Longji Rice Terraces
Synopsis
Overview
Longji Terraced Fields, also known as Longsheng Terraced Fields, are located in Heping Township, Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, approximately 80 kilometers from downtown Guilin. This site is an outstanding example of rice cultivation culture and is hailed as the "Hometown of World Terraced Fields" and one of China's most beautiful terraced fields. The construction of the terraces began in the Yuan Dynasty...
Overview
The Longji Terraces, also known as the Longsheng Terraces, are located within Heping Township, Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, approximately 80 kilometers from downtown Guilin. This is an outstanding rice cultivation cultural landscape, renowned as the "Hometown of World Terraces" and one of China's most beautiful terraced fields. Construction of the terraces began in the Yuan Dynasty and continued through the Ming and Qing Dynasties, ultimately forming the magnificent spectacle of fields coiling from the mountain foot to the summit, layered like a staircase to the sky. Their lines are smooth and flowing, their scale is vast and grand, combining majesty with elegance, making them an ecological marvel of harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity. The Longji Terraces are not a single scenic spot but a complex of terraced fields formed by multiple Zhuang and Yao ethnic villages, with the "Ping'an Zhuang Village Terraces" (Ping'an North Zhuang Terraces Viewing Area) and the "Jinkeng Hongyao Terraces" (Dazhai Jinkeng Terraces Viewing Area) being the most famous.
History
The reclamation history of the Longji Terraces can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty, over 650 years ago. They were developed on a large scale during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The ancestors of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups who settled here, with astonishing wisdom and perseverance, used simple farming tools to carve out fields to sustain their descendants on the steep slopes of the Longji Mountains, following the natural contours of the land. They ingeniously utilized mountain springs and streams to construct a complex irrigation system, ensuring the terraces have water year-round, forming a unique and sustainable agricultural ecosystem where "forests, villages, terraces, and water systems" coexist in harmony. These terraces are not only land for food production but also a cultural heritage of ethnic minority farming civilization, embodying their survival philosophy of revering, adapting to, and living in harmony with nature. In May 2022, the Longji Terraces were officially designated by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a "Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)."
Main Attractions
The Longji Terraces scenic area is vast, primarily divided into two core viewing areas, each with its own characteristics:
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Ping'an Zhuang Village Terraces (Ping'an North Zhuang Terraces Viewing Area): Developed earlier with relatively complete facilities, it is most famous for the "Nine Dragons and Five Tigers" and "Seven Stars Around the Moon" viewing platforms. "Nine Dragons and Five Tigers" refers to the terrace ridges resembling nine dragons and five tigers coiling protectively; "Seven Stars Around the Moon" features seven small hillocks surrounding a circular terrace, like stars accompanying the moon. The Zhuang ethnic culture is strong here.
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Jinkeng Hongyao Terraces (Dazhai Jinkeng Terraces Viewing Area): Larger in scale, the terraces encircle the mountain in a massive "heavenly pit" shape, appearing more primitive and magnificent. Main viewing platforms include "Xishan Shaoyue," "Thousand-Layer Ladder to Heaven," and "Golden Buddha Summit." Among these, "Golden Buddha Summit" can be reached by cable car and is an excellent spot for viewing sunsets and panoramic vistas. This area is home to the Hongyao ethnic group, offering unique ethnic customs.
Additionally, there are areas like the Ancient Zhuang Village Terraces, which are relatively more rustic and tranquil. The terrace scenery is beautiful in all seasons: in spring, water-filled fields resemble silver chains hanging upside down; in summer, lush green seedlings look like rolling green waves; in autumn, golden rice waves create layers of golden pagodas; in winter, snow on the terraces outlines a distinct black-and-white ink-wash painting.
Practical Information
The following information provides a general overview; specifics may vary by season and policy. Verification before travel is recommended.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Ticket Price | Adult Ticket: 80 RMB (all-access pass, includes main viewing areas like Ping'an Village, Dazhai Jinkeng, Ancient Zhuang Village). |
| Opening Hours | Open year-round, 24 hours (but ticket offices and sightseeing buses have operating hours, typically 8:00-18:00). |
| Best Visiting Seasons | April-May (water-filled fields for transplanting, mirror-like terraces); July-August (green terraces); September-October (golden rice waves, peak viewing period). |
| Main Transportation | 1. From Guilin: Take a direct bus to Longsheng County from Guilin Qintan Bus Station, then transfer to a bus heading to Longji Terraces (Dazhai or Ping'an Village). 2. Tourist Shuttle: Convenient tourist shuttles to Jinkeng Dazhai or Ping'an Village depart from locations like Guilin Xiangjiang Hotel. 3. Self-drive: Navigate to "Longji Terraces Scenic Area Parking Lot," then transfer to scenic area sightseeing buses to enter villages. Mountain roads are winding; drive cautiously. |
| Transportation Within Scenic Area | Sightseeing buses connect the villages. Villages mostly have stone-paved paths, requiring walking for exploration. Jinkeng Dazhai has a cable car to Golden Buddha Summit (approx. 55 RMB one-way, 100 RMB round-trip; prices for reference only). |
| Accommodation & Dining | Major villages like Ping'an Village and Dazhai have numerous homestays and farmhouse inns, offering local-style lodging (often wooden buildings). Dining features Zhuang and Yao ethnic farmhouse cuisine, such as bamboo-tube rice, Longji free-range chicken, cured meat, glutinous rice wine, etc. |
| Important Notes | 1. Mountain weather is changeable with significant day-night temperature differences; prepare rain gear and warm clothing. 2. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for hiking the terraces. 3. Respect local ethnic minority customs; do not enter villagers' homes or take close-up portraits without permission. 4. During holidays, visitor numbers are high; advance booking for accommodation and transport is recommended. |
References
- UN Food and Agriculture Organization - Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) - China Guangxi Longsheng Longji Rice Terraces System:
https://www.fao.org/giahs/giahsaroundtheworld/designated-sites/asia-and-the-pacific/longsheng-rice-terraces/zh/ - Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Department of Culture and Tourism Official Website - Longji Terraces Introduction:
http://wlt.gxzf.gov.cn/ (Search for "龙脊梯田" on the site for related information) - Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County People's Government Portal - Tourism Information:
http://www.glls.gov.cn/ (Check for officially released travel guides and announcements)
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