Longji Rice Terraces

Synopsis

Longji Terraced Fields are located in Longsheng County, Guilin, Guangxi. Their construction began in the Song Dynasty and was completed in the early Qing Dynasty, boasting a history of several hundred years. The ancestors of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups carved out a 66-square-kilometer terraced field complex along the mountains, which is recognized as a globally important agricultural cultural heritage.

Overview

The Longji Rice Terraces are located in Longji Town, Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. They are a complex of terraced fields carved into the mountains of northern Guangxi by the ancestors of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups, following the natural contours of the land. The scenic area covers approximately 66 square kilometers, with elevations ranging from 300 to 1100 meters. The maximum slope reaches 50 degrees, and the highest point features up to 3,500 steps. The terraces derive their name from the mountain range's resemblance to a dragon's backbone. The Longji Rice Terraces are not only a breathtaking marvel of agricultural engineering but also a living museum of rice-farming civilization in southern China.

In 2023, the Longsheng Longji Rice Terraces System in Guangxi was designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). This recognition marks international acknowledgment of the centuries-old farming wisdom preserved here.

Historical Development

There are two main theories regarding the history of the Longji Rice Terraces' construction:

One theory suggests they were initially built during the Qin Dynasty and completed in the early Qing Dynasty, giving them a history of over two thousand years. This view is based on the terraces being a remnant of rice-farming civilization, with agricultural traditions traceable to the early stages of Central Plains civilization's expansion into the Lingnan region.

The more widely accepted theory is that the Longji Rice Terraces were first constructed during the Song or Yuan Dynasties. Through continuous reclamation by successive generations, they largely took their present form between the early Ming and early Qing Dynasties. With flat land being extremely scarce in the mountainous north of Guangxi, the ancestors, facing steep slopes and poor soil, used their hands, hoes, and shovels to carve out tier after tier of terraces across the rugged mountains. Each level is a masterpiece born of their sweat and toil.

To this day, the terraces are still cultivated by local Zhuang and Yao villagers, maintaining traditional rice farming methods. This living heritage is exceptionally precious among the world's agricultural cultural heritage sites.

Two Main Viewing Areas

The Longji Rice Terraces are primarily divided into two core viewing areas, each with its own distinct features:

Ping'an Zhuang Village Terraces is the earliest developed area of the Longji Terraces, known for its delicate and compact terraced landscape. "Seven Stars Around the Moon" is the iconic scenic spot of Ping'an, where seven patches of terraces surround a small hillock, resembling seven stars encircling the moon. "Nine Dragons and Five Tigers" refers to the magnificent landscape formed by nine ridges and five peaks interweaving.

Jinkeng Yao Village Terraces are larger in scale and more imposing in grandeur, making them a paradise for photography enthusiasts. This area is inhabited by the Red Yao people, renowned for their long hair. Red Yao women traditionally do not cut their hair; the eldest women in the village can have hair over a meter long, earning the village the title of "the village with the world's longest hair."

Seasonal Scenery

The Longji Rice Terraces offer different scenery throughout the four seasons:

There are two optimal periods for visiting: from May to early June for the mirror-like terraces, where water reflects the sky and mountains, creating a picturesque scene; and from September to October for the golden autumn harvest season, when the mountains are covered in gold, offering the most spectacular views.

Practical Guide

Ethnic Culture

The Longji Rice Terraces are not only a natural landscape but also a living display of Zhuang and Yao ethnic cultures. Here, one can experience authentic minority life.

Zhuang Culture: The Zhuang people were among the earliest reclaimers of the Longji Terraces. Zhuang villages are built along the mountainsides, mostly featuring wooden stilt houses known as Ganlan-style architecture. Zhuang festivals and customs are closely related to rice cultivation, with grand sacrificial ceremonies held annually during the transplanting and harvesting seasons. Zhuang folk songs are a national-level intangible cultural heritage, and visitors can enjoy captivating antiphonal singing performances during festive activities at the terraces.

Red Yao Culture: The Red Yao people are named for the predominant red color in their women's attire. Red Yao women traditionally do not cut their hair. They wash and care for their long, jet-black, and lustrous hair using water from rinsing rice. The sixth day of the sixth lunar month is the Red Yao's Clothes-Drying Festival. Villagers air out their clothes and bedding and hold various celebratory activities, making it the best time to experience Red Yao culture.

References

1. FAO Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems: https://www.fao.org/giahs/giahs-around-the-world/en/
2. China Ethnic Network: https://www.56-china.com.cn/show-case-6702.html
3. Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longji_Rice_Terraces