Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin

The Longji Rice Terraces, located on the slopes of Longji Mountain in Longsheng County near Guilin, stretch between 300 and 1,100 meters in elevation and are home to the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups. Built over 650 years ago from the Yuan to early Qing dynasties, they are recognized as a World Irrigation Heritage site, showcasing remarkable harmony between people and nature. Named the "Dragon's Backbone," the terraces follow mountain ridges that resemble a dragon, with layered fields spreading out like shimmering scales. Covering 66 square kilometers with multiple villages and viewpoints, the area requires at least one full day to explore, and an overnight stay is ideal for a deeper experience.

Longji Rice Terraces - Highlights & Experiences

The Longji Rice Terraces are best explored through two main scenic areas. Each offers a different feel, and both are stunning. Choose one based on your pace - or combine them if you stay overnight.

Jinkeng (Dazhai) Red Yao Terraces

Best for: Grand views · Photography · Cable car access

Top Viewpoints - Golden Buddha Peak – Highest point, wide panoramic views (cable car available)

l  West Hill Music (No.1) – Sunrise & sea of clouds

l  Thousand-Layer Stairway (No.2) – Bold, dramatic terrace lines

Why visit

The largest and most powerful-looking terraces

Less hiking with cable cars → great for families and relaxed travelers

A favorite spot for landscape photographers

Ping'an Zhuang Village Terraces

Best for: Easy walks · Classic scenery · Village life

Top Viewpoints

• Seven Stars with the Moon – Gentle hills surrounded by mirror-like fields

• Nine Dragons & Five Tigers – Flowing terraces  shaped like dragons

Why visit

Convenient access and comfortable village facilities

Short, scenic walking paths between viewpoints

Elegant, peaceful landscapes

Cultural Experiences You Shouldn't Miss

Huangluo Yao Village:
Known as the "World's Longest Hair Village". Watch traditional hair shows and learn about Red Yao customs.

Terrace Hiking:
Walk stone paths between villages and fields for close-up views of rural life.

Seasonal Beauty:

·Spring (Apr–Jun): Water-filled terraces like mirrors

·Summer (Jul–Aug): Lush green mountains

·Autumn (Sep–Oct): Golden harvest, most iconic views

·Winter (Dec–Feb): Occasional snow, clear terrace patterns

Stay Overnight:
Sleep in a hilltop guesthouse and enjoy sunrise, sunset, and cloud seas right from your balcony.

5 Days Guilin Hiking Trip

Nearby Trips & Suggested Itineraries

Longji Rice Terraces + Guilin & Yangshuo

Longji Rice Terraces are usually combined with Guilin and Yangshuo, creating a classic route that blends dramatic landscapes with rich ethnic culture.

Suggested Itineraries (Easy to Follow)

3 Days / 2 Nights – Highlights Trip

Day 1 Arrive in Guilin → afternoon or evening transfer to Longji Rice Terraces → stay in Ping’an or Dazhai village

Day 2 Sunrise over the terraces → morning hike → afternoon transfer to Yangshuo → evening stroll on West Street

Day 3 Yulong River rafting → Xingping Ancient Town (20 RMB note view) → departure

5 Days / 4 Nights – In-Depth Experience

Day 1 Arrive in Guilin → city sightseeing → overnight in Guilin

Day 2 Travel to Longji → visit Huangluo Yao Village → sunset views → overnight in a hilltop guesthouse

Day 3 Sunrise → terrace hiking → transfer to Yangshuo → overnight in Yangshuo

Day 4 Yulong River rafting → cycling along Ten-Mile Gallery → evening show

Day 5 Li River highlights at Xingping → return journey

Getting There & Getting Around – Longji Rice Terraces

Longji Rice Terraces are located in the mountains and have no direct flights or trains, so most travelers transfer via Guilin.

From Guilin to Longji

Tourist Shuttle Bus (Most Popular):
Direct buses run from places like Xiangjiang Hotel or Guilin North Railway Station to Ping'an Village or Jinkeng Dazhai.
 2–2.5 hours | approx. RMB 50–65

Private Car / Shared Transfer:
The most flexible option, ideal for families or small groups with luggage.
See: Guilin Transfer Services, Car Rental & Coach Hiring

High-Speed Train + Bus (New Option):
Take a high-speed train from Guilin North Station to Longsheng Station (≈1 hour), then a local bus to Longji (≈40 minutes).

Inside the Scenic Area

• After entering the park, you'll usually take a shuttle bus to your chosen village (extra fee).

• Small  vehicles (7 seats or fewer) can reach village parking areas.

• Many  guesthouses are on hillsides, so expect a short walk up stone steps.

Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and pack light for easier movement in the terraces.

Check out the round trip car rental from Guilin to Longji

Guilin to Longji Transfer: Round Trip, English-speaking Driver

Guilin Day Tour to Longji Terraces Fields and Pingan Village

Best Time to Visit & Local Food

The best time to visit Longji Rice Terraces is in spring and autumn (April–June, September–October).

l  April to mid-June: The terraces are filled with water for rice planting, creating mirror-like reflections of the sky and clouds - perfect for photography.

l  Late September to mid-October: The rice is ripe, turning the terraces golden - a classic view of Longji.

l  Summer: Lush green scenery, though often rainy.

l  Winter: Quiet and serene, occasionally dusted with snow, but cold and damp.

Must-Try Local Dishes ("Longji Four Treasures" & specialties):

l  Bamboo Chicken / Bamboo Rice: Chicken or sticky rice cooked in fresh bamboo, infused with a light bamboo aroma.

l  Longji Free-Range Chicken: Local mountain-raised chicken, often stewed with spring water or stir-fried with bamboo shoots.

l  Longji Glutinous Rice Wine (Shuijiu): Locally brewed sweet rice wine, smooth and long-lasting, known as "Longsheng Maotai."

l  Longji Chili & Smoked Meat: Fragrant local chili stir-fried with smoked pork - perfect with rice.

Dining Tips: Most meals are best enjoyed at local homestays or village restaurants, using fresh ingredients with authentic flavors.

Recommended Accommodation

Stay inside the villages to fully enjoy sunrise and sunset over the terraces. Most are clean, simple homestays run by locals with unbeatable locations.

Jinkeng / Dazhai (Tiantou Village): Mid-mountain, central for Jinkeng terraces, easy hikes to viewpoints, panoramic sunrise views. Recommended homestays: Quanjinglou, Wanjinglou, Yundu Quanjing Mountain House.

Ping'an Village: The village itself is scenic, with more facilities, restaurants, and shops. Close to Qixing Banyue and Jiulong Wuhu viewpoints. Recommended homestays: Longji Tianjian Pavilion Hotel.

Near Jinfo Ding: Close to cable car station, stunning views, fewer homestays, higher location, requires some walking.

Longji Travel Tips:

Tickets: Main gate approx. 80 RMB; cable cars and sightseeing vehicles extra.

Clothing & Gear: Wear sturdy, non-slip hiking shoes; bring layers for temperature changes, rain gear, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Hiking: Stick to the main stone paths; branching paths can be confusing.

Drone Use: Allowed, but must apply at least 3 days in advance.

Network: Signal may be weak in mountain areas; download offline maps before your trip.