Longji Rice Terraces Travel Guide: Areas, Transport, Hotels and Hiking

How Should First-Time Visitors Plan the Trip?

For a first visit, I recommend staying one night and two days and focusing on one main area.

This is not a single viewpoint with a single entrance. It is a mountainous region comprising several terraced areas, villages, and observation points.

The three best-known areas are:

• Ping’an Zhuang Village
• Jinkeng Dazhai Red Yao Terraces
• Ancient Zhuang Village

They are in separate valleys, so you should choose your main area before booking transport and accommodation.

A simple guide:

• Choose Ping’an for classic terrace views
• Choose Jinkeng for wide valleys and the cable car
• Choose Ancient Zhuang Village for a quieter cultural experience
• Plan two or more days if you want to visit several areas

Why Is the Area Special?

The terraces are located in Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County near Guilin. Local communities built rice fields along the mountain slopes and maintained them for generations.

The terraces around Dazhai have more than 2,000 years of farming history and were designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the FAO in 2018.

This is not only a photography destination. It is also a living agricultural and cultural landscape connected to:

• Zhuang and Yao communities
• Mountain farming
• Traditional houses
• Local festivals and clothing
• Village life shaped by the terraces

Which Area Should You Choose?

1. Ping’an: Best for First-Time Visitors

Ping’an was developed earlier as a tourism area and is relatively easy to understand. The paths and viewpoints are established, making it a practical choice for international visitors.

What can you see?

The terraces here form compact, recognisable patterns. Walking uphill offers changing views of rice fields, villages, and mountain valleys.

Common viewpoints include:

• Nine Dragons and Five Tigers
• Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon
• Ping’an Zhuang Village
• Traditional houses and mountain paths

The main advantage is that the scenery is concentrated, so you can see a lot in a shorter visit.

How long should you stay?

One night is usually enough. Photographers may prefer to stay inside the village to capture morning mist and evening light.

Some guesthouses are a walk uphill from the parking area or shuttle stop. Confirm luggage assistance before booking.

2. Jinkeng Dazhai: Best for Wide Views and Sunrise

Jinkeng is also known as the Red Yao terrace area. It covers a larger mountain region, with viewpoints separated by longer walking routes.

What is it known for?

Common viewpoints include:

• Xishan Shaoyue
• Thousand-Layered Stairway
• Golden Buddha Peak

Each viewpoint offers a different direction and height, so the valleys look different from one another.

The area also has a sightseeing cable car, which is useful for travellers who prefer less hiking or are travelling with older family members and children.

The official scenic-area website currently lists:

• Round trip: RMB 100, about $14
• One way: RMB 55, about $8

Check whether the cable car is operating on your travel date.

How long should you stay?

One or two nights are recommended.

Two nights are better if you want sunrise, mist and changing light. A half-day visit will not allow enough time for several viewpoints.

Who should choose Jinkeng?

• Photographers
• Hikers
• Travellers interested in sunrise and clouds
• Families who still want broad mountain scenery
• Visitors comfortable with mountain paths

3. Ancient Zhuang Village: Best for a Quieter Cultural Experience

Ancient Zhuang Village is generally quieter than Ping’an and Jinkeng. In addition to terraces, it offers a closer look at village life and traditional architecture.

What can you do?

• Walk through the village
• See traditional houses
• Learn about Zhuang culture
• View the terraces
• Try local food
• Observe everyday rural life

This area is better suited to travellers who prefer a village atmosphere to large observation platforms.

What should you check?

Accommodation and public transport may be less convenient than in the more developed areas. Confirm:

• Whether the guesthouse accepts foreign passports
• Walking distance from the parking area
• Language support
• Pickup service
• Nearby restaurants

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Spring: Water-filled terraces

Around April and May, some fields are flooded. The surfaces reflect clouds, sky and mountains, creating excellent photography conditions.

The exact farming schedule varies according to rainfall, temperature and local agricultural work.

Summer: Green terraces

From around June to August, the rice fields become bright green. The scenery is lush, but heat, humidity and afternoon storms are common.

Plan longer hikes for early morning or late afternoon.

Autumn: Golden rice fields

Around late September and October, mature rice may turn the slopes golden. Harvest dates vary each year.

Autumn is popular with photographers, although the period around China’s National Day holiday can be very crowded.

Winter: Fewer visitors

Some fields may already be harvested, but the area is quieter. Temperatures can be low in the morning and evening, so check accommodation and road conditions.

How Do You Get There from Guilin?

1. Tourist shuttle or pre-booked transfer

This is usually the easiest option for international visitors.

A typical route is:

Guilin city → Longji entrance → Ping’an, Jinkeng or Ancient Zhuang Village

The journey usually takes around 2.5–4 hours, depending on the destination and road conditions.

Confirm:

• Entrance or village drop-off
• Scenic-area shuttle inclusion
• Ticket inclusion
• Luggage space
• Hotel drop-off
• Return time and location

2. Public transport

Budget travellers can travel from Guilin to Longsheng County or Longji Town, then transfer to a local vehicle.

The general route is:

Guilin → Longsheng or Longji Town → Scenic entrance → Specific village

This option is cheaper but involves more transfers. It can be difficult for first-time visitors with large luggage or limited Chinese.

3. Private car

A private car is suitable for two to four travellers.

When asking for a quotation, specify:

• Ping’an or Jinkeng
• One-way or round trip
• Waiting time
• Scenic-area transfers
• Guesthouse drop-off
• Parking fees

Some private vehicles can only reach the scenic entrance, where you must change to a local shuttle.

How Do You Get There from Yangshuo?

Yangshuo and the terrace region are in different directions, and public transport is usually less convenient between them.

Options include:

• Direct tourist transfer
• Private car
• Returning to Guilin first
• Changing vehicles through Longsheng County

The journey can take around four hours or longer. Travellers with large luggage should consider a pre-booked private transfer.

How Do You Move Around the Scenic Area?

Possible transport includes:

• Scenic-area shuttles
• Local minivans
• Walking paths
• The Jinkeng cable car

Private cars may not reach every village or viewpoint. Some guesthouses require walking uphill from the parking area.

Before booking, ask:

1. Where can the vehicle stop?
2. How far is the accommodation from the parking area?
3. Are there stairs?
4. Who carries the luggage?
5. Is evening transport available?

Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Viewpoints

• Morning: Leave Guilin
• Midday or afternoon: Arrive
• Check into the guesthouse
• Visit a nearby viewpoint
• Photograph the terraces in the late afternoon
• Have dinner in the village

In Jinkeng, choose between the cable car and hiking according to your fitness level.

Day 2: Morning Photography and Departure

• Watch the clouds, sunrise or terraces
• Have breakfast
• Take a short walk
• Return to the parking area
• Leave the scenic area
• Return to Guilin or continue to another city

If you have a flight, do not travel directly from the mountains to the airport without a generous time buffer.

What If You Only Have One Day?

A day trip is possible but quite rushed.

Choose either Ping’an or Jinkeng. Do not try to visit all three areas in one day.

A typical plan is:

• Early departure from Guilin
• Arrival in the morning
• Main viewpoints before lunch
• Return to Guilin in the afternoon

The cable car can reduce walking time in Jinkeng.

Where Should You Stay?

Outside the scenic area

Best for easy transport, luggage and day trips. The disadvantage is that you will miss convenient access to sunrise and sunset.

Ping’an Village

Good for classic views, village walks, and a short hike.

Jinkeng Dazhai

Good for photographers, viewpoints and cable-car access. Check the location of your guesthouse carefully.

Ancient Zhuang Village

Good for a quieter atmosphere and cultural experiences.

Accommodation tips for international visitors

Confirm whether the property:

• Accepts foreign passports
• Can register international guests
• Offers communication support
• Provides pickup
• Accepts international cards or online payment

Hiking Difficulty and Packing List

This is not a completely flat sightseeing park. Routes may include:

• Stone steps
• Slopes
• Mountain paths
• Village trails
• Wet surfaces

Bring:

• Shoes with good grip
• A small backpack
• Rain jacket
• Drinking water
• Sun protection
• Power bank
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Basic first-aid supplies

Avoid carrying large suitcases into the mountain villages.

Cultural Etiquette

The area is home to Zhuang, Yao and other local communities. Visitors should:

• Ask before photographing residents
• Avoid entering private homes
• Do not touch religious or personal objects
• Be respectful during cultural performances
• Ask prices before buying handicrafts
• Avoid treating traditional clothing only as a photo prop
• Respect local ways of life

The most meaningful cultural experience comes from observing respectfully rather than photographing quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I choose Ping’an or Jinkeng?

Choose Ping’an for a one-day visit and classic views. Choose Jinkeng if you have two days and want wider valleys, photography and the cable car.

Can I visit all three areas in one day?

It is not recommended. Mountain roads and walking routes separate the areas. Focus on one main area.

When can I seeGolden Terracess?

Usually from late September to October, but harvest dates vary every year.

Is it suitable for older travellers and children?

Yes, with a suitable route. Consider the cable car in Jinkeng and choose accommodation near transport hubs.

Can I go there and return to Guilin in one day?

Yes, but the schedule will be tight. Stay overnight if you want to see the sunrise, sunset, or experience village life.

Can mountain guesthouses accept foreign visitors?

Some can, and some cannot, complete foreign guest registration. Confirm before booking.

Can I visit the terraces and Yangshuo on the same day?

It is not recommended. The destinations are in different directions and require several hours of travel.

Final Thoughts

The best experience comes from spending at least two days in the mountains rather than rushing in for a quick photograph.

With one day, choose Ping’an or Jinkeng. With two days, stay in a village and include early-morning views and a short hike. Choose Ancient Zhuang Village if you are more interested in culture and the quiet countryside.

As a Chinese traveller, I recommend:

Leave Guilin → Stay in Ping’an or Jinkeng → View the terraces in the afternoon → Photograph the mountains in the morning → Return to Guilin or continue onward.

The attraction is not only the curved lines of the fields. It is also the villages, clouds, mountain paths and everyday life built around them.