Trekking through Longji Rice Terraces Area

Longji terraces fields’ area, around 2 hour’s driving from Guilin city, a group of large-scaled rice fields built into the hillside. This incredible feat of farm engineering on hills dotted with ancient minority villages sees terraces rise up to 1000m high.

Longji rice terraces are comprised of two separate but closely located areas: the Ping’An terrace fields, and the JinKeng terrace fields, each with their own villages and hamlets within easy walking distance. There are a number of short walks from each village to some fabulous viewpoints. But, to really get among the terraces, try the four- and five-hour trek from Ping’an Zhuang village to Dazhai Yao Village (or vice-verse), passing through the villages of Tiantouzhai and zhouliu. The route is clearly sigh posted.

Longji Rice Terraces

From Ping’an Zhuang village, it is advisable to start out in early morning. A 2.5-hour walks would lead you to a Yao village – Zhongliu village. En route, the trail passes through the pine and fir woods, up and down on the mountains, along the ridge of the rice fields. And eventually, after another 2-hour trek, you will arrive at your destination – Dazhai Yao village. And, it is just the lunch time. In the village, see the local villagers in minority clothes and accessory, taste home-made sweet rice wine and enjoy a overnight stay at the wooden house…

A local village girl in minority clothes

The best time to view Longji is before July as there is water in the fields, and you are rewarded with great photo opportunities with water reflection. Also, autumn offers a different color of the striking rice terraces at harvest time.