The Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田), commonly referred to as “Dragon’s Backbone,” is a broad geographical term encompassing the “Thirteen Villages of Longji.” The name is derived from the local belief that the residents live on the back of a mythical dragon. The scenic area mainly includes the regions of Jinzhuk, Huangluo, Longji, Ping’an, and Dazhai, along with smaller villages such as Xiaozhai, Xinzha, and Xiabu, which are home to various ethnic communities.
The construction of the terraces in the Longji Mountain area began in the late Yuan Dynasty, developed during the Ming Dynasty, and was completed in the early Qing Dynasty, giving them a history of over 660 years. These terraces, created through the blood, sweat, and lives of the people who originally sought survival in the mountains, have now become a well-known tourist attraction, a perfect example of unexpected success.
The area is most famous for the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces, which are renowned for their flowing, cloud-like lines, graceful and smooth curves, and grand, awe-inspiring scale, earning them the title of “The World’s Crown of Terraces.” Today, the Longji Rice Terraces have evolved into a scenic area that combines the agricultural culture of terraced rice farming with both natural landscapes and the cultural heritage of the local ethnic minorities.
Travel Information about Longji Rice Terraces
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 80 RMB
Opening Hours: Open all day
Best Time to Visit
Longji Rice Terraces only plant one crop of rice per year. The best time for visiting and photography is about half a month after April 15th on the lunar calendar, when the terraces begin to be filled with water. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, the terraces turn golden, making it another excellent time to visit.
How to Get There
Location: Ping’an Village, Heping Township, Longsheng County, Guilin
Transportation: From Guilin Qintan Bus Station, take a bus to Longsheng County. Upon arrival in Longsheng, transfer to a bus heading to either Jinkeng Dazhai or Ping’an Zhuang Village, and get off at the entrance to the Heping Township scenic area.
Scenic Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Cultural Experience: ★★★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of Longji Rice Terraces
Jinzhu Zhuang Village
Jinzhu Zhuang Village is the foremost among the “Thirteen Villages of Longji” and was recognized as a model Zhuang village by UNESCO in 1992. According to legend, before the ancestors of the Zhuang people settled here, the area was a golden bamboo forest, believed to be the body of a stone dragon. After generations of Zhuang people made this auspicious land their home, they named it “Jinzhu” (Golden Bamboo) Zhuang Village.
Established in the late Qing Dynasty, Jinzhu Zhuang Village has long been a secluded and traditional Zhuang settlement. The village is a quintessential example of original Zhuang architecture, featuring ancient stilted wooden houses known as “ma lan” that have withstood the test of time. Despite the passage of years, these wooden structures still stand gracefully in the village. The village is surrounded by terraced fields and ecological forests, creating a serene environment filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. Stone-paved steps connect the inside and outside of the village, enhancing its quaint charm.
Jinzhu Zhuang Village offers well-developed tourist facilities and services, providing visitors with options for dining, entertainment, sightseeing, and shopping. When visiting Jinzhu Zhuang Village, tourists can learn about the legendary figure Mo Yidawang, listen to the melodious Zhuang folk songs, and enjoy traditional performances that reflect the original lifestyle of the Zhuang people. These include the Shigong dance, bamboo pole dance, bamboo clapper dance, shoulder pole dance, and the embroidered ball dance, all of which showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Zhuang ethnic group.
Longji Ancient Zhuang Village
Longji Ancient Zhuang Village is a historic settlement inhabited by the Zhuang ethnic group. Situated at an altitude of over 600 meters, the village is surrounded by stunning natural scenery. The reflection of water and the play of clouds give the village an ethereal atmosphere, making it look like a heavenly paradise when combined with the vast terraced fields.
In addition to its beautiful natural landscape, Longji Ancient Zhuang Village is steeped in rich history and culture. The architecture here is notably rustic, with some structures dating back over a hundred years, all well-preserved. Visitors can not only admire the original architectural style of the Zhuang people but also explore various historic sites within the village. These include the Three Fish Stone Bridge, Longquan Pavilion, the old Kangxi military camp site, the Pan Tianhong integrity monument from the Qianlong era, the Taiping Qinggang, an ancient stone mill, and the ancient stone village gate. The village also offers a glimpse into the simple and traditional customs of the Zhuang people.
Ping’an Zhuang Rice Terraces
The Ping’an Zhuang Rice Terraces are located in Ping’an Village within the Longji area. The terraces are intricately designed, resembling chains and ribbons that wind from the foot of the mountain all the way to the summit. The smaller hills resemble snails, while the larger ones are tower-like. The area features two notable viewpoints: “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” and “Seven Stars with the Moon.”
“Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” viewpoint: The term “Nine Dragons” refers to the nine mountain ridges that, when viewed from the terraces, resemble nine dragons descending from the sky to drink from the Jinjiang River. Nearby, five small hills sit like five tigers, guarding the land and water.
The “Seven Stars with the Moon” viewpoint is named after the seven small mounds left during the creation of the terraces. These mounds resemble seven twinkling stars surrounding a bright, reflective rice field at the mountain’s summit. From a distance, the scene resembles seven stars accompanying a shining moon, creating a picturesque and poetic landscape. The existence of these “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” and “Seven Stars with the Moon” adds depth and charm to the Ping’an Rice Terraces, making the scenery even more captivating.
Huangluo Yao Village
Huangluo Yao Village is renowned as the world’s only Long Hair Village, a title it earned in 2001 from the Guinness World Records for having the longest collective hair. The women of this village have a long-standing tradition of growing their hair, with over 60 women having hair longer than 1 meter, and the longest reaching approximately 1.7 meters.
The villagers are known for their musical talents and warm hospitality. When visitors arrive at Huangluo Yao Village, they are greeted by Yao women dressed in traditional ethnic clothing, singing sweet folk songs. The welcoming ceremony includes unique dances and traditional athletic events, offering tourists an authentic cultural experience.
What to do:
- Festivals: The “Red Clothes Festival,” held annually on the 14th day of the seventh lunar month, is one of the most significant and grandest festivals in the Longsheng region. As of now, it has been celebrated four times. The festival features various activities, including the women’s flower cannon snatching competition, traditional song and dance performances by the Yao, Miao, Dong, and Zhuang ethnic groups, and a long hair contest among Yao women.
- Shopping: The village has a craft gallery and a shop where visitors can purchase various traditional Yao products. These include Yao King Seals, tiger claw totem wallets, hanging bags, backpacks, hats, straw sandals, sachets, embroidered shoes, and Yao ethnic clothing.
Huangluo Yao Village’s Long Hair Secret
In Huangluo Yao Village, Yao women have a unique tradition regarding their hair. They do not cut their hair before the age of 18, and when they turn 18, they have a ceremonial haircut to mark their adulthood. After this, they let their hair grow long for the rest of their lives, only cutting it when they pass away.
So, how do the women of Huangluo Yao Village maintain their long, healthy hair? The secret lies in a traditional hair care method passed down through generations. Every household in the village has a clay pot placed by the hearth, where they store fermented rice water. This rice water is heated and fermented by the hearth, turning it into a unique hair care solution.
Every few days, the women wash their hair by soaking it in this fermented rice water, allowing it to absorb the nutrients and energy. Afterward, they rinse their hair with mountain spring water, comb it, and let it dry naturally. This is the secret behind the long, healthy hair of the Red Yao women.
Unmarried women in the village keep their hair coiled on top of their heads and wrapped in a black cloth, which only family members are allowed to see. According to tradition, if an outsider wishes to see a woman’s long hair, he must marry her—a custom that adds an interesting layer to the village’s cultural heritage.
Jinkeng Rice Terraces
The Jinkeng Rice Terraces are a vital part of the Longji Rice Terraces, with the highest point reaching an elevation of 1,180 meters. The core area of the Jinkeng terraces is centered around Dazhai, including the terraces of Xiaozhai, Qiangbei, and Xiabu, which together form a continuous basin-shaped landscape. This area is known for its expansive, majestic views, with a distinct sense of layering and beautiful curving lines. The landscape is also dynamic, offering different sights throughout the year.
Climbing to the top of the Jinkeng Rice Terraces provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the terraces, with layers upon layers of fields cascading down the mountainside. In autumn, the golden rice sways gently in the breeze, creating a scene of serene beauty. The Jinkeng Rice Terraces boast three major viewpoints: Xishan Shaole, Thousand-Layer Heavenly Ladder, and Golden Buddha Summit. These viewpoints offer the most stunning views of the terraces.
Thousand-Layer Heavenly Ladder Viewpoint: From this viewpoint, the terraces appear like thousands of steps ascending straight into the clouds. Standing on the observation deck, one can see the terraces rising like waves, surging forward with overwhelming momentum. The terraces form a vast, powerful landscape, showcasing a rugged beauty that is truly awe-inspiring.
Yinshui Dong Village
Yinshui Dong Village is a charming Dong ethnic village located in the Longji area. Nestled in a valley, the village is named for its landscape, which resembles a silver chain from a distance. The natural ecology of Yinshui Dong Village is well-preserved, with lush greenery and picturesque scenery that captivates visitors.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the village boasts a rich cultural heritage, with traditional customs of the Dong people remaining intact. Here, visitors can enjoy performances of Dong folk songs, witness lively lusheng dances, and savor unique Dong cuisine, particularly their famous sour dishes.
One of the village’s standout features is its impressive wind and rain bridge, a remarkable wooden structure that showcases the architectural skills of the Dong people. This bridge is notable for being built entirely without nails or rivets, serving as a symbolic landmark of the village. At the top of the village, there is a temple that attracts many visitors, known for its continuous incense offerings and regional fame.
Xiaboo Yao Village
Xiaboo Yao Village is a picturesque Yao ethnic village nestled in a U-shaped valley. The village is framed by stunning natural landscapes, with the impressive Xiaboo Rice Terraces in front and dense forests and lush tea plantations behind. Although many of the village’s buildings are newly constructed, they maintain a traditional architectural style, primarily using cedar wood and harmonizing with the surrounding mountains and streams.
In addition to the breathtaking terrace views, Xiaboo is renowned for its enchanting tea gardens. The village’s extensive tea plantations are designed to follow the natural contours of the mountains, resulting in tall tea trees that create a striking contrast to the low-growing tea bushes commonly found in northern regions. Due to its high altitude, the tea gardens bloom beautifully in spring, evoking the essence of the famous saying, “When the fragrance of April fades, the tea blossoms of Xiaboo begin to flourish.”
Feilong Canyon
About one kilometer from Xiaboo Yao Village lies a natural wonder known as Feilong Canyon. This stunning canyon is characterized by dense forests on both sides, with babbling streams and cascading waterfalls creating a captivating landscape. Spanning approximately two kilometers, the canyon has a distinct V-shape and is adorned with blooming mountain flowers. Looking up, visitors can see clouds swirling around the mountain peaks, while the sounds of flowing water, birds, and insects create a beautiful melody.
Feilong Canyon is home to numerous waterfalls that form an impressive waterfall cluster, with breathtaking views and grand scenery. The most captivating of these is the Feilong Great Waterfall, located at the highest point of the canyon. This majestic waterfall cascades down in three tiers, creating a zigzagging effect as it flows. The water rushes swiftly upstream, making sharp turns as it plunges down into a pool below, producing a thunderous roar.
The beauty of the waterfall is enhanced by steep cliffs flanking both sides, adorned with lush greenery and moss-covered rocks. The waterfall glides down like a white ribbon on a green carpet, while the splashing water sparkles like silver threads, illuminated by the sunlight filtering through the forest.
Photography Spots and Tips
The Longji Rice Terraces are divided into two scenic areas: the Ping An North Zhuang Terraces and the Jinkeng Terraces. Their stunning landscapes have attracted numerous artists and photography enthusiasts in recent years. Here’s a guide for capturing the best photos in Longji.
Best Times for Photography
- April 15 to Early June: This period is ideal when the terraces are flooded with water, creating beautiful reflections. The frequent rainy days often bring mist and clouds, enhancing the atmosphere. Early June is also a great time for rice planting, providing natural scenes of farmers at work without needing staged shots.
- July to Early August: The rice seedlings are still relatively low, allowing for layered greens while the terrace lines remain visible. Photos taken during this time can still be quite appealing.
- Mid-Autumn: The terraces are filled with ripe golden rice, creating a breathtaking landscape.
- Winter (Snowy Days): Though rare, snow on the terraces adds a unique charm to the scenery.
- Cultural Events: Pay attention to traditional events, such as the Torch Festival held in Jinkeng during the Dragon Boat Festival, which can add lively elements to your photos.
Best Locations for Photography
Spot One: “Xishan Shaole” (西山韶乐)
Elevation: Approximately 1,100 meters.
This is the best photography point, with about 90% of the images in Longji Rice Terrace photo albums taken here. Many award-winning photos are captured in this location.
Spot Two: “Qian Ceng Tian Ti” (千层天梯)
Elevation: About 800-900 meters.
Close to the concentrated village area of Tian Tou Zhai, this spot offers good photo opportunities, though the views might not be as grand as Spot One. It is more accessible for many visitors staying in Tian Tou Zhai.
Spot Three: “Jin Fo Ding” (金佛顶)
This spot is less crowded and easily accessible. If you have ample time, it’s worth exploring.
“Seven Stars with the Moon” (七星伴月)
Elevation: Over 800 meters.
Located near Ping An Zhai, this spot is convenient for visitors and a must-visit for photos.
“Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” (九龙五虎)
Elevation: Over 900 meters.
When the weather is clear, this location can yield excellent photos.
Best Times of Day for Photography
- Spot One: Best for early morning and late afternoon, as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
- Spot Two: Suitable for early morning and late afternoon as well.
- Spot Three: Ideal for evening shots; avoid morning as it faces east.
- “Seven Stars with the Moon”: Great for sunrise photography.
- “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers”: Best for sunset shots.
However, don’t be too rigid with the timing. After photographing “Qixing Ban Yue” in the morning, you can transition to “Jiu Long Wu Hu” along the hillside for unexpected photo opportunities. On misty mornings, “Jiu Long Wu Hu” can also produce stunning images.
Visitor Guide for Longji Rice Terraces
Accommodation Options in Longji
When visiting Longji, most travelers choose to stay in Tiantouzhai, where numerous hotels are available and close to the attractions. The lodges in Tiantouzhai are primarily wooden buildings featuring viewing platforms. Alternatively, visitors can opt for accommodations in Dazhai, which is farther from the main sights but offers significantly lower prices.
Panorama Hotel (全景楼大酒店)
Located at the peak of the Jinkeng Rice Terraces viewing area, this hotel offers stunning views of the terraces right from your window. It is one of the best hotels in the area and an excellent place for sightseeing. The hotel features a Chinese restaurant, but reservations must be made at least two hours in advance. Additionally, there is a shuttle service from Guilin to the Longji Rice Terraces, making it convenient for travelers. To secure a booking, it’s advisable to arrive by 18:00, as it takes approximately two hours to walk from the foot of the mountain to the hotel.
Location: Dazhai Village, Heping Township, Longsheng County, Guilin.
Longsheng Dazhai Jinkeng Inn (龙胜大寨金坑客栈)
This inn features unique stilt houses with a three-story design, all constructed from fir wood. The environment is beautiful and air quality is fresh, with comfortable and hygienic rooms equipped with complete facilities. The friendly owners are known for their excellent cooking, offering a variety of local farmhouse dishes, ensuring a pleasant stay and delightful meals.
Location: Group 1, Dazhai Village, Longji Town, Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County, Guilin.
Longji Rice Terraces Yuye Panorama Inn (龙脊梯田御野全景客栈)
This inn provides excellent sound insulation and is ideally situated for enjoying panoramic views of the Jinkeng Rice Terraces. It offers unobstructed views of the main scenic spots, including Xishan Shaole, Qianceng Tianti, and Jinfo Peak, as well as the newly developed Xiaozhai terraced landscape, making it an ideal location for photography. The inn is easily accessible by car, allowing direct access to the entrance without the need for a hike. It also features homegrown organic vegetables and free-range poultry for guests.
Location: Jinkeng Dazhai Rice Terraces.
Longji Ameng Home (龙脊阿蒙家)
This local stilt house offers single, double, and triple rooms. The innkeepers are warm and genuine, and it is located close to the attractions, with the “Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon” viewpoint just downhill.
Location: Halfway up the mountain in the Ping’an Rice Terraces Scenic Area.
Cuisine of Longji
The culinary delights of Longji primarily feature natural farmhouse dishes that reflect the local flavors and ingredients. Here are two must-try specialties:
Longji Free-Range Chicken (龙脊土鸡)
A trip to Longji is incomplete without tasting the local free-range chicken. These chickens are raised on mountain spring water, giving the meat a unique and delicious flavor that’s hard to find in urban areas. The price for a whole free-range chicken is around 100 yuan. In addition to chicken, you can also savor other local delicacies such as bamboo rat, wild chicken, and wild honey.
Bamboo Rice (竹筒饭)
Bamboo rice is a popular specialty food among the ethnic minorities in Guangxi. The region is abundant in bamboo, and its climate is perfect for bamboo growth. Bamboo serves as a unique cooking vessel, adding a fragrant aroma to the dish. To prepare bamboo rice, glutinous rice and water are placed inside a bamboo segment, sealed, and then roasted until cooked. This method enhances the flavor and retains the natural fragrance of the bamboo.
Shopping in Longji
In the Tian Tou Zhai area of the Longji Scenic Area, you can find a variety of unique local handicrafts and specialties. Here are some highlights of what to shop for:
Yao Ethnic Handicrafts: The area is famous for its exquisite Yao embroidery, including headscarves, phone cases, backpacks, and wall hangings. You can also find traditional batik items such as head wraps, shawls, and tablecloths, as well as silver jewelry. Nearly every household sells these items, and they are crafted with great skill. Prices here tend to be more affordable compared to other tourist spots, but don’t forget to bargain!
Longji Tea: This area produces high-stem cloud tea, known for its top-notch quality. During the Qianlong Emperor’s reign, it was designated as a tribute. According to the Chinese Tea Encyclopedia, Longji Cloud Tea is one of China’s 28 famous teas.
Longji Chili Peppers: Grown in the misty mountains above 600 meters in elevation, these horn-shaped chilies are known for their intense spiciness and unique aroma. They also contain various vitamins and are believed to help dispel cold and dampness, making them a special ingredient in local cuisine.
Longji Rice Wine: Made from locally grown glutinous rice and mountain spring water, along with herbal fermentation starters, this authentic local wine is valued for its warming and digestive properties. Aged rice wine brewed around the Double Ninth Festival is particularly prized.
Longji Fragrant Glutinous Rice: The glutinous rice here is shiny and sweet, able to form a cohesive lump and maintain a soft, sticky texture. It is said, “One field of fragrant glutinous rice scents the whole village.” This rice is also a primary ingredient in brewing Longji Rice Wine.