Atlas of China
Longji Rice Terraces 龙脊梯田Lóngjǐ Tītián
Rice paddies stacked up the mountains like the scales on a dragon's back
- Best time
- May–Jun (flooded), Sep–Oct (golden)
- Time needed
- 1–2 days
- Days to budget
- 1½ days
- Stay in
- Guilin
- Region
- Guangxi
- Type
- Nature
- Listed as
- 4A scenic area
Why go to Longji Rice Terraces
The Longji terraces climb steep hillsides north of Guilin in tight contour lines that shine silver when flooded in spring, turn green in summer and go gold before the autumn harvest. Zhuang and Yao villages of wooden houses sit among the fields, linked by stone paths you can hike between Ping'an, Dazhai and Tiantouzhai.
The story
Longji means 'dragon's backbone', and the terraces were carved out over several centuries by Zhuang and Yao farmers. In nearby Huangluo, Red Yao women are known for their extraordinarily long hair, traditionally cut only once in a lifetime.
What to see at Longji Rice Terraces
- Ping'an village 平安壮寨: A Zhuang village of wooden houses scattered through the terraces, linked by stone paths and the usual base for visitors.
- Nine Dragons and Five Tigers viewpoint 九龙五虎观景点: A named lookout above Ping'an where the terrace lines sweep around the hillside.
- Seven Stars with the Moon viewpoint 七星伴月观景点: A second lookout close to the first; the two can be walked together in a short loop.
- Dazhai (Jinkeng) terraces 大寨金坑梯田: A separate Red Yao section of the terraces with its own lookouts, such as Thousand Layers to Heaven.
How to visit Longji Rice Terraces
Enter at the scenic-area gate, take the shuttle up to Ping'an and walk the stone paths to the two viewpoints. Dazhai is a separate section with its own lookouts and a cable car. A half day sees Ping'an; staying overnight allows both villages and sunrise.
How to get to Longji Rice Terraces
The terraces are about two hours by bus or car from Guilin. Shuttles run from the ticket gate up to Ping'an and Dazhai villages.
Where to stay
Stay in a guesthouse in Ping'an or Dazhai for sunrise and sunset views, or in Longsheng town if you want easier transport.
What to eat
- Bamboo-tube rice 竹筒饭: Sticky rice with cured pork, mushrooms and taro, packed into a fresh bamboo tube and roasted over charcoal.
- Cured pork 腊肉: Smoked and air-dried pork, a farmhouse staple served in village restaurants.
- Rice wine 米酒: Homemade rice wine, served by the bowl in village guesthouses.
Tips for visiting Longji Rice Terraces
- Stay overnight in a village guesthouse; sunset and sunrise over the terraces are the highlight.
- Porters can carry luggage up the stone paths, but a small overnight bag makes life easier.
- Wear shoes with good grip for the steep, sometimes slippery trails.
Nearby
- Chengyang Eight Villages 程阳八寨 50 km
Dong villages of timber drum towers and a covered bridge, set among paddy fields - Zhaoxing Dong Village 肇兴侗寨 100 km
Five drum towers and covered bridges in one of China's largest Dong villages - Li River & Yangshuo 漓江与阳朔 120 km
Limestone peaks, bamboo rafts and bike rides through rice paddies
Also within 30 km: Jiangtou and Changgangling Villages 江头村与长岗岭村 (30 km).
Trips with Longji Rice Terraces
- Guilin, Yangshuo and the Longji terraces in four days 4 days · Guilin
On the map
Open Longji Rice Terraces on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Longji Rice Terraces on the map