Longji Rice Terraces, known for their breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offer some of the most picturesque views in China. The area is divided into three main scenic zones: Jinkeng Dazhai (金坑大寨), Ping’an Zhuang Village (平安壮寨), and Gu Zhuang Village (古壮寨). Among these, Jinkeng Dazhai is the largest and most famous, while Ping’an Zhuang Village is second in scale. Gu Zhuang Village is the smallest and closest to the main ticketing area. If you have limited time, we recommend prioritizing the Jinkeng Dazhai and Ping’an Zhuang areas for their stunning views and accessibility.
Jinkeng Dazhai Rice Terraces (金坑大寨梯田)
Location: 23 km from the ticket office, approximately 40 minutes by car.
Jinkeng Dazhai is the largest and most iconic of the Longji Rice Terraces. This scenic area is known for its vast terraces and multiple viewing platforms, making it the top destination for visitors. There are three major viewpoints in Jinkeng Dazhai: Xishan Shaole, Qianceng Tianti, and Jinfo Ding.
Xishan Shaole Viewpoint (西山韶乐观景台): To reach this viewpoint, simply navigate to Xishan Shaole No.1. From here, visitors can view the majestic Cat Mountain (猫儿山) in Xing’an and the highest peak in the Longji area, Fupingbao (福平包), which rises 1,918 meters. The viewpoint offers a 40-50 square kilometer panoramic view of the terraces, making it a perfect spot for sunrise. The winding terraces, bathed in the soft morning light, create a mesmerizing scene.
Qianceng Tianti Viewpoint (千层天梯观景台): Easily accessible by navigation, the Qianceng Tianti viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the terraces, which appear like a giant staircase leading up to the sky. This unique angle gives the illusion of climbing to the heavens, providing some of the most spectacular photo opportunities.
Jinfo Ding Viewpoint (金佛顶观景台): Jinfo Ding is accessible by either cable car or a 30-minute hike. The viewpoint is famous for two natural formations: the “Eagle Spreading Its Wings” (雄鹰展翅) and the “Golden Hanging Gourd” (金线吊葫芦). In addition to these features, Jinfo Ding also offers stunning sunset views, making it one of the best spots for photography.
Recommendation for Jinkeng Dazhai: If you only have time for one area of Longji Rice Terraces, Jinkeng Dazhai should be your top choice. As the largest and most diverse scenic area, it offers the most views and the best accessibility. If you’re not interested in the sunrise, visit the Qianceng Tianti and Jinfo Ding in the morning and afternoon, respectively. For those with limited time, Jinfo Ding is an excellent choice, as it has a cable car, allowing you to save time and enjoy panoramic views of the entire rice terraces. This viewpoint is perfect for capturing sweeping photos of the terraces.
Ping’an Zhuang Rice Terraces (平安壮族梯田)
Location: 17 km from the ticket office, approximately 30 minutes by car.
Ping’an Zhuang is the second-largest scenic area in Longji Rice Terraces and is known for its beautiful and finely crafted terraces. The area features two main viewpoints: Jiulong Wuhu (九龙五虎) and Qixing Ban Yue (七星伴月).
Jiulong Wuhu Viewpoint (九龙五虎观景台): You can reach Jiulong Wuhu by either taking a sightseeing bus or hiking for 20 minutes from the parking lot. The viewpoint is famous for its “Nine Dragons” (九龙) and “Five Tigers” (五虎). The Nine Dragons refers to nine ridgelines of mountains that resemble giant dragons descending to drink from the Jinjiang River. Nearby, five small hilltops look like crouching tigers, forming a unique landscape that’s truly a sight to behold.
Qixing Ban Yue Viewpoint (七星伴月): Located a 30-minute walk from Jiulong Wuhu, Qixing Ban Yue gets its name from the seven small terraces arranged around a large central one, resembling seven stars accompanying the moon. While scenic, this viewpoint is not as impressive as Jiulong Wuhu, and is less recommended for those short on time.
Recommendation for Ping’an Zhuang: Ping’an Zhuang is smaller in scale compared to Jinkeng Dazhai, but its compact beauty and picturesque landscapes make it an excellent spot for those who enjoy a more intimate and peaceful experience. Ping’an is perfect for families, those interested in hiking, and travelers who prefer a more serene atmosphere. The Jiulong Wuhu viewpoint, in particular, is stunning and definitely worth visiting. However, if time is limited, you may want to skip Qixing Ban Yue as it is less spectacular.