The Longji Rice Terraces were carved from the mountains by Zhuang and Yao minority farmers starting in the 13th century. The terracing extends from 300 to 1,100 metres elevation on slopes so steep that the engineering is as remarkable as the scenery. The UNESCO Longji terraces are one of the finest examples of traditional rice cultivation landscape in Asia.
Two seasons make them worth a dedicated trip: flooded May and golden October. For the Guilin context: Guilin and Yangshuo Guide.
When to Go
| Season | Terrace Appearance | Crowds | Verdict |
| April to May | Flooded. Terraces mirror the sky. Water reflects clouds and peaks. | Moderate | Best for photographers. The mirror effect is extraordinary. |
| June to September | Deep green. Lush but often cloudy and rainy. | High (summer) | Fine but not the most photogenic. Rain disrupts views. |
| October | Golden. Rice ripens and turns the terraces amber and gold. | High (peak season) | Best overall. Golden terraces with clear skies. |
| November to March | Dormant. Brown or snow-covered. Very quiet. | Low | Good for solitude. Not the iconic view. |
Ping’an vs Dazhai
Ping’an (Ping’an Terraces)
The more accessible village. Two main viewpoint clusters: ‘Seven Stars Accompany the Moon’ (七星伴月) and ‘Nine Dragons and Five Tigers’ (九龙五虎). The climb to the main viewpoints takes 20 to 30 minutes from the village. Cable car available: ¥50 one way. More restaurants and guesthouses than Dazhai. Better if you are short on time or prefer easier access.
Dazhai (Jinkeng Terraces)
The more dramatic option. The terracing at Dazhai is steeper, more extensive, and less visited by day-trippers. The main viewpoints are higher and the vertical drop of the terracing is more impressive. 30 to 60 minute climb from the village to the best viewpoints. Cable car: ¥70 one way. Yao minority women with their famously long hair are most visible in Dazhai. Stay overnight here if you can.
How to Get There
From Guilin
Bus from Guilin Bus Station (贵桂公路客运站) to Longsheng County: 2 hours, ¥30. Departures from 7am onwards. From Longsheng: local minibus or shuttle to Ping’an or Dazhai trailhead: 30 minutes, ¥15. Total journey: 2.5 to 3 hours. Private car from Guilin: 2 hours directly to the trailhead, ¥300 to ¥400.
From Yangshuo
Longer but possible. Bus from Yangshuo to Guilin (1.5 hours), then bus from Guilin to Longsheng (2 hours). Or hire a private car from Yangshuo direct: approximately 3 hours, ¥500 to ¥700. The distance makes it better as an overnight trip from Yangshuo than a day trip.
The Climb
Both villages require a walk up to the viewpoints. Ping’an: 20 to 30 minutes at a comfortable pace. Dazhai: 30 to 60 minutes depending on which viewpoint cluster you are targeting. The paths are stone-paved and well-maintained but steep. Good walking shoes required. Porters are available at the village base to carry luggage if you are staying overnight.
Minority Villages
The Longji terraces are maintained by Zhuang minority farmers at Ping’an and Yao minority farmers at Dazhai. The Yao women of Dazhai are famous for their extremely long hair, traditionally kept unshorn after a coming-of-age ceremony. The hair can reach 2 metres in length. Women with long hair charge ¥10 to ¥20 for photographs. This is not exploitation; it is a small local economy that respects their choice to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the full Guilin context: Guilin and Yangshuo Guide. For seasonal timing: Best Time to Visit China.