Longji Rice Terraces(Longsheng Terrace)

Longji Rice Terraces, also called the Dragon’s Backbone, are a breathtaking agricultural landscape in the mountains of Guangxi Province. The terraces wind up the slopes in elegant curves, creating a living artwork that changes with the seasons. From above, the fields look like layers of green or gold, depending on the time of year, reflecting sunlight and clouds in the irrigation water. 📍 Location · Longsheng County, Guangxi, China · Near the city of Guilin (~100 km, about 2–3 hours by car) · Altitude: ~300–1,100 meters 🚙 How to Get There · From Guilin: private car, taxi, or bus (~2–3 hours) · Small local tours often include hiking through terraces and visits to nearby minority villages 🎫 Ticket Price · Entrance ticket: ~100 CNY · Optional local guide: 20–50 CNY · Some villages may charge a small parking or maintenance fee 🏵️ Best Time to Visit · April–June: terraces filled with water, reflecting the sky · September–October: golden rice ready for harvest · Avoid winter — fields are dry and less scenic 🕰️ How Much Time to Plan · Half a day to a full day, depending on how much hiking and village exploring you want to do · Overnight stays in local guesthouses are highly recommended to experience sunrise and sunset ❤️🔥What Makes It Special · Scenic layers of rice terraces that seem to climb the mountains · Traditional Zhuang and Yao minority villages · Walking paths that allow close-up views and photography · Seasonal changes that transform the landscape completely Longji Rice Terraces are one of China’s most iconic rural landscapes. They combine natural beauty, human craftsmanship, and cultural heritage, creating a peaceful and photogenic environment for travelers.

Explore Guilin on a 3000 RMB budget! A 5-day, 4-night comprehensive guide, relax amidst the landscapes for just a thousand RMB per person🌿 Explosive opening: Who says budget travel can't be luxurious? In Guilin, for 3000 RMB, I managed to turn 5 days and 4 nights into a heavenly experience straight out of a landscape painting! No need to rush, no pitfalls, and plenty of delicious food. Just copy this guide, and you won't regret it even if you go blindly! 👇 📅 5-Day, 4-Night Itinerary (Lazy Version) Day 1 Arrive in Guilin → Explore the city and eat ✅ Transportation: Land at Liangjiang Airport, take the airport shuttle bus for 20 RMB directly to the city center; stay at a hostel/budget hotel near Elephant Trunk Hill, around 80 RMB per person/night. ✅ Activities: In the afternoon, visit Elephant Trunk Hill (free entry! Don't waste money on the sightseeing car). In the evening, go to East and West Alley for ancient-style photoshoots; the night view is absolutely stunning ✨. ✅ Food: Don't go to Chunji Roasted Goose! Locals eat at Fucheng Commercial Building Snack Street. Guilin Rice Noodles are 4.5 RMB/bowl, add as much pickled long beans as you like; chewy taro cake is 2 RMB/piece, you'll be so full you have to lean on the wall to walk! Day 2 Guilin → Yangshuo (Yulong River Bamboo Rafting + Ten-Mile Gallery) ✅ Transportation: Take a high-speed train from Guilin North Railway Station to Yangshuo Railway Station, 25 RMB/person; rent an electric scooter in Yangshuo for 30 RMB/day, it's super cool for exploring the Ten-Mile Gallery 🛵. ✅ Activities: In the morning, go Yulong River bamboo rafting (choose the Jinlong Bridge - Jiuxian section, 150 RMB/raft for 2 people, fewer crowds and better scenery than Li River bamboo rafts!). Watch the green hills on both banks slowly recede, every casual shot is wallpaper-worthy 📸. In the afternoon, ride an electric scooter through the Ten-Mile Gallery, stop by Moon Hill for check-in photos; no need to enter the scenic area, the roadside view is absolutely amazing! ✅ Food: In the evening, stroll through Yangshuo West Street, but don't eat at internet-famous spots! Turn into an alley for Shouzi Rice Noodles, add braised egg and char siu, 12 RMB will fill you up; then have a bowl of ice jelly, 5 RMB to cut the richness! Day 3 Yangshuo → Xingping Ancient Town (20 RMB banknote scenic spot) ✅ Transportation: Take a bus from Yangshuo to Xingping, 10 RMB/person; Xingping Ancient Town is walkable for exploring and eating. ✅ Activities: Head straight to the 20 RMB banknote viewing platform, remember to bring a 20 RMB note for a photo, full of ritual! In the afternoon, climb Laozhai Mountain (free!). Reach the summit in 1 hour, overlooking the big bend of the Li River; the scenery is more breathtaking than paid attractions! ⚠️ Wear non-slip shoes, the path is a bit steep. ✅ Food: Xingping's Li River Beer Fish, choose a local farmhouse restaurant, around 50 RMB per person. The fish is fresh and flavorful, you can devour two bowls of rice with it 🍚. Day 4 Yangshuo → Longji Terraces (Jinkeng Dazhai) ✅ Transportation: Take a bus from Yangshuo to Longji Terraces, 80 RMB/person; take the sightseeing bus inside the scenic area for 50 RMB/person (a must-buy, walking takes 2 hours). ✅ Activities: In the afternoon, explore the Jinkeng Dazhai Terraces. The layers of terraces resemble fingerprints on the earth, absolutely beautiful when golden in autumn! Stay at a guesthouse near the terraces, around 100 RMB per person, with views right outside your window 🌾. ✅ Food: Eat bamboo tube rice + cured meat at the guesthouse, 35 RMB/serving. The cured meat is so fragrant it's dripping with oil, and the fresh aroma of bamboo permeates the rice, it's incredible! Day 5 Longji Terraces → Return Journey ✅ Activities: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the terraces (get up at 5 AM!). The rolling sea of clouds + glittering golden terraces, a sight you'll never forget 🌅. ✅ Transportation: At noon, take a bus back to Guilin city center, then directly to the airport/station, a perfect end to the trip! 💰 3000 RMB Budget Breakdown (Per Person) Item Cost Notes Accommodation 400 RMB 4 nights in budget hotels/hostels, 80-100 RMB per person/night Transportation 350 RMB High-speed train + bus + electric scooter, all public transport Tickets 200 RMB Yulong River bamboo raft + Longji sightseeing bus, others free Food 800 RMB Snacks + meals, 160 RMB per day to eat your fill Contingency 1250 RMB For souvenirs/emergencies, can buy gifts if not used ✅ Total: 3000 RMB is enough! Flexible spending, budget travelers can also have a blast. 🚫 Pitfall Guide (Lessons learned the hard way!) 1. Don't buy "Guilin Three Treasures" in scenic areas; they're half price at supermarkets! 2. For Yulong River bamboo rafting, don't trust touts on the roadside; go directly to the official ticket office to avoid being ripped off. 3. Don't wear high heels at Longji Terraces! The mountain paths are really steep, non-slip sports shoes are the best. 4. Don't eat Guilin Rice Noodles with soup! Locals eat them dry-tossed with braised sauce, it's super fragrant. 💌 Final Thoughts Guilin truly embodies the phrase "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven." No need to rush your itinerary, just stroll and eat at your leisure, and for 3000 RMB, you can live a poetic life. Which Guilin attraction do you most want to visit? Tell me in the comments! 👇 Like and save this guide, next time you go to Guilin, just copy the itinerary! ✨

In the height of summer, the rice fields shine bright green, and the wind stirs gentle waves~ After a second visit with the kids, we've finally put together a super practical family-friendly guide. Parents, feel free to copy this✌️ 📍Longji Terraces (Longsheng Terraces): Located in Longji Town, Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County, Guilin, Guangxi, perfect for the whole family to immerse in pastoral scenery. 🎫Tickets: 80 RMB/person (unlimited days of play as long as you stay within the scenic area, children under 1.2 meters free) 📝📝Overview of family-friendly scenic spots A single ticket covers the three major terraced fields in the scenic area. For family trips, prioritize these two spots: Jinkeng Dazhai The largest terraced field with the most spectacular views. All three major viewing platforms are great for kids. 1. Xishan Shaole, accessible by car🚗, convenient parking, gentle paths with no steep slopes. 2. Qiancheng Tianti (Thousand-layer Ladder), stunning views, highly photogenic, accessible by car (private roadside parking 20 RMB/car), also walkable with flat paths and steps, kids can walk on their own. 3. Jinfoding, reachable by cable car (one way 55 RMB/person, round trip 100 RMB/person), tickets sold at Jinkeng Dazhai parking lot, the top choice for lazy family trips! 🚶‍♀️🚶 Hiking with kids round trip takes about 2.5 hours, can be tiring in hot weather, if short on time, take the cable car so kids can enjoy the aerial view of the terraces~ Ping'an Village The second largest terraced field area with two major viewing platforms, suitable for slightly older kids. 1. Jiulong Wuhu, wide open views, great for photos, sightseeing bus available (50 RMB/person), also walkable with moderate distance. 2. Qixing Banyue, reachable by a half-hour walk from Jiulong Wuhu viewing platform, with signposts along the way, easy and leisurely stroll with kids. Guzhuang Village The smallest area, closest to the ticket office, with more ancient buildings, can be skipped if family time is tight. This time we stayed at the Mountain and Water Home🏨, an amazing location! You can enjoy the entire terraced field view right from the room✨, the large window looks like a painting, kids were fascinated watching the rice fields from the window, and soaking in the tub by the window helps relieve travel fatigue🛀 The guesthouse is about a ten-minute walk to Qiancheng Tianti, perfect for a stroll with kids~🚶‍♀️ The scenery at Qiancheng Tianti is truly photogenic, easy to snap great family photos, definitely worth the visit. The room features voice-activated smart controls, which the kids found super novel, plus a washer-dryer combo (for washing dirty clothes promptly), a projector (for watching cartoons at night), and a Dyson hairdryer, showing thoughtful details. All drinks in the fridge are free🆓, so kids can enjoy their favorite beverages anytime. The front desk has a dedicated concierge to promptly solve any issues, making family trips worry-free. Tips: Family travel suggestions There is no official shuttle between the three villages, and private car hire is expensive (about 150 RMB from Jinkeng Dazhai to Ping'an Village). For non-driving families, Jinkeng Dazhai is the best choice to avoid rushing around. 🔶One-day trip: Choose Jinkeng Dazhai, head straight to Qiancheng Tianti or Jinfoding for a relaxed itinerary. 🔶Two-day trip: Arrive at Jinkeng Dazhai in the afternoon, then visit Ping'an Village the next morning (best for self-driving families, no need to rush with kids).

Starting a new series: Receipts from the Road. I’m breaking down the real costs of trips around China so you can plan without surprises! For this one, we visited Guilin, the Longsheng Rice Terraces, and Yangshuo. It was my first time using a tour group, and the private driver made everything so much easier. Huge shoutout to my friend Alex for helping negotiate the group rate, and to @trip for putting together a smooth tour. We’re all students, so we got small discounts at a few spots, but this breakdown should still give you a clear idea of what a trip like this might cost. #travel#naturalwonders#thingstodo#china

Who knew! Guilin hides a terraced secret realm crowned by National Geographic. For 650 years, the Zhuang and Yao ancestors have carved terraces along the mountains, with thousands of layers spiraling from the foothills to the clouds. In spring, they shine like silver mirrors; in summer, they ripple with lush green waves; in autumn, they spread golden carpets; and in winter, they’re covered in white snow. Every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy! This latest 2026 hit guide includes transportation, accommodation, photo spots, and tips to avoid pitfalls. Save it and go straight there—explore the cloud terraces for just over 500 RMB per person! ✨Best Times to Visit (Avoid crowds, capture stunning photos) · April 15 to early June (Irrigation period · Peak season): Mid to late May is best! The terraces mirror the sky and clouds, with morning mist and sunrise that take your breath away—perfect for photographers! · September 25 to October 15 (Harvest season · Golden time): The week after Mid-Autumn Festival is peak! Golden waves roll over the hills, the breeze carries the scent of harvest, and the healing vibes are full on! · July to August (Cool green retreat): Natural 22°C air conditioning, layers of greenery, ideal for hiking and fresh air! · December to February (Winter snow wonderland): Snow-covered and quiet, fewer people, catching snow scenes is a jackpot! · ❌Avoid: National Day/May Day holidays (crowded, prices triple), and post-harvest November (scenery less vibrant)! 🎫Tickets + Transportation (Save money, no detours, easy for beginners) Tickets (2026 real-name system, valid for 3 days) · Adults 80 RMB (includes three major areas: Jinkeng Dazhai, Ping’an Village, and Guzhuang Village)! · Discounts: Half price for ages 6–18/students; free for 65+ (only 10 RMB insurance fee)! · Jinkeng Cable Car: 55 RMB one-way, 100 RMB round-trip (direct to Jinfo Peak, a lazy traveler’s dream)! Transportation (Guilin → Longji, 2.5 hours direct) · ✅Direct bus (best value): From Guilin North/West Station or South Bus Station → scenic area, 50 RMB/person, multiple daily trips, ends directly at Dazhai/Ping’an Village! · ✅Self-drive (freedom first choice): Navigate to “Longji Terraces Scenic Area,” winding mountain roads, beginners drive slowly; parking 30 RMB/day! · ✅Charter car (best for 4 people): Round trip Guilin 300–400 RMB/car, direct to villages, no luggage hassle! · ❌Avoid: Don’t trust roadside “cheap carpool” offers, often unlicensed cars, unsafe! Within the Scenic Area · Shuttle buses: Connect villages, 20–40 RMB/trip, free with ticket! · Hiking: Stone paths are easy; if carrying heavy luggage, hire a porter for 50 RMB/trip! 🌾Choosing Among the Three Major Areas (Avoid pitfalls, match your needs precisely) Jinkeng Dazhai (Red Yao | Highly recommended! Favorite for photographers/young travelers) · Highlights: Largest scale, most spectacular views, rich Red Yao culture, top spots for sunrise and sunset! · Must-visit photo spots: 1. Xishan Shaole (Viewpoint Highest altitude, best for sunrise and sea of clouds, unobstructed panoramic views! 2. Thousand-Layer Ladder (Viewpoint Terraces stretch straight into the clouds, great for portraits with depth, misty times feel like a fairyland! 3. Jinfo Peak (Viewpoint Cable car access, golden terraces at dusk are stunning, wearing red/white dresses guarantees great photos! Ping’an Village (Zhuang ethnicity | Classic! Best for families/lazy travelers) · Highlights: Early development, well-equipped, iconic “Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon” landscape, elegant lines! · Must-visit photo spots: 1. Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon: Seven small hills surround a large round terrace, morning mist adds magic, classic landmark! 2. Nine Dragons and Five Tigers: Terraces resemble dragons and tigers coiled, majestic, sightseeing bus direct access! Guzhuang Village (Niche | Pristine! Must for hikers/culture lovers) · Highlights: 600-year-old ancient village, fully preserves Zhuang stilt houses and bluestone paths, quiet and peaceful, perfect for slow cultural exploration! 🏡Accommodation Guide (Stay in the right village, double the experience, relax with terrace views) Location tips · Jinkeng Dazhai: Stay in Tiantou Village (close to viewpoints, convenient for sunrise, lively atmosphere)! · Ping’an Village: Stay near Nine Dragons and Five Tigers or Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon, open windows with terrace views! Popular homestays (2026 hot picks, book 1–3 months in advance) · ✅ Yunyin Mountain Residence (Tiantou Village | Best value): Mid-mountain location, balcony faces terraces, 3-minute walk to snack street, 300–400 RMB/night! · ✅ Moye · Chenxi (Tiantou Village | Popular panoramic room): Floor-to-ceiling windows + bathtub, soak while stargazing over terraces, 800–1200 RMB/night, a must if budget allows! · ✅ Rice Flower Starry Bubble House (Ping’an Village | Romantic choice): Watch the Milky Way from bed, 800 RMB/night, book 1 month ahead! · ✅ Budget option: Dazhai Youth Hostel attic, 50 RMB/night, owner takes you to local sticky rice cake stalls! · ❌Avoid: Peak season (May Day/National Day) prices triple, don’t stay at the mountain foot (far from viewpoints, wastes time)! 🍗Must-Try Food (Authentic Yao and Zhuang flavors, affordable and delicious) · ✅ Bamboo Tube Rice (15 RMB/serving): Glutinous rice + cured meat + mushrooms, rich bamboo aroma, opens with a fragrant burst, filling and tasty! · ✅ Bamboo Tube Chicken (168 RMB/half chicken): Tender chicken falling off the bone, soup so fresh it’s amazing, a must-order at terrace restaurants! · ✅ Rice Flower Fish/Hehua Fish: Raised in paddies, tender meat, fried so crispy even bones are edible, perfect with drinks! · ✅ Yao Oil Tea (5 RMB/bowl): Spicy ginger tea aroma + fried rice, warms and refreshes, locals drink it for breakfast and late-night snacks! · ✅ Cured Meat Skewers (5 RMB/skewer): Yao homemade smoked sausage, grilled to oily fragrance, perfect with glutinous rice wine! · ✅ Five-Color Glutinous Rice: Naturally dyed with plants, visually stunning and tasty, Zhuang specialty! 📸Photo Tips (Popular spots + outfit ideas, snap stunning shots effortlessly) Golden shooting times · Early morning 5:30–7:00: Morning mist + sunrise, soft light, fewer people, beautiful scenery! · Evening 17:30–19:00: Sunset + golden terraces, no filter needed! · Noon: Avoid harsh light and reflections, good time to rest and eat! Outfit suggestions · Colors: White, red, light blue (contrast with terrace green/gold/mirror blue)! · Styles: Long dresses, ethnic costumes (rent Yao costumes in villages for 20 RMB, great for photos)! · Shoes: Non-slip sneakers (stone paths everywhere, comfort first)! Pitfall warnings · Don’t buy “wild honey”: Mostly sugar water blends, look for Yao village homemade honey (80–120 RMB/jin)! · Compare prices for silver jewelry/tea: Buy from local certified shops to avoid overpriced fakes! · Bring a light jacket: High altitude, big temperature difference morning and night, mosquito and sun protection essential! 📅2-Day In-Depth Itinerary (Relaxed pace, cover core spots) Day 1: Guilin → Jinkeng Dazhai (Photography + Experience) · 08:00 Depart Guilin by bus, about 2.5 hours to scenic area! · 11:00 Transfer to scenic area shuttle to Jinkeng Dazhai, check into Tiantou Village homestay! · 12:30 Lunch: Bamboo tube rice + rice flower fish, taste local flavors! · 14:00 Cable car → Jinfo Peak, shoot panoramic terraces, meet Yao grandma lending costumes for photos! · 17:00 Hike Thousand-Layer Ladder, shoot sunset terraces, stunning light and shadow! · 19:00 Dinner: Homestay bamboo tube chicken + glutinous rice wine, tipsy under starry terrace sky! · 20:30 Stroll Tiantou Village snack street, eat grilled corn, drink hot soy milk, soak in local life! Day 2: Ping’an Village → Guzhuang Village → Return (Culture + Leisure) · 05:30 Early rise → Xishan Shaole for sunrise, sea of clouds + terraces breathtaking! · 08:00 Breakfast: Oil tea + glutinous rice balls, warm and filling! · 09:00 Bus → Ping’an Village, check in Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers, shoot classic terrace lines! · 12:00 Lunch: Ping’an Village cured meat stir-fried bamboo shoots + five-color glutinous rice! · 14:00 Hike → Guzhuang Village (about 1.5 hours), explore 600-year-old stilt houses, learn to make five-color glutinous rice with Zhuang grandma! · 17:00 Return: Bus back to Guilin, end healing journey! 💡Final Summary Longji Terraces are not just ordinary scenery; they are a 650-year epic of mountain and water, a cloud realm hidden deep in Guilin. Whether it’s the mirror-like wonder during irrigation, the golden romance of harvest, or the snow-covered winter, every glance captivates you!

🏞️ Longji Rice Terraces: A Brief Guide for Your Trip Just 2 hours from Guilin, you'll find the Longji Rice Terraces ("Dragon's Back"), a masterpiece created by the Zhuang and Yao peoples over 650 years ago. Here, the mountains transform into giant staircases to the sky. · -- 🌾 When to Visit · April to June is the flooding season, when the terraces become giant mirrors. · Late September–mid-October – golden fields of ripe rice (before harvest). · ⚠️ Avoid Chinese holidays – crowds of people. Best time of day: early morning (fog) or sunset. · -- 🏘️ Which village to choose · Ping'an – for families and one day: moderate trekking, zhuang culture. · Jinqeng Dajai – for photographers: the largest terraces, cable car, yao culture. · Ancient Zhuang Village - for solitude: authentically, cars drive up to the viewing. If only one day - go to Jinqeng and climb the cable. · -- 🚌 How to get from Guilin · Bus to Longsheng County (2-2.5 h, ¥50-65), then local shuttle to the villages. · Sometimes there are direct buses to Jinqeng Dajai (3 h, ¥50–65). ⚠️ Important: during peak season, shuttles may be canceled. Ask the driver before boarding: "Is there a bus to [village name]?" Have a backup plan (local taxi). Driving your own car is not recommended as the roads are steep and narrow. · -- 🎟️ Practical information · Entrance ticket: ¥80 (valid for all 3 zones). · Opening hours: 8:00–18:00. · Cable car (Jinqeng): ¥55 one-way, ¥100 round-trip. · Ping'an bus: ¥30/50. · -- 🏠 Overnight in the mountains Staying overnight is the best way to see sunrise and sunset. Hotels usually offer free pick-up from the gate and luggage assistance (many steps). Book in advance. · -- 🥾 Trekking tips · Wear shoes with good traction — the trails are slippery. · The Ping'an-Jinkeng trek takes ~5 hours, and the views are incredible. · Bring water and snacks — there are few cafes along the route. · -- 📸 Best photos · The "Seven Stars with the Moon" in Ping'an. · The view from the cable car in Jinkeng. · Sunrise at viewpoint No. 1 (the highest point). · Life in the local villages. · -- 🛍️ What to bring · Handmade embroidery from Yao women (famous for their long hair). · Local tea and rice wine. · -- ✨ In short: the most important things ✅ Dress in layers — the weather in the mountains changes quickly. ✅ Bring cash — there are almost no ATMs in the villages. ✅ Respect the locals, ask for permission before taking photos. ✅ Stay overnight for a sunrise you won't forget. · -- 👉 Plan your trip to the Longji Rice Terraces with Trip.com! 🧳

Dear friends, today I’m recommending the Longji Rice Terraces! This place boasts breathtaking terraced landscapes, perfect for taking stunning photos, and it’s not too tiring to explore. ◦ Key activities/itinerary/highlights: At the Longji Rice Terraces, you can stroll along the paths winding through the terraces and experience the layered beauty up close. You can also find a high viewing platform to overlook the magnificent terraces. The terraces show different looks in each season: tender green in spring, lush and vibrant in summer, and golden in autumn. ◦ Practical tips: You can get there by taking a dedicated shuttle bus or driving yourself. The best time to visit is from April to October. Several viewing platforms offer great photo spots. Be cautious of the terrace paths as some areas can be steep. A money-saving tip is to buy local specialty snacks from nearby farmhouses, which are affordable. The Longji Rice Terraces are truly a must-visit attraction. Come here to enjoy the stunning terraced scenery and create wonderful memories. Don’t forget to save this recommendation!

🌾 Preface: The Longji Terraces are only stunning for 21 days a year, which is during the water-filling period in early to mid-June! At this time, the terraces are filled with water, reflecting the sky and clouds like millions of mirrors. When morning mist lingers, it truly looks like a fairyland. This time, we've put together exclusive activities for the water-filling season, from sunrise sea of clouds viewing spots to farming experiences, so you can deeply appreciate the beauty of Longji~ 📅 2 Days 1 Night Exclusive Water-Filling Season Itinerary Day 1: Arrival + Sunset at Mirror-Like Terraces · 14:00-15:00 Arrive at Jinkeng Village, recommended to stay inside the scenic area, close to the viewing platform for easy sunrise watching · 15:00-17:00 Thousand-Layer Ladder Viewing Platform, the Thousand-Layer Ladder during the water-filling season is breathtaking! The layers of terraces filled with water shimmer golden under the sunset, extending to the clouds like a ladder to heaven · 17:00-19:00 Jinfodeng Viewing Platform for sunset, the highest viewing platform in Longji with a 360° unobstructed terrace view. When the sun sets, sunlight glistens on the water surface, turning the entire terrace golden—truly spectacular · 19:00-21:00 Enjoy bamboo tube rice and bamboo tube chicken at a local guesthouse, both local specialties with a wonderful aroma Day 2: Sunrise Sea of Clouds + Farming Experience · 05:00 Wake up! Sunrise in June is around 6 AM, so get up early—this is the most beautiful moment in Longji · 05:20 Walk to Viewing Platform No.1 ・ Xishan Shaoyue, a 15-minute walk; this is Longji’s most famous sunrise spot · 05:30-07:30 Wait for the sunrise sea of clouds, the soul of the water-filling season! Morning mist flows through the valley, terraces reflect the sky like mirrors, and as the sun slowly rises, sunlight pierces the mist and shines on the water surface—words cannot describe this beauty · 07:30-09:00 Viewing Platform No.2 ・ Qixing Banyue, a 10-minute walk after sunrise; the terrace lines here are especially soft and during the water-filling season look like a crescent moon · 09:00-12:00 Farming experience! This is a June-exclusive activity where you learn rice transplanting from Zhuang village grandmothers. They teach you "grab one, plant three, flick your wrist hard." Though tiring, it’s very meaningful and lets you feel the warmth of agricultural civilization · 12:00-14:00 Ping’an Zhuang Village, where the terrace lines are more delicate and especially beautiful during the water-filling season · 14:00-16:00 Light hiking along the ridges, get close to the mirror-like terraces; the water is very clear and reflects the sky. Walking on the ridges is very healing 📸 Exclusive Photo Spots for the Water-Filling Season 1. Left side of the crooked-neck tree at Xishan Shaoyue Viewing Platform: Don’t crowd the center of the platform! The old pine tree on the left perfectly frames three layers of terraces. When sunlight climbs up, the tree’s shadow falls on the water like lace painted on clouds. Photography pros love this spot 2. Thousand-Layer Ladder Viewing Platform: At sunset, shoot against the light; the water surface glows golden with great depth 3. Middle of the ridges: Standing in the middle of the ridges surrounded by water pools, cloud shadows drift overhead, as if the sky and earth are spinning—very magical 4. Rice transplanting experience: Capture the grandmother’s back while transplanting or close-ups of yourself transplanting, full of life’s atmosphere 💡 June Exclusive Tips 1. Best time: June 5 - June 15 is the prime water-filling period. After June 15, rice transplanting begins and the mirror period ends. Be sure to come before then 2. Weather: June is the rainy season in Longji, with large temperature differences between morning and evening. Bring a thick jacket; early morning sunrise temperatures are around 10°C. Bring rain gear as it can rain anytime in the mountains 3. Clothing: Solid color long dresses in white or beige are best and match the mirror terraces well; wear comfortable shoes as the ridges can be slippery 4. Transportation: It’s a 2-hour drive from Guilin to Longji Terraces. Car rental is recommended due to winding mountain roads and inconvenient public transport 5. Farming experience: Most guesthouses can arrange rice transplanting for about 30 RMB per person. The grandmothers will patiently teach you 💬 Blogger’s Honest Thoughts I’ve seen Longji in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, but my favorite is the June water-filling season. That morning I woke up at 5 AM before dawn and climbed to the Xishan Shaoyue Viewing Platform in the dark. As the morning mist slowly cleared and sunlight pierced through the clouds onto the thousands of mirror-like terraces, I actually cried. That kind of shock cannot be expressed by any photo. When learning rice transplanting from the grandmother, she said, "Our ancestors have been farming like this for hundreds of years." At that moment, I suddenly understood why Longji Terraces are so beautiful. It’s not just nature’s masterpiece but a miracle created by human hands. Every ridge, every paddy field embodies the wisdom and sweat of the Zhuang and Yao people. June in Longji is the most special time of the year. If you want to experience the most beautiful curves on Earth, be sure to come during the water-filling season. Here, you will see the most beautiful sunrise sea of clouds, experience the most authentic farming life, and feel the purest ethnic customs. Longji is worth a special visit. --- Accommodation 🏨 Qian An No.1 | FAIRYTOPS・DREAMSPHERE Mountain & Water Hotel (Longji Terraces Jinkeng Village Branch) Opening in 2024, meticulously designed by a famous Shenzhen designer, incorporating local Red Yao cultural elements, high-end facilities, and direct terrace views 🏨 Yunya ・ Qinxi Sky Garden Panoramic Guesthouse (Longji Terraces Jinkeng Village Branch) Next to Viewing Platform No.1, all rooms face the terraces, with private viewing balconies, a 270° unobstructed garden afternoon tea area, and complimentary specialty afternoon tea 🏨 Youshe Panoramic Resort Hotel (Longji Terraces Jinfodeng No.3 Viewing Platform Branch) Next to Viewing Platform No.3, rooms have massage bathtubs so you can soak while watching the sea of clouds, wake up to the aroma of rice noodles in the morning, the top-tier Longji resort experience 🏨 Qingshan No.1 Longji Courtyard (Longji Jinkeng Terraces Branch) Hidden halfway up Jinfodeng, within walking distance to Viewing Platforms No.1, No.2, and No.3, with a terrace-view restaurant, an eco-friendly courtyard, quiet and private

| The best time to visit Longji Rice Terraces is now. The Longji Rice Terraces are stunning today🤩 🌾Before the terraces are harvested, come and feel the autumn breeze blowing through the wheat fields with me! 🎑Now is the time to see the golden rice fields all over the mountains~ It's a feast for the eyes 📢Friends who are planning to enjoy the beautiful terraces, get ready~ 🔵The harvest will start on the 27th, if you miss it, you'll have to wait another year

Longji Terraces in late May blew me away! ✨ Layered rice paddies reflect the sky and clouds Stilt houses in the morning mist are like a fairy tale world Keep this 5-day, 4-night in-depth travel guide handy For just 5k per person, you can explore this "most beautiful curve on Earth"! 💰【Budget Reference (Luxury Version)】 ✔️Transportation: 800 RMB (Round trip + local transport) ✔️Accommodation: 1200 RMB (4 nights in a characteristic inn) ✔️Dining: 700 RMB (Eat until you're stuffed) ✔️Tickets: 600 RMB (Terrace access) ✔️Shopping: 300 RMB (Souvenirs arranged) ✔️Contingency Fund: 400 RMB (Super flexible) 🚗Day 1: First Glimpse of Guilin → Longsheng ▫️Transportation: Guilin Liangjiang Airport → Longsheng Bus (¥40/2h) ▫️Accommodation: Recommend stilt house inns! Terraces right outside your window (¥250/night) ▫️Must-try: Dancing Sour Fish Soup 🌶️ So spicy it makes you cry, but you can't stop eating it~ 🌾Day 2: Dazhai Terraces Hiking Day 📍Address: Ping'an Village, Heping Township, Longsheng Multi-ethnic Autonomous County ▫️Must-visit: Seven Stars Accompany the Moon Viewpoint (Ticket ¥100) ▫️Activities: Learn to sing folk songs with Zhuang sisters 🎵 Freshly roasted bamboo rice is super fragrant 😋 ▫️Photo Tips: The light at 4 PM is absolutely stunning!! You can get great shots with just your phone 📸 ☁️Day 3: Cloud-Kissed Terraces Wonderland Tour Morning: Ping'an Village Terraces (Address: No. 1 Ping'an Village, Heping Township) The mist makes it truly feel like a fairyland 🌫️ Afternoon: Jinkeng Terraces Three-Tier Viewpoint 360° panoramic views to capture the most beautiful angles 👀 Evening: Check into a cloud-top guesthouse, open the window to see the Milky Way ✨ 🎎Day 4: Ethnic Culture Experience Day ▫️Explore Yao Village: The silver bell costumes are incredibly beautiful! ▫️Hidden Gem: Learning to make oil tea is super fun 😊 Must-eat at the night market: Five-color glutinous rice is sweet to the heart 🌈 🚌Day 5: Return Home with Full Hearts Souvenir suggestions: Handmade Zhuang brocade scarf (¥100) Guilin Easter Egg: Slurp a bowl of 5 RMB rice noodles on the way back 🍜 💡【Tried & Tested Tips】 ✔️Best Season: March-May for mirror-like terraces vs. September-November for golden waves ✔️Packing List: Non-slip shoes + waterproof jacket + power bank ✔️Accommodation Secret: Be sure to choose one with floor heating! The temperature difference is huge ❄️ Friends, save this guide! Go experience the earth's most beautiful fingerprints 💫

Longji Rice Terraces are terrific for drone shots

Until I encountered the magnificent scenery of Longji Terraces! I was so lucky to see the stunning beauty of Longji Terraces just before the rice harvest. I finally understood the saying: No words can compare to seeing it with your own eyes. 🌾 This year's harvest date: October 27. If you want to see the terraces, hurry up! If you miss it, you'll have to wait another year. 📸 Photography guide: To see the terraces at Longji, you can choose Jinkeng Village, Ping'an Zhuang Village, or Guzhuang Village. Jinkeng Village has the latest harvest and the most beautiful scenery. There are three viewing platforms here: No. 1 Xishan Shaole, No. 2 Thousand-Layer Ladder, and No. 3 Jinfo Top Viewing Platform, which is the highest and can be reached by cable car. If you choose to hike, I highly recommend the No. 2 Viewing Platform! It's a 20-minute climb from the mountainside homestay. Locals highly recommend the No. 2 Viewing Platform, claiming it has the best views. 🎫 Ticket: CNY 80 per person. 🌾 Best photo spots: ✔️ "Mountain for a Thousand Years" is a homestay located halfway up the mountain, offering panoramic views of the terraces. The courtyard and rooms are very photogenic, and the scenery is breathtaking. ✔️ The rice fields below "Mountain for a Thousand Years" can be photographed from the homestay's corridor. Even without a drone, you can take great photos. ✔️ Thousand-Layer Ladder: The viewing platform is spacious, and you can capture large areas of terraces from any angle. The only downside is that if you don't participate in the paid photography project, you can't go down to take photos. 🚘 Transportation: Longsheng is a county town with no high-speed rail station. You can take a bus from Yangshuo (Bilian Cave Parking Lot) to Jinkeng Village, which costs CNY 90 per person and takes about 4 hours. The bus from Guilin to Jinkeng Village costs CNY 50–65 per person (departing from the train station, prices vary by station) and takes 3 hours. Be sure to buy a direct ticket to Jinkeng Village, not to the Longji Terraces Ticket Office. The ticket office is 1 hour away from the village, and you need to transfer to a sightseeing bus, which is quite troublesome. It's recommended to drive yourself or hire a car from Guilin directly. Book your homestay in advance and arrange for the homestay manager to pick you up at the Jinkeng Village parking lot. 🏡 Accommodation: "Mountain for a Thousand Years" Viewing Homestay. If you can book a viewing room, don't book a regular room. The viewing room has a balcony and is beautiful and photogenic. The homestay's private dishes are amazing, especially the perilla duck, which is delicious. You can enjoy three meals a day here. Seize the last week, and act now! If you miss it, you'll have to wait until next year!