Longji Rice Terraces – day trip from Guilin

The Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田, Lóngjǐ Tītián), also known as the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, are one of the most breathtaking rural landscapes in China.

Located about 80–100 km (2–2.5 hours) from Guilin city, these terraces are carved into the mountains by hand and have been farmed for over 650 years, creating an awe-inspiring harmony between nature and human ingenuity.

How to book your trip to Longji Rice Terraces?

Why visit the Longji Rice Terraces?

Stunning Scenery All Year Round

Each season brings a different kind of beauty:

• Spring (May): Mirror-like fields filled with water
• Summer (June–July): Lush green waves of young rice
• Autumn (late Sept–early Oct): Golden yellow harvest — the most popular time
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Snowy terraces (less common but magical)

Cultural Experience with Ethnic Villages

The area is home to Zhuang and Yao minority groups, known for their:

• Wooden stilt houses
• Traditional clothing
• Hospitality and local rice wine
• Yao women’s famously long hair, sometimes over 1.5 meters long!

Great Hiking Opportunities

• Multiple trails connect the villages and viewpoints, ideal for hiking.
• You can walk from village to village through terraced fields, bamboo forests, and rural paths.

Best way to visit rice terraces in Guilin – book your private tour!

Main Areas of Longji Terraces

There are three main scenic spots, each with different views and experiences:

Ping’an Village (平安寨) – most popular and developed

• Offers classic “Seven Stars around the Moon” and “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” viewpoints

• Accessible with moderate walking

Dazhai Village (大寨) – Jinkeng Rice Terraces

• More dramatic landscapes and cable car access to the top

• Quieter, ideal for those who prefer fewer tourists and more hiking

Longji Ancient Zhuang Village

Oldest Zhuang village with preserved traditions and fewer crowds

Which area to choose?

Here’s a comparison and deeper look at the two main areas of the Longji Rice Terraces: Ping’an Village and Dazhai Village (Jinkeng Rice Terraces) — each offering a unique experience for visitors.

Ping’an Village (平安寨)

• Most developed and accessible area in Longji
• Home to the Zhuang ethnic group
• Famous for its classic rice terrace shapes and photo viewpoints
• Better infrastructure: easier trails, more restaurants and guesthouses

What to see in Ping’an Village:

• “Seven Stars around the Moon” Viewpoint
  Looks like seven small terrace peaks surrounding a flat area — symbolic and poetic.
• “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” Viewpoint
  Represents the dragons (ridge lines) and tigers (terraces) protecting the valley — a great panoramic view.
• Charming village life with traditional wooden houses, winding paths, and local crafts

Best For:

• First-time visitors to rice terraces
• Short hikes (20–30 min to viewpoints)
• Comfortable day-trippers or those wanting easy access

Photographic Peak:

• Autumn harvest season (late Sept to early Oct) for golden terraces
• Early morning or sunset light

Dazhai Village (大寨) – Jinkeng Rice Terraces

• Larger, more dramatic landscape with steeper terraces
• Home to the Yao ethnic group, known for their long-hair traditions
• Less touristy and more rustic than Ping’an
• More hiking options and fewer crowds

Highlights:

• “Golden Buddha Peak” Viewpoint
  Offers a stunning, wide-angle view of the terraces in a peaceful, elevated location.
• “Music from Paradise” Viewpoint
  A poetic name for a quieter and breathtaking outlook over Dazhai village.
• Cable Car to Viewpoint
  The only area with a cable car — great for less mobile visitors or for descending after a hike.
• Ethnic Culture Shows
  See traditional singing, dancing, and long-hair displays in some Yao villages.

Best For:

• Hikers and nature lovers
• People looking for off-the-beaten-path experience
• Travelers staying overnight to explore multiple viewpoints

Photographic Peak:

• Spring planting season (May) for water reflections
• Autumn for golden waves and dramatic valley views

Ping’an vs. Dazhai

Feature	Ping’an Village	Dazhai Village (Jinkeng)
Accessibility	Easier	Slightly farther, less developed
Landscape	Gentle, classic terrace shapes	Steep, vast, dramatic landscapes
Ethnic Group	Zhuang	Yao (with long-hair women)
Cable Car	No	Yes
Best for	First-timers, casual walkers	Hikers, photographers, explorers
Overnight Stay	Optional	Highly recommended

How to visit Longji Rice Terraces

How to get to the Rice Terraces from Guilin:

• By Bus (2.5–3 hours): From Guilin Qintan or Guilin South Bus Station to Longsheng → transfer to a shuttle or minibus to Ping’an or Dazhai.
• By Private Car or Tour: More convenient and faster (~2–2.5 hours); many Guilin hotels and agencies offer day trips. Book your trip here!
• Entrance Ticket: Around 80–100 CNY per person (plus ¥40–50 for cable car if using)

Travel tips:

• Wear good walking shoes — you’ll be walking up and down stone steps and trails
• Bring water and snacks, especially if you’re hiking between villages
• Consider staying overnight in a guesthouse to see sunset/sunrise and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere

Where to stay (Optional)

• There are charming guesthouses in Ping’an and Dazhai with balcony views over the terraces.
• Waking up to sunrise over the fields is worth staying a night if time allows.

Why you must visit it

• A rare look at traditional rural China and minority life
• One of the most photogenic landscapes in China
• A chance to escape the city, breathe fresh mountain air, and immerse in local culture

What else to visit in Guilin:

• Li River in Guanxi Province and Li River cruise to Yangshuo
• Seven-Star Park in Guilin – seven peaks of Guanxi
• Reed Flute Cave in Guilin – natural history of China