Longji Rice Terraces, known for their stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage, offers an unforgettable experience for any traveler. I recently visited the Jinkeng Dazhai (金坑大寨) area in early July, and the journey was nothing short of magical. After winding along mountain roads for hours, I was met with breathtaking views that took my breath away. If you’re planning a trip to this spectacular region, here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of your 2-day, 1-night stay at Jinkeng Dazhai, one of Longji’s most iconic destinations.
Transportation to Longji Rice Terraces
For my journey to Longji Rice Terraces, I chose to take a bus from Guilin. The bus ticket cost 50 RMB, and the ride took around 4 hours. The route to the terraces is filled with winding mountain roads, making it difficult and dangerous for unexperienced drivers, so taking the bus was the safest and most cost-effective option. Below is the bus schedule to help plan your trip:
Bus Schedule:
- Guilin / West / North Station → Jinkeng Dazhai: 08:30, 09:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00
- Jinkeng Dazhai → Guilin / West / North Station: 09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00
- Yangshuo → Jinkeng Dazhai: 08:00, 10:30, 13:30
- Jinkeng Dazhai → Yangshuo: 09:00, 12:00, 15:00
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
I arrived at Jinkeng Dazhai in the afternoon, around 4:00 PM. The bus dropped us at the parking lot, where I contacted the owner of my guesthouse. A friendly driver soon arrived to take us up the mountain, which took another 20 minutes by car. As we ascended, the stunning views began to unfold. When we reached the hotel, I was in awe of the panorama – it felt like I had stepped into another world.
My accommodation was ideally located at the highest point of Dazhai (大寨, short for Jinkeng Dazhai), near the West Mountain Shaole Viewing Platform (西山韶乐观景台). Even without leaving the guesthouse, I could enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding terraces. After settling in, we made our way to the famous Qianceng (Thousand-Step) Terraces (千层梯田), where we were treated to an awe-inspiring sight of the water-filled rice terraces reflecting the sky. The lighting after 5:00 PM is soft and golden, creating perfect conditions for photography – everything looked like it belonged on a postcard.
For dinner, we ordered local specialties, including dishes prepared with freshly caught ingredients from the region. The guesthouse owner also gifted us a bottle of homemade rice wine, which paired wonderfully with the meal. As night fell, the atmosphere became even more magical, with fireworks going off in the distance and the soft glow of lanterns lighting up the village. It was a peaceful and unforgettable evening, one that truly captured the essence of rural life in the terraces.
Day 2: Sunrise, Cable Car Ride, and Scenic Views
On the second day, I woke up early to catch the famous sunrise over the rice terraces. Our guesthouse was perfectly located near Viewing Platforms 1 and 2, which are ideal spots for watching the sun rise over the golden fields. Unfortunately, it started raining heavily in the early morning, but we still had the chance to enjoy the misty, mystical atmosphere from our bed as the fog slowly lifted. When the rain stopped, the clouds parted to reveal a stunning orange glow on the terraces, making the whole scene shimmer like a painting.
After breakfast, I borrowed traditional Miao ethnic clothing from the village and had a fun photo shoot, trying to capture the essence of the local culture and beauty of the terraces.
Next, we headed to the Jinkeng Dazhai Cable Car Station (located at the parking lot). The cable car ride took about 30 minutes and offered panoramic views of the terraces below. From up here, the terraces appeared like layers of a giant cake, their green hues looking vibrant and fresh.
Jinkeng Dazhai Scenic Spots and Tips
Jinkeng Dazhai is one of the main villages in the Longji Rice Terraces scenic area, offering three main viewing platforms for visitors:
- Platform 1 – West Mountain Shaole (西山韶乐): Known for its spectacular sunsets, this is a great spot to relax and enjoy the view.
- Platform 2 – Qianceng Tianti (Thousand-Step Terraces) (千层天梯): Ideal for photography, it’s less crowded and offers excellent photo opportunities.
- Platform 3 – Jinfo Ding (Golden Buddha Peak) (金佛顶): The best location for sunrise views. You can either hike or take the cable car to the top for stunning panoramic views of the terraces.
Costs and Fees:
- Longji Rice Terraces Entrance Ticket: 80 RMB (adults)
- Cable Car Ticket: 60 RMB (one way) or 100 RMB (round trip)
- Miao Ethnic Clothing Rental: 5-30 RMB (bargainable)