Longji Rice Terraces, or Dragon’s Backbone, offer an awe-inspiring landscape that seems straight out of a fairy tale, especially in the fall. As the golden rice fields come to life with harvest season, the terraces shimmer under the sun, creating a picturesque scene enhanced by morning mist weaving through the mountains. This two-day itinerary will guide you through the most spectacular viewpoints and cultural experiences at Longji, ensuring you fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this autumn paradise.
Day 1: Jinfo Ding and Jinkeng Dazhai Village
Morning: Start your adventure by hiring a car from Guilin Airport directly to the Jinkeng Dazhai Parking Lot. While renting a car might seem like a good idea, the winding mountain roads are tricky for driving, and parking inside the scenic area is expensive. Hiring a car to take you directly to the entrance is more convenient and cost-effective.
Once you arrive, store your luggage at the parking lot for ¥10 per suitcase – be cautious of overcharging!
Jinfo Ding Viewing Platform: Next, head to the Jinfo Ding (金佛顶) viewing platform. You can either take the cable car (¥55 one way, ¥100 round trip) or hike up to the platform. The hike takes about 1.5 hours, and along the way, you’ll encounter signs and can interact with the local Yao people. For those in good shape, walking up offers an authentic experience, and the route will bring you through the beautiful rice terraces.
The hike also allows you to freely explore the terraces and take photos, while access to the fields from the viewing platforms requires a small fee (usually between ¥5-10).
Enjoying the Views: At the Jinfo Ding platform, you’ll be treated to one of the most spectacular views of the terraces. The landscape is breathtaking and offers plenty of photo opportunities. If you’re lucky with the weather, stay for sunset to witness the terraces glowing in golden light (although we didn’t catch it, the experience was still memorable).
Hiking Down: After enjoying the view, you can choose to hike down to the parking lot. The downhill trek takes around 30 minutes. Once at the parking lot, contact your local guide or accommodation host for a pickup.
Day 2: Xishan Shaole and Qianceng Terrace
Early Morning: On your second day, wake up early to catch the sunrise at the Xishan Shaole Viewing Platform (西山韶乐观景台). This spot offers panoramic views of the surrounding terraces and the distant Maoshan (猫儿山) and Fupingbao (福平包). The sight of the sun rising over the golden terraces is a magical experience and is definitely worth the early wake-up.
Exploring Xishan Shaole: After sunrise, take time to explore the terraces around the Xishan Shaole platform. The fields here are expansive, with dramatic layers of terraces stretching far into the distance. This area offers excellent photo opportunities, especially for capturing the vast landscape and distant mountains.
Afternoon: Qianceng Terrace After visiting Xishan Shaole, head to the Qianceng Terrace (千层天梯), one of the most famous spots in Longji. Here, the terraces are arranged in neat rows, creating a stair-like effect, hence the name “Qianceng” (thousand-layer terraces). This is an excellent place to enjoy the scenic beauty or even take some ethnic clothing photoshoots for a memorable experience.
Return to Guilin: After visiting Qianceng Terrace, it’s time to make your way back to Guilin City. Depending on the time, you may want to grab a quick bite at a local guesthouse or restaurant before leaving. The food here, while a little pricier than in the city, is delicious and offers local specialties like bamboo rice and smoked meats.
Important Tips for Your Longji Rice Terraces Trip
Weather Check: Longji’s weather can greatly impact your experience, especially when it comes to capturing the beauty of the terraces. If you can, check the weather forecast beforehand. The first day of our trip was cloudy, but the second day was clear and stunning – showing just how much the weather can enhance the experience.
Safety: The roads around Longji are narrow, and the landscape is often rocky. Wear sturdy shoes, especially if you’re hiking. Many areas, including the terraces and roads, are made of stone slabs, so be careful when walking.
Accommodation: During peak season, it’s best to book your accommodation in advance. We stayed in a guesthouse near Jinkeng Dazhai, which was convenient for accessing the main viewpoints. While the rooms are cozy, they can be a bit pricier than those in Guilin or Yangshuo.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Longji Rice Terraces is from March to October, but if you want to see the golden harvest season, October is ideal. However, keep in mind that other months can still be beautiful, especially if you like a lush green landscape or foggy mornings.