The Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田), also known as the Dragon’s Backbone, offer breathtaking views throughout the year, but autumn, especially around harvest time, is a particularly magical period to visit. Whether you’re planning to explore the scenic areas of Jinkeng Dazhai (金坑大寨), Ping’an (平安寨), or Guzhuang (古壮寨), this guide will provide you with essential information on transportation, accommodation, weather conditions, and practical tips to help you make the most of your trip to Longji Rice Terraces during the autumn harvest season.
When is the Best Time to Visit Longji Rice Terraces in Autumn?
Autumn marks the harvest season in the Longji Rice Terraces, and October 27th is typically when the rice harvest begins in all three main areas: Jinkeng Dazhai (金坑大寨), Ping’an (平安寨), and Guzhuang (古壮寨). If you want to experience the terraces at their most iconic, make sure to visit before the harvest begins.
Weather Conditions:
- Late October: Expect mostly sunny and cloudy days with very little rain. Temperatures range from 12°C to 29°C with large temperature fluctuations between day and night.
- November: Temperatures drop further, ranging between 10°C and 22°C. It’s also the start of the cloudy season with occasional light rain.
Clothing Recommendations:
- Late October: Light clothing like short-sleeve shirts or dresses with long pants or a skirt, but definitely bring a jacket for the chilly mornings and evenings.
- November and beyond: It’s time to layer up. Wear a thin base layer with a coat, sweatshirt, or knit sweater. It’s colder, and you’ll need warm layers in the evenings.
Ticket Information and Cable Car
- Entrance Fee: ¥80 for all three main villages: Jinkeng Dazhai , Guzhuang, and Ping’an. Once you purchase the ticket, you can access all three villages, though you will need to show it at the entrance of each.
- Cable Car: The Jinkeng Dazhai area has a cable car, which is a convenient way to reach higher vantage points.
- Single trip: ¥55
- Round trip: ¥100
- The cable car can save time and energy, especially if you’re planning to hike up to the Jinfo Ding (金佛顶) viewing platform for panoramic views.
Transportation Tips to Reach Longji Rice Terraces
The Longji Rice Terraces are located in the mountainous region of Longsheng, and getting there involves some winding mountain roads. While self-driving is an option, the roads can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to mountain driving.
Transportation to Guilin
- By Train: Whether you’re arriving by high-speed rail or regular train, it’s best to use Guilin Station or Guilin North Station, both of which are centrally located with easy access to public transportation.
- By Air: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (桂林两江国际机场) is about 30 km from the city center. Upon arrival, you can take the airport shuttle bus or a Didi (滴滴) ride, but avoid unlicensed taxis outside the airport as they tend to charge excessively.
Public Bus from Guilin to Longsheng
- From Guilin Bus Station, you can take a direct bus to Longsheng.
- Buses depart at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM, with return buses from Longsheng starting at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM.
Public Bus from Yangshuo to Longji Rice Terraces
- From Yangshuo (a popular tourist destination nearby), buses to Longji Rice Terraces depart from Bilian Cave (碧莲洞). Departures are at 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 1:30 PM, with return buses at 9:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM.
Self-Driving (Not Recommended for Everyone)
Self-driving allows you to explore at your own pace but note that the roads are steep and winding. From the ticket pickup point to Jinkeng Dazhai, it takes about 40 minutes by car, and the roads become even more difficult as you approach higher altitudes. Parking is available near the Jinkeng Dazhai viewing area, but be prepared for parking fees.
Where to Stay Near Longji Rice Terraces
Guilin City Center: If you’re planning to spend a day exploring Guilin before heading to Longji, stay in the city center near Dongxi Alley (东西巷) or Zhongshan Road, where you’ll have easy access to attractions, shopping, and dining options.
Yangshuo Area: If you’re in Yangshuo before or after visiting Longji, consider staying near West Street (西街) or near Yulong River (遇龙河) and Moon Hill (月亮山). This area is lively with lots of restaurants and outdoor activities.
Longsheng Region (龙胜): There are hotels and guesthouses within the Longji Scenic Area (龙脊景区) itself, though it’s not recommended to stay in the town of Longsheng (龙胜县), as it is far from the terraces and lacks scenic attractions. The best place to stay within the Longji area is near Jinkeng Dazhai, where you’ll find several guesthouses offering excellent views and easy access to the scenic areas.
Practical Travel Tips for Longji Rice Terraces
- Prepare for a Full Day of Exploration: Longji Rice Terraces cover a large area, including Huangluo Yao Village (黄洛瑶寨), Jinkeng Dazhai (金坑大寨), and Ping’an Zhuang Village (平安壮寨). Plan for a full day to leisurely explore the terraces.
- High Prices for Supplies: Things like food, water, and daily necessities tend to be significantly more expensive in the Longji area compared to the surrounding cities. It’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and supplies.
- Skip the Overpriced Local Shows: The Huangluo Yao Village offers performances, but they are overpriced and not particularly well-rated by visitors. It’s better to enjoy the natural scenery than waste time and money on these shows.
- Accommodation Recommendations: If you’re staying in Longji, choose accommodation near Jinkeng Dazhai for the best views and convenience. Longsheng town offers fewer advantages and is far from the terraces.
- Optimal Travel Window: The best time to visit Longji Rice Terraces is from March to October, when the terraces are lush and green. Outside of these months, the terraces can appear bare and less scenic.
- Avoid Rainy Days: To truly appreciate the beauty of Longji, visit on a sunny day. The terraces are stunning when illuminated by sunlight, creating a natural filter effect. On rainy days, the view can be obscured by mist, and the landscape becomes less photogenic.
- Dining Recommendations: The restaurants in the terraces tend to have similar menus and are often catered to tourists. Try to avoid overly popular spots and opt for local eateries for more authentic meals.