 Night):
Day 1: Ping’an Village hike → Sunset at "Nine Dragons" viewpoint → Overnight in a stilt house.
Day 2: Jinkeng Cable Car → Thousand-Layer Terraces → Farming demonstration → Local market shopping.
Highlights: Immersive cultural stay, sunrise photography, and hands-on experiences.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via WeChat mini-programs (e.g., "Longji Terraces Official") or travel platforms (Ctrip, Fliggy) up to 3 days in advance.
On-Site: Tickets available at village entrances; cash accepted.
Prices:
Adults: ¥80 (peak season), ¥70 (off-season).
Students/Seniors: ¥40 (peak), ¥35 (off-season).
Cable Car (Jinkeng): ¥100 round-trip.
Free: Children under 1.2m.
Transportation
Bus:Guilin Bus Station → Longsheng County (2.5 hours, ¥25) → Transfer to Longji shuttle bus (1 hour, ¥15).
Direct buses from Yangshuo to Longji (4 hours, ¥50).
Taxi/Private Car: Direct hire from Guilin (2 hours, ¥300–400).
Tour Group: Organized trips with hotel pickup (¥150–250/person, including tickets).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Seasons:April–June: Flooded terraces (mirror-like reflections).
September–October: Golden harvest season.
Avoid Crowds: Weekdays and early mornings (before 9 AM).
Weather: Bring rain gear (May–August) and warm layers (November–February).
Essentials
Wear hiking boots (steep, muddy paths).
Carry cash (some villages lack ATMs).
Respect local customs: Ask before photographing people.
Prohibited: Drones (require prior permission) and littering.
Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area Scenic Spots Guide
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
FAQ
What’s the best time to visit Longji Rice Terraces? Why?
The best time is mid-May to mid-June for mirrored terraces during planting, and late September to mid-October for golden harvest views. Avoid monsoon season (June-July) for muddy trails.
Which viewpoints offer unique photography angles?
West Hill Music (Xishan Yueyue) for sunrise cloud seas, and Golden Buddha Peak (Jinfoding) for panoramic sunset vistas. Bring a wide-angle lens for layered terrace shots.
What traditional craft workshops are available?
Learn indigo dyeing at Ping’an’s community center, or bamboo weaving with masters in Dazhai. Purchase handwoven "Yao brocades" as souvenirs.
What’s on-site transportation like?
Shuttle buses (included in entrance ticket) connect parking lots to viewpoints. E-bikes are prohibited; wear hiking shoes for steep trails.
What must-try local dishes?
Bamboo-cooked rice, smoked pork with persimmons, and "Longji fish" (river trout) grilled in lotus leaves. Pair with osmanthus wine.
