Longsheng Nanshan Pasture

Longsheng Nanshan Pasture

Known as the "Roof of Longsheng," Nanshan in Longsheng is a vast, gently undulating natural grassland — the widest high-altitude plain in the region. Located at the northern tip of Longsheng, it borders closely with the Nanshan Scenic Area in Chengbu, Hunan, and together they are hailed as the "Hulunbuir of Southern China."

The Longsheng Nanshan Grassland covers more than 50,000 acres, with elevations ranging between 1,500 and 1,700 meters. Ascending the Nanshan Highway, which “soars through verdant turns,” you’ll feel as if riding the clouds into the higher grassy slopes. The spectacular sea of clouds creates a majestic and lofty sensation akin to “standing atop the world’s highest peak.” The mountain lacks distinct seasons — aside from the brief, snow-blanketed winter, it enjoys pleasant spring and autumn-like weather year-round, making Nanshan an ideal destination for vacationing and escaping the summer heat. Geomorphologically, Nanshan is referred to as a “table mountain” (a mountain with table-flat summit surfaces formed by ancient planation surfaces). Of course, these “tables” aren’t single slabs, but rather consist of individual rounded hillsides or broad ridges that form stacked platforms. On clear days, visitors can spot herds of cattle and sheep grazing on these terraced levels, and hear the layered, melodious tunes of shepherd songs echoing through the hills.

In April and May, bright red azaleas frame the lush green grassy platforms with stunning, deep-hued borders, creating scenery so picturesque that even the grazing herds seem to blend into the artistic landscape. The trees on Nanshan Grassland grow in a unique way — they all thrive alongside streams. Each stream is flanked by shady foliage, and from a distance, every waterway appears as a winding ribbon of forest, standing prominently above the emerald-green grass like patterns stitched across a green felt, clearly marking the courses of the streams.

The streams of Nanshan are home to a unique fish called the "leaf fish." Folklore says they were either transformed from fallen leaves or emerged from the mist — stories claim that leaves and fog scattered them across this remote and serene mountain. While neither tale aligns with biological science, they brim with poetic imagination. These leaf fish are flat and elongated, only as thick as a finger but exceptionally delicious. They are easy to catch: simply stir up the stream’s waters and scoop them up with a bamboo basket. Fishing for them is even simpler — no hooks needed. Just tie a worm to a line and lower it into the water, often pulling up a string of lively fish. That’s why they’re also called “foolish fish” — innocent, naive, and utterly adorable.

The fertile soil of Nanshan, nourished by abundant water and sunshine, experiences significant day-night temperature variations and is free from pollution or pests. The milk, beef, mutton, fruits, and vegetables produced here are some of the freshest, purest, and greenest foods available. Longsheng pears are a delicacy among pears, renowned for their exceptional sweetness and tenderness, earning them the name "Nanshan Sugar Pears." Longsheng is also Guangxi’s largest high-altitude pollution-free vegetable production base. Nanshan radishes are as sweet and crisp as sweet potatoes, and are especially popular in the peak of summer as a refreshing treat.

The under-construction Longsheng Nanshan Hydropower Station is the largest such facility in Longsheng. Its shimmering reservoir and its milky-way-like winding canals will add new scenic charm to the already idyllic, pastoral Nanshan.

Address:

Within Longsheng County, Guilin City (near Chengbu County, Hunan Province)

Phone:

0739-7315097

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Admission Fee:

Free

Best Travel Season:

Suitable all year round.

By Car:

Take a bus from 【Guilin Qintan Bus Station】 to Longsheng:

(1) Direct buses run every 30 minutes to Longsheng (passing the entrance of Longji Rice Terraces but not stopping; go directly to Longsheng County Bus Terminal, then transfer to another bus to reach the Longji Rice Terraces). Guilin–Longsheng (direct) fare: 27 RMB/person.

(2) Regular buses run every 20 minutes to Longsheng (you may disembark at the entrance of the Longji Rice Terraces and transfer to other buses to visit the Ancient Zhuang Village Terraces Cultural Scenic Area, Ping’an Zhuang Village Terraces Scenic Area, or Jinkeng Hongyao Terraces Scenic Area). Guilin–Longsheng (regular) fare: 22 RMB/person.

Source: Longsheng Tourism Website