Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin: Facts, What to Do & Best Time to Visit

When people think of Guilin, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the Li River. But today, we'd like to introduce a lesser-known yet highly recommended destination, the Longsheng Rice Terraces. Also known as the Longji Rice Terraces, it offers one of the most breathtaking rural landscapes in China. Built over 650 years ago by local ethnic minorities, these steplike fields wind their way up the hillsides like ribbons of green, gold, or glassy mirrors, depending on the season. Read and find all the essential things you need to know about the Longsheng Rice Terraces before your trip to Guilin!

Longji Terraced Rice Fields, Guilin

Basic Information of Longsheng Rice Terraces

An ethnic village in Longji Rice Terraces site

• Location: Longsheng County, 1.5-hour drive from downtown Guilin (about 80 km)
• Keywords: Natural landmark; ethnic culture
• Entrance Fee: CNY 80 / USD 11
• Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 days

Note: The scenic area is located in the mountains, so public transportation can be a bit inconvenient. We will arrange a private car for you, so you won't need to take a shuttle bus to ascend the mountain. If you're prone to motion sickness, the comfortable and quiet environment of a private vehicle can help reduce the symptoms.

Best Time to Visit

Golden sea of rice terraces in Longsheng

The Longji Rice Terraces offer uniquely beautiful scenery in every season, each with its own charm. Overall, we most recommend visiting in autumn, especially from late September to early October. During this time, the rice is ripe, and the terraces turn into a golden sea - absolutely stunning. The weather is also cooler, and there's very little rain.

That said, if you'd like to experience the beauty of the terraces in other seasons, you can choose your travel time based on your personal preferences.

• Spring (March to May): The terraces are filled with water in preparation for rice planting. The water reflects the sky like a giant mirror, making it a perfect spot for admiring sunrise and sunset.
• Summer (June to August): By summer, the terraces are fully planted, and vibrant green rice plants cover the hills like rolling waves. In June, there might be more rainy days. If you're planning to visit Longsheng Rice Terraces in summer, we can help book your trip in advance, ensuring you a worry-free trip in Guilin.
• Autumn (September to November): It is considered the best time to visit. The terraces turn golden yellow as the rice ripens, offering postcard-worthy views. It's harvest season, and you might see farmers cutting rice by hand, adding to the cultural charm.
• Winter (December to February): In winter, the fields lie fallow, and in some years, the terraces may be covered with a light dusting of snow. It's the quietest season, offering peaceful views with fewer tourists.

Top 5 Things to Do in Longji Rice Terraces

Hike Along the Path in the Rice Terraces

Hike on the path among the fields

Once you arrive at the village, you may start hiking and enjoy the beautiful views along the way. Well-maintained paths wind through the terraced fields and along the mountainside, allowing you to take in the stunning scenery as you walk toward the village.

Walk on the trail along the mountainside, and you'll see passion fruit trees growing, which is one of Longsheng's local specialties. Some of the rice fields are also used to raise fish, which grow alongside the rice plants. If you're interested, we can arrange a fish-catching experience for you. You can even have the fish you catch cooked and served in the restaurant afterward.

Visit Minority Villages

Ancient house with 100-year history in Longji

There are many ethnic minority villages within the Longji Rice Terraces scenic area, and the three most recommended ones are Jinkeng Dazhai, Ping'an Village, and Ancient Zhuang Village. The Ancient Zhuang Village and Ping'an Village are home to the Zhuang ethnic group, while Jinkeng Dazhai is inhabited by the Yao people.

Overall, the architectural styles among the villages are quite similar. Most homes are traditional stilted wooden houses typical of ethnic minorities. Some are well-preserved historic wooden structures, while others have been renovated with modern materials like concrete. In Ancient Zhuang Village, there is a centuries-old wooden house that is still in good condition. When you visit, an elderly woman, who is at least 80 years old, will introduce the history of the house. Don't worry if you don't understand the local language; our local guide will translate her explanations into English for you.

Try Traditional Customs and Photograph

If you're a photography enthusiast or love taking portrait shots, the Longji Rice Terraces is a must-visit destination. Here, you can capture not only stunning natural scenery but also glimpses of the daily life of local residents - of course, with their permission.

There are also many shops in the scenic area where you can rent traditional Chinese ethnic costumes. They even offer makeup services, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the local cultural experience.

Try Local Food

Steamed rice in bamboo tube

The food at the Longsheng Rice Terraces is all homemade and rustic, with many local families running their own small restaurants. Most guesthouses have an entire floor dedicated to serving meals to guests.

The most distinctive feature of the local cuisine is its strong connection to rice, such as bamboo tube steamed rice. Preserved or smoked meats are common here and are often steamed with rice, adding rich flavor to the dish.

Vegetarians don't need to worry - these small restaurants also offer delicious vegetarian dishes. Most of the vegetables are grown by nearby farmers and cooked the same day they're harvested, ensuring exceptional freshness.

Celebrate Ethnic Festivals With Locals

The Longsheng Rice Terraces are not only famous for their breathtaking landscapes but also for the vibrant ethnic festivals celebrated by the local Zhuang and Yao minorities. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Festival	Time	What to Do
Lunar March 3rd Celebration	Falls between late March and early April	Watch Zhuang ethnic folk songs and traditional dance performances.
Long Hair Festival	Around April or early May	Enjoy the long hair show performed by Red Yao women in Huangluo Yao Village.
Drying Clothes Festival	Late June to early July	Watch villagers hang their most colorful clothes on balconies and along roads.

Where to Stay at the Rice Terraces

A hotel room with traditional decorations

We recommend you stay in Ping'an Village. There are many guesthouses equivalent to 4-star standards. These hotels have unique decor, featuring traditional wooden Chinese furniture, classic architectural styles, and ethnic elements. From the balcony of your guesthouse, you can enjoy stunning views of the rice terraces. Also, there are budget-friendly 3-star options.

Of course, if you prefer not to stay overnight in the scenic area, you can return to Guilin city for accommodation. Our exclusive car will send you back to the hotel when your itinerary wraps up.

Recommended Itinerary for Longsheng Rice Terraces

Map of Longji Rice Terraces with best routes

Longsheng is one of the most recommended destinations for a Guilin trip. If you plan to visit it, it's best to make it the first stop of your Guilin trip. Generally, our guide will pick you up at the airport or train station and drive you directly to the site. Here is the detailed itinerary:

• Day 1: After arriving in Guilin, your private local guide will take you to the Longsheng Rice Terraces. You'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel surrounded by stunning rice terrace views.
• Day 2: After having breakfast in the hotel, your rice terraces journey starts! You will take a scenic walk through the ancient Zhuang village and the rice terrace areas. During your trip, you can admire the natural view of the fields and learn about culture and history under the lead of our local guide. Then you'll enjoy lunch here. After lunch, our private car will take you to your next destination.

Plan Your Guilin Tour With Us

Whether you're drawn by the breathtaking views, the rich ethnic culture, or the chance to taste authentic local cuisine, the Longsheng Rice Terraces promise an unforgettable experience in every season. Let us take care of the details, from transportation to accommodation, so you can fully enjoy the beauty and charm of this incredible destination. Feel free to contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com for further information.