Longji Rice Terraces – Where Centuries Meet the Landscape
Longji Rice Terraces is one of those rare places that actually lives up to the hype. These aren’t just pretty fields — they’re a living piece of history. The Zhuang and Red Yao people have been farming these mountains for centuries, and every contour tells a story about how humans adapt to the land. What makes Longji special is that it still feels authentic. Yes, it’s gotten more developed over the years, but if you know where to go (and we do), you’ll find quiet villages, genuine hospitality, and moments that feel very far from the tour bus crowds.
The Three Sections of Longji Rice Terraces
Longji Zhuang (The Quiet One)
This is the least touristy section and honestly, that’s its biggest appeal. You’ll find Zhuang Village here with traditional homes that haven’t been renovated into guesthouses. The views are stunning, the atmosphere is peaceful, and you get a real sense of how villages in this region actually function. It’s perfect if you want fewer crowds and a more genuine cultural experience.Ping’an Zhuang — The Central Hub for Viewpoints
This is the largest village in Longji and where most visitors stay overnight. The Viewpoint of Nine Dragons and Five Tigers offers panoramic views that are legitimately breathtaking. If you stay here, you get the balance of infrastructure (actual restaurants, guesthouses with hot water) without losing the mountain village feel. The Viewpoint of Seven Stars with the Moon is another great spot for sunset photography.Jinkeng (The Most Dramatic)
The Red Yao people live here, and these terraces have the most striking views in the area. There are about 7 small villages scattered throughout. If you’re not up for hiking, there’s a cable car to the Golden Buddha Peak viewpoint, which saves your legs without missing the scenery. Many people stay overnight in Tiantouzhai if they want to catch the sunrise at the Viewpoint of Music from Paradise — it’s worth the early wake-up.
Longji Rice Terraces Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Longji Titian (龙脊梯田)
- Area: 70.1 square kilometers
- Things to do there: Photography, Hiking, Adventure, Culture
- Who visits: Photographers, Nature Lovers, Adventure Enthusiasts, Culture Lovers
- Time required: 1 – 2 days
What to expect at the Longji Rice Terraces
Longji Rice Terraces are composed of Longji Zhuang Rice Terraces, Ping’an Zhuang Rice Terraces, and Jinkeng Rice Terraces. Between end March and early April, you’ll be amazed at the golden rape flowers while the rice terraces will be the most beautiful from middle September to early October as the rice there are turning golden from green.
Longji Zhuang Rice Terraces is the least developed. It is home to the Long Zhuang Village, the only village in the area. The village has the most old Zhuang houses compared to those in the other two rice terraces. Also, it is the least touristy one. Consequently, the traditional customs are well-preserved in the terraces. Compared to the other two rice terraces, views here are less amazing.
Ping’an Zhuang Rice Terraces are set between Longji Zhuang Rice Terraces and Jinkeng Rice Terraces. Viewpoint of Nine Dragons and Five Tigers offers the panoramic views of the terraces. There is only one Zhuang village, Ping’an Zhuang Village in the area. It is the largest village in Longji Rice Terraces. At the Viewpoint of Seven Stars with the Moon presents the views of seven smaller hilltops with terraces and one bigger hilltop. Ping’an Zhuang Village is the most developed compared to other villages in Longji Rice Terraces. If you’d like to experience the local life, you can just stay overnight there.
Jinkeng Rice Terraces features the most gorgeous views. It is home of Red Yao people. There are around 7 villages in the area. If you don’t want to explore the terraces via foot, you can take a cable car from Dazhai Villager CarPark to the Viewpoint of Golden Buddha Peak to appreciate the views. Viewpoint of Music from Paradise is well-known for the stunning sunrise. If interested, it is recommended that you stay overnight at Tiantouzhai which is around 30 minutes walk from the viewpoint.
All the villages in Longji Rice Terraces have local restaurants offering the local traditional cooked bamboo chicken and bamboo rice. Vegetables there are also delicious.
Longji Rice Terraces Photos
For Photography & Light Sunrise and sunset are magical here. The light hits the water in the terraces and creates reflections that no camera filter can replicate. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) have the most reliable weather and best light.For Avoiding Crowds
For Avoiding Crowds
March to May is shoulder season in Guangxi — you get good weather without peak tourist crowds. September and October are busy, but even then Longji feels less overwhelming than other major attractions.Seasonal Landscape Changes
Late March to early April: Golden rape flowers bloom and contrast beautifully with green terraces
September to early October: Rice turns golden before harvest, creating a completely different aesthetic
The terraces are beautiful year-round, but these seasons have that extra appeal.
- Opening hours:
- As at 8th Aug 2026, the entrance pricing to the terraces (excluding the shuttle bus in the area) is 80 CNY per person; children under 1.2m tall (1.2m tall not included) are free of charge; children between 1.2m tall (1.2m tall included) and 1.4m tall (1.4m tall not included) are charged 40 CNY per person.
- As at 8th Aug 2026, the entrance ticket for the one-way shuttle bus in the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area is 20 CNY per person; the entrance ticket for the round-trip shuttle bus in the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area is 40 CNY per person.
- For the latest pricing information, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
- Please wear comfortable hiking shoes.
- Please take enough clothes with you if you are planning to visit in winter as it is colder than Guilin.
- Please take an umbrella with you in case it is rainy there.
Find the Perfect Guilin Tour for Your Trip for every schedule
Wendy Wei Tours offers the Best Guilin Day Tours and take you to the stunning Li River, Charming Yangshuo, Magnificent Longji Rice Terraces, Traditional Minority Villages and countless hidden treasures. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
Active Longji Private Day Tour to visit Dazhai, Tiantouzhai with cable car and enjoy the nice view at Jinkeng Rice Terraces
Private Longji Day Tour to explore Ancient Zhuang Village & Ping’an Village and have an authentic farm to table Bamboo Chicken lunch
2 Days adventure at Longji Rice Terraces with overnight stay in Ping’an Village
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