Longji Rice Terraces — Dragon's Backbone
🌾 Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田)
650-year-old rice terraces carved into mountainsides by the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities — one of the most spectacular sights in China.
Overview
The Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田, Lóngjī Tītián) — also called "Dragon's Backbone" — are a series of rice paddies carved into the mountains of Longsheng County, about 100km north of Guilin. Built over 650 years, they rise from 300m to 1,100m elevation. The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons: flooded silver (April-May), lush green (June-August), golden harvest (September-October), and snowy white (December-February).
Essential Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Longsheng County, ~100km from Guilin |
| Opening hours | All day (best at sunrise and sunset) |
| Ticket price | ¥80 |
| Time needed | 1-2 days (overnight recommended) |
| Best time | April-May (flooded terraces), September-October (golden harvest) |
How to Get There
From Guilin
- Bus: Guilin Bus Station → Longsheng (~2 hours, ¥30), then local bus to terraces (~1 hour, ¥15)
- Direct bus: Some buses go directly to the terrace villages (~2.5 hours, ¥50)
- Hired car: ¥400-600 for a day trip (recommended for flexibility)
Staying Overnight
Recommended — the sunrise and sunset views are the highlights. Stay in a local guesthouse in the terrace villages.
The Three Main Areas
Ping'an Zhuang Village (平安壮寨)
The most visited and easiest to reach.
- Viewpoints: "Seven Stars with Moon" and "Nine Dragons and Five Tigers"
- Facilities: Hotels, restaurants, well-maintained paths
- Best for: First-time visitors, comfort
Dazhai Yao Village (大寨瑶寨)
More remote, fewer tourists, more dramatic scenery.
- Viewpoints: "Golden Buddha Peak" (highest viewpoint)
- Facilities: Basic guesthouses, fewer restaurants
- Best for: Photographers, adventurous travelers
Longji Ancient Zhuang Village (龙脊古壮寨)
The oldest village, with traditional wooden architecture.
- Best for: Cultural experience, fewer crowds
Pro Tips
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Stay overnight — the sunrise over the terraces is the highlight. Day trips miss the best light.
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Visit in late September — the rice turns golden before harvest. It's the most photogenic time.
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Wear good shoes — the paths between villages are steep and uneven.
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Bring layers — it's significantly cooler at elevation (1,000m+). Mornings are cold even in summer.
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Hire a local guide — the paths can be confusing. Local guides (¥100-200) know the best viewpoints and shortcuts.
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Don't visit in winter — the terraces are brown and bare. April-October is best.
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The drive is scenic — the road from Guilin to Longji passes through beautiful river valleys and ethnic villages.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Longji Rice Terraces? 1-2 days. An overnight stay is highly recommended for sunrise and sunset views. Day trips are possible but you miss the best light.
How much does it cost to visit Longji Rice Terraces? ¥80 for the entrance ticket. Transport from Guilin costs ¥60-100 round-trip. Guesthouses cost ¥100-250/night.
When is the best time to visit Longji Rice Terraces? April-May for flooded silver terraces, September-October for golden harvest. Both are spectacular.
How do I get to Longji Rice Terraces from Guilin? Take a bus from Guilin Bus Station to Longsheng (~2 hours, ¥30), then a local bus to the terraces (~1 hour, ¥15). Or hire a car (¥400-600 round-trip).
Is Longji Rice Terraces worth visiting? Yes, especially in April-May or September-October. The 650-year-old terraces carved into mountains are one of the most impressive human-made landscapes in China.
Cost Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Entrance ticket | ¥80 |
| Transport from Guilin (round-trip) | ¥60-100 |
| Guesthouse (1 night) | ¥100-250 |
| Food (per day) | ¥50-100 |
| Local guide (optional) | ¥100-200 |
| Total (1 night) | ¥290-730 (~$41-103 USD) |
Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Written by Bobby, living in Chengdu since 2023
