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Longji Rice Terraces

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Longji Rice Terraces

Hills carved into hundreds of rice terraces, called the "Dragon's Backbone", home to Zhuang and Yao villages.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
Full day
Entry
Paid
Best time
May–June and September–October
Area
Longsheng

Rice terraces carved into the mountains by local villages.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Longji Rice Terraces, Longsheng County, Guilin

  • From Guilin: About 2 hours by car or bus.
  • Villages: Ping'an and Dazhai are the main villages; cable cars run at Dazhai.
  • Walking: Trails link viewpoints; porters can carry luggage.

The story of the Longji Rice Terraces

The Longji ("Dragon's Backbone") terraces were built by Zhuang and Yao farmers over centuries, beginning as early as the Yuan dynasty. They climb from the river valley to about 1,100 metres.

The Yao women of Huangluo are famous for their extremely long hair. The terraces change colour through the year: water-filled in spring, green in summer and golden at harvest.

Best time to visit

Best season

May–June (water and green) and late September–October (golden).

Best time of day

Sunrise and sunset light.

Winter

Fields are bare; occasional snow.

Tips before you go

  • Go in May–June or September–October.
  • Stay overnight in a village to see sunrise.
  • Use the Dazhai cable car for high viewpoints.

Best hotels near the Longji Rice Terraces

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Banyan Tree Yangshuo

Riverside resort among karst peaks.

See prices

Alila Yangshuo

Design hotel in a former sugar mill.

See prices

Shangri-La Guilin

Hotel on the Li River.

See prices
All hotels near the Longji Rice Terraces

What's around the Longji Rice Terraces

  • Ping'an villageZhuang village.
  • Dazhai villageYao village with cable car.
  • Huangluo Yao villageLong-hair village.
  • Guilin2 hours away.

Questions travellers ask

When are the terraces golden?

Late September to October.

How far from Guilin?

About 2 hours.

Should I stay overnight?

Yes, for sunrise.

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Travel Plan · Longji Rice Terraces Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure