Longji Rice Terraces

Longji Rice Terraces

The Longji Rice Terraces are a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national wetland park.

The Longji Rice Terraces, located on Longji Mountain in Ping’an Village, Longji Town, Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County, Guangxi, are 22 kilometers from the county town and 80 kilometers from Guilin City. They lie between 109°32'-110°14' east longitude and 25°35'-26°17' north latitude. Broadly speaking, they are called the Longsheng Rice Terraces, but more specifically, the Longji Rice Terraces.

The Longji Rice Terraces were first built during the Yuan Dynasty and completed in the early Qing Dynasty, boasting a history of over 650 years. They are one of Guangxi’s twenty top-tier scenic spots. Over the long course of time, the strong will of people striving to survive in nature, as well as the wisdom and strength demonstrated in understanding nature and building their homes, are fully embodied here.

The terraces wind around the mountains like chains or belts, transforming each peak into a giant snail. Some unfold like giant fans, half-opened and stacked into slender, slanted fans; others resemble shattered mirrors segmented and then inlaid into various patterns with layered precision. Within this vast expanse, winding paths meander through the undulating terraces, appearing as thin, drifting threads, while the ethereal songs of the Zhuang people of Longji linger in the air like wisps of cloud. The Zhuang “malan” houses, shimmering under the play of water and cloud shadows, are elevated into celestial palaces.

Legend has it that there was once a harsh landlord who ordered his farmhands to finish cultivating 206 terraced plots before they could knock off work. After toiling all day, one farmhand counted only 205. In despair, he picked up his straw raincoat from the ground, ready to go home, when—to his surprise—he found the 206th plot right beneath it.

It’s hard to imagine how, over 800 years ago, the first Zhuang and Yao settlers, faced with the towering mountains before them, mustered the grit to clear the very first terraces using nothing but primitive slash-and-burn techniques. The allure of rice must have been irresistible—perhaps without much deliberation, their descendants took up the hoes from their fathers and elder brothers, day after day, year after year. Was their greatest contentment perhaps hearing, in their twilight years while playing with their great-grandchildren, the news that their grandchildren had just opened up yet another new terrace?

From the Yuan Dynasty to the early Qing Dynasty, a full 650 years.

Terraced fields can be found everywhere, but few match the sheer scale and concentration of the Longji Rice Terraces. From the turbulent river valleys to the mist-cloaked mountain peaks, from the lush forests to the sheer cliffs, wherever there is soil, terraces have been carved out. With a vertical rise of five to six li and a horizontal spread of the same, the rolling, sky-piercing mountains twist like giant ladders ascending into the heavens—a massive abstract painting between earth and sky… Every visitor who beholds this sight will find their soul profoundly shaken. It is an indescribable awe inspired by the grandeur of nature and the might of humankind.

The Longji Rice Terraces are divided into the Jinkeng (Dazhai) Yao Terraces Scenic Area and the Ping’an Zhuang Terraces Scenic Area. Generally speaking, the Longji Rice Terraces refer to the Ping’an Zhuang Terraces, which were also developed earlier. The terraces are spread across altitudes of 300 to 1,100 meters, with the steepest slopes reaching 50 degrees. Access to the terraces is mostly via mountain switchbacks, climbing to around 600 meters above sea level, and reaching 880 meters at the terraces themselves.

(1) Well-preserved natural landscapes and environment. The terraces are situated within the Yuecheng Mountain Range, surrounded by high peaks, and remain inaccessible by road to this day, with the local economy still largely based on subsistence farming. The highest peak in Longsheng, Fuping Bao (1,916 meters above sea level), lies behind the small village, and pristine forests thrive above 1,500 meters. Abundant streams and water sources, along with evergreen vegetation on the mountains, enrich the landscape. The stilted wooden houses of the villages are neatly arranged, blending harmoniously with the mountains—simple, elegant, and picturesque, offering visitors to Jinkeng a feeling of returning to nature.

(2) Breathtakingly beautiful, like a painting. The Longji Rice Terraces are neat and orderly, with richly diverse lines dominated by curves, which give a sense of dynamic beauty—especially the long, flowing lines and waves that make one imagine the terraces as ribbons fallen from the sky. The Jinkeng terraces also possess a strong visual symbolism: some small hills are encircled by terraces that resemble pagodas, enhancing the pastoral aesthetic; some terraces, when viewed together, look like an eagle spreading its wings; others resemble the Seven Stars Around the Moon, or take on the classic shape of trapezoids, and even feature lace-like edges. The terraces of Jinkeng offer a strong sense of layering—due to the steep terrain, most are strip-shaped, creating rich variations in height and depth. Moreover, the terraces possess a musical beauty, reflected in their rhythm and cadence.

(3) Simple and harmonious folkways. Today, when visiting Yao villages, you’ll often see farmers voluntarily building roads and bridges without expecting any reward. Elders are deeply respected; in the event of weddings or funerals, widowed or childless elders in the community, regardless of relation, are always invited to the feast without the need for gifts. When encountering an elder on the path, the younger ones yield the right of way. In daily agricultural activities, mutual aid systems such as labor exchange remain common—for example, if someone is short-handed building a house, neighbors will come to help without pay. When you’re in need, they’ll come to assist you too, with no monetary transaction required—just a shared meal. Other virtuous customs, such as borrowing and helping each other and not taking things without permission, are also well preserved.

There are two main viewing spots in the Longji Rice Terraces: No. 1 and No. 2. No. 1 is located higher up on the eastern side of the village and is farther away, while No. 2 is relatively closer. A flat path connects the two spots, and both offer views of the most famous feature of the terraces—the “Seven Stars Around the Moon.” This formation, the essence of the Longji terraces, consists of seven small hilltop terraces surrounding one larger one. The entire mountain is covered in narrow terraces, with ridges resembling contour lines. Above the Longji terraces lies the Jinkeng area, home to four Yao villages. It takes about three to four hours to hike up from Ping’an’s No. 1 spot. While the accommodation is not as good as in Ping’an and the terraces are slightly larger, the local customs are even more genuine. Located in the Longji Town of southeastern Longsheng County, there is a grand complex of terraces.

The Longji Rice Terraces area is inhabited by both Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups, predominantly Zhuang. The Zhuang people of Longji represent the Northern Zhuang, known for their unique attire and distinctive culture. Here, you can witness traditional Zhuang folk dances, beautifully preserved costumes, and enjoy melodious Zhuang mountain songs, as well as authentic local customs, traditional Zhuang houses, the fragrant and delicious Longji Bronze Drum Dance, Shigong Dance, and Dabian Dance—all refreshingly novel. Additionally, there are rustic Zhuang houses, flavorful Longji tea and chili peppers, and the refreshing “Eastern Magic Water”—Longji rice wine. The term “Longji Rice Terraces” is a general name for the scenic area, encompassing several villages including Longji Village (Zhuang), Ping’an Village (Zhuang), Zhongliu Village (Yao), Dazhai Village (Yao), Tiantou Village (Yao), and Xiaozhai Village (Yao). In terms of the terraces themselves, the most spectacular are the Jinkeng terraces of Dazhai and the nearby Xiaozhai terraces. The opening sequence of CCTV-12 and many promotional images and films of the Longji terraces are mostly shot in Jinkeng. The “Seven Stars Around the Moon” in Ping’an Village is also excellent—it’s what people usually refer to when talking about the Longji terraces. Generally, there are three entrances to the Longji terraces: one in Ping’an Village, one in Dazhai Village, and one in Longji Village (the Ancient Zhuang Village of Longji).

The Longji Rice Terraces consist of two scenic areas: the Ping’an Northern Zhuang Terraces and the Jinkeng Red Yao Terraces. Both feature bold, sweeping carvings as well as meticulous, delicate details; they are both majestic and infused with refined artistic charm. Due to differing mountain formations, they present two distinct poetic and painterly realms. These two areas, one in the south and one in the north, shine like twin jewels, forming the cultural spaces of the Northern Zhuang and Red Yao peoples respectively—an ingeniously complementary pair.

The Ping’an Terraces stretch across both Ping’an and Longji administrative villages, resembling a giant dragon in motion, leaping across a slope four to five li long, exuding a wild, untamed energy. Within the Ping’an Terraces are two unique landscapes: “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” and “Seven Stars Around the Moon.” The “Nine Dragons” refer to nine smaller ridges branching off from the main Longji ridge, while the “Five Tigers” are five slightly raised hills. All are encircled by terraces. The “Seven Stars” are seven small hills left untouched during the original land-clearing—each perched atop a terrace, looking like seven twinkling stars guarding the crescent-shaped Moon Terrace of Longji. The presence of “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” and “Seven Stars Around the Moon” gives the Ping’an Terraces a layered, broom-like charm, full of subtle interest and meaning.

Jinkeng Red Yao Terraces

Turning left from the Erlongqiao Parking Lot leads to the Ping’an Zhuang Terraces, while turning right takes you to the Jinkeng-Dazhai Red Yao Terraces. The highest elevation here is 1,180 meters, and the lowest is 880 meters.

The Jinkeng-Dazhai Red Yao Terraces are surrounded by mountains on all sides, resembling a natural sinkhole. The ancestors of the Jinkeng Red Yao people migrated from the Dongting Lake and Wuxi regions of Hunan, bringing with them advanced rice cultivation techniques. The field in front of the school in Dazhai Village today is where the Red Yao ancestors first cultivated and harvested rice—it is the ancestral field of Jinkeng. Life and art are so interconnected. The ancestors of Longji, who toiled to carve out these terraces from the mountains, could never have imagined that their sweat-soaked creations would become a magnificent work of art—a world of graceful, elegant curves.

The Jinkeng-Dazhai Red Yao Terraces have three viewing spots: Xishan Shaole (West Mountain Music), Dajie Qianceng Tian Ti (Great Ridge Thousand-Layer Sky Ladder), and Jinfo Ding (Golden Buddha Summit). Together, they form a serene paradise removed from the mundane world. At Dajie Qianceng Tian Ti, you can see layers of terraces rising like stairs into the clouds, like a ladder to heaven. At Xishan Shaole, you can view the Mao’er Mountain of Xing’an and Longsheng’s highest peak, Fuping Bao (1,918 meters), overlooking a terraced area of 40–50 square kilometers. Watching the sunrise in the early morning, the winding terraces flow like musical notes, harmonizing with the crowing of roosters, insect chirps, bird songs, the clamor of pigs, cattle, sheep, and people, as well as the sound of streams—playing the symphony of the earth, safeguarding the passage of time. At Jinfo Ding, you can admire the “Eagle Spreading Its Wings,” the “Golden Thread Hanging a Gourd,” and sunset views.

Viewed from afar, the layers of terraces resemble fish scales adorning the continuous, rugged Longji Mountain, transforming it into a vivid, shining dragon. The life colors of the Longji Terraces, as layered as the terraces themselves, shift with the seasons, each offering its own enchanting charm.

Standing atop the highest point of the terraces, you’ll feel as though the endless layers of rice paddies surge upward like a tidal wave, rushing forth with overwhelming momentum to form a vast, dynamic expanse—a world of terraces that exudes raw power and beauty, presenting a rugged kind of splendor that is truly awe-inspiring. One poet once described the Jinkeng Red Yao Terraces thus: “The Longji Terraces rise with mighty force, / Layer upon layer winding round each peak. / Curved lines like green sashes loop and twine, / Horizontal bands weave rainbows divine. / Are they sea-snails risen from the deep? / Or brocaded silks that heaven sweep? / When I turn to find my homeward way, / Lo, a stairway of nine tiers stands in my way.”

The Jinkeng Terraces are located within Dazhai Village, named after the legend of gold mining in the area. The terrain of Jinkeng resembles both a massive “sinkhole” and a small basin snugly cupped within a circular palace. Looking up from the bottom of the pit, you’ll see slopes upon slopes, each covered in terraces that climb relentlessly toward the sky. The four-to-five-li-long ring of mountains encircles the area like a coiled dragon. Unlike the Ping’an Terraces, Jinkeng presents a rougher, more staggering beauty. In addition to the legendary “Two Dragons Fighting Over a Pearl” and “Two Lions Jumping Over a Pole,” the area also features three newly named sights: “Thousand-Layer Sky Ladder,” “Golden Buddha Summit,” and “Xishan Shaole,” forming another dreamlike sanctuary on the fantastical Longji.

The Ping’an Terraces are a vessel of Northern Zhuang culture in northern Guangxi, while the Jinkeng Terraces are the cradle of Red Yao traditions. The Zhuang and Yao peoples of Longji protect their splendid and diverse ethnic culture with the same care they devote to cultivating terraces and conserving soil. Here, you’ll find stilted wooden houses embraced by terraces, shimmering with water reflections and cloud shadows, ethereal as heavenly pavilions; the unending, ever-sung mountain songs like the terraces themselves; distinctive ethnic costumes; unique customs; and fragrant rice wine. All of this, together with the high mountains, forests, and sea of clouds, forms the profound cultural essence of the Longji Terraces.

It is these two grand terraced stages that showcase to the world the Longji people’s heroic struggle against nature. Upon the majestic and beautiful Longji Terraces, the cultural brilliance of the Zhuang and Yao peoples shines everywhere. The beauty of Longji captivates every visitor who comes. General Shao Hua, Mao Zedong’s daughter-in-law and a renowned writer and photographer, proclaimed it a photography paradise the moment she set foot on the terraces. While clicking her camera nonstop, she praised the spectacular scenery and unique ethnic culture of the Longji Terraces. Overjoyed like a child despite being over sixty, she radiated happiness. Feng Wen Zhen, the granddaughter of General Feng Yuxiang and a U.S. resident, visits her “second hometown” in Longji every time she returns to China.

Friendly Reminder

1. Hiking is a favorite activity among visitors to the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area. When exploring the villages on foot to find scenic spots, be aware that there are many forks in the road—always stick to the stone-paved paths. If you’re unsure, just ask the farmers working along the way; they’ll gladly show you the way. If hiking feels tiring, you can rent a sedan chair at the entrance. Locals will carry you up the mountain, which is faster than walking, and pedestrians will make way for the chair. You won’t have to worry about getting lost or taking a wrong turn.

2. You can watch performances in the village.

3. Locals have the habit of guiding tourists and carrying their backpacks.

4. Regarding accommodation: you can call ahead to make contact. This way, you can inquire about transportation schedules, reserve a room, and arrange for the hotel to send someone to pick you up.

5. About the climate of Longji Rice Terraces: the weather is unpredictable, so raincoats and warm winter clothing are essential.

6. Best time to visit: the half-month period after the 15th day of the fourth lunar month each year when the terraces start to be irrigated, and the half-month period after the Mid-Autumn Festival. The snow scenery of Longji is also spectacular, but snowfall times are irregular and a matter of luck. The hottest month in the scenic area is July, with an average temperature of 28.3°C; the coldest is January, with an average temperature of 7.9°C.

7. Best spots for viewing and photography: the Seven Stars Around the Moon scenic spot in Ping’an offers beautiful photo opportunities, and there are shops where you can rent ethnic minority costumes and accessories for 15 yuan per set. You can take as many photos as you like, but you need to bring your own camera.

8. Regarding transportation routes: there are three entrances to the terraces — Ping’an Village, Longji Village, and Dazhai. There are buses from downtown Guilin to each entrance, and visitors can choose according to their preference.

Scenic Area Rating: National AAAA-level Scenic Spot Ticket Price: 100 yuan

Scenic Area Opening Hours: Open all day during the daytime Location: Longsheng County, 77 kilometers from downtown Guilin

Mid-April to mid-to-late June: Watering and transplanting rice seedlings;

July to early-to-mid September: Green terraces;

Mid-to-late September to early-to-mid November: Golden Longji;

Mid-to-late December to early-to-mid February: Snow-covered landscape (viewed at Golden Pit Rice Terraces); March features rapeseed flowers on Longji. As can be seen from the above descriptions, the Longji Rice Terraces are beautiful in all four seasons, but April’s water-filled fields and September’s golden layered terraces are especially magnificent.

Scenic Area Features

1. International rural tourism — here you can experience both local charm and a touch of exotic flair.

2. Locals, including Zhuang and Yao people, elders and seniors, all speak English and say “Hello”...

3. Anyone aged 10 to 60 can be a guide.

4. What you can’t find elsewhere, you’ll find here; what you can find elsewhere, you’ll also find here — this place has it all.

5. Where there’s a house, there’s a shop. Ethnic-style stilted guesthouses operated by local families can accommodate around 20 people each, and you can even cook your own meals.

6. Visitors come from China and abroad — yellow, black, and white skins, yellow, black, and red hair — an international leisure rural tourism vibe, a heaven on earth, a utopia.

Food: When visiting Longji, you must try the local Longji chicken, raised with mountain spring water — a delicacy you won’t get in the city, priced at around 150 yuan per chicken. There are also bamboo rats, pheasants, mountain turtles, wild honey, and lucky and daring visitors can sample various edible insects.

Tip: Transportation in Dazhai is inconvenient, fresh pork is scarce, and meat dishes are relatively expensive (30–65 yuan), while regular dishes range from 20–35 yuan. Ping’an Village has more convenient transport and moderate prices.

Accommodation Guide

You can stay in the Zhongliu Yao Village of the Longji Rice Terraces, located between Tiantou Village and Ping’an Village. There are no dedicated hotels; you’ll stay with Yao families. Sanitation may be basic, and prices are negotiable, though not more expensive than family-run guesthouses. There’s also the Longji Ancient Zhuang Village, which also lacks dedicated hotels — you’ll stay with local families. Many old houses and uniquely ethnic stilted buildings are available, and some well-located ones offer terrace views right from your window. You can book in advance on the Xiangyou Travel website, and prices are generally quite affordable. During peak season, photographers flock here, making accommodation tight — it’s best to book ahead.

There are many rural inns in Ping’an Village that offer accommodations.

Shopping Guide

The Four Treasures of Longji

Tea, chili peppers, rice wine, and glutinous rice. Longji tea was a tribute item during the Qing Dynasty; Longji glutinous rice is used to make fragrant and sweet Longji rice wine; Longji chili peppers have a strong, unique aroma, thick skin, small seeds, and moderate spiciness; Longji rice wine is also known as the “Longsheng Maotai.”

Ethnic Handicrafts

Ethnic handicrafts in Longji mainly include handmade embroidery, batik, and silverware by the Yao people. Almost every household sells them, and the craftsmanship is good. Other crafts include red Yao embroidered headscarves, floral sashes, jingling silver hats, Zhuang embroidered balls, straw shoes, and hand-embroidered shoe insoles. Prices are reasonable, and haggling is allowed. Some purely handmade items are less flexible on price, but they’re great for souvenirs or gifts.

Tips

Language

The local dialect spoken in Longsheng is also a version of Guilin dialect, but with more regional characteristics. This distinctive local language can be difficult for first-time visitors to understand at first. However, with careful attention, you’ll find its charm and patterns.

Banks

There are no banks within the scenic area, so make sure to bring enough cash.

Hospitals

There are no hospitals within the scenic area. The nearest central health clinic is in Longji Town, while larger hospitals are only available in Longsheng County. Major hospitals include Longsheng County People's Hospital, Longsheng County Maternal and Child Health Hospital, and Longsheng County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.

Travel Safety

1. Rafting carries certain risks. Pay special attention to your own safety. It’s best to purchase tickets from designated ticket points and ride bamboo rafts with your “three certificates.”

2. The areas around train stations and bus stations are mixed with all kinds of people. Avoid displaying large amounts of money and keep your belongings secure.

Source: Longsheng Tourism Network

Ping’an Village: Located in Heping Township, Longsheng County, Ping’an Village is home to the nationally renowned Longji Rice Terraces. It is 22.5 kilometers from the county seat and 103 kilometers from Guilin City. This is one of Guangxi’s 20 top-tier scenic spots. The scenic area spans 66 square kilometers, with terraces ranging in altitude from 380 meters at the lowest to 880 meters at the highest, creating a vertical drop of 500 meters. All terraces are distributed between altitudes of 300 and 1100 meters, with some slopes reaching up to 50 degrees. Layer upon layer, they wind from the mountain foot to the summit, creating a magnificent and spectacular view known as the “Longji Rice Terraces.” The Longji Rice Terraces began... More information on Ping’an Village++