Longji Terraces Scenic Area English Travel Guide

• General Introduction
  • The Longji Terraces Scenic Area is located in Longsheng County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is a remarkable agricultural wonder and a popular tourist destination, renowned for its magnificent terraced fields that seem to cascade down the mountainsides like steps of a giant staircase12.
  • The terraced fields were built over centuries by the hard work of the local ethnic groups, mainly the Zhuang and Yao people, and are a testament to their wisdom and perseverance.

• Location and Transportation
  • Location: It is about 75 kilometers away from Guilin City and stands by National Highway 321, with convenient transportation.
  • By Bus: You can take a bus from Guilin to Longsheng County first, and then transfer to a local bus or a minivan to the Longji Terraces Scenic Area.
  • By Car: If you have your own vehicle, you can drive along the relevant routes according to the navigation. The road conditions are generally good, but be careful when driving in the mountainous areas.

• Opening Hours and Tickets
  • Opening Hours: The scenic area is open all year round. Generally, it opens from early morning to late evening, but specific opening and closing times may vary by season, so it is advisable to check in advance.
  • Tickets: There are different types of tickets for different sections of the terraced fields. You can purchase tickets at the entrance or through online platforms in advance. Ticket prices may also be adjusted according to different seasons and policies.

• Main Attractions
  • Ping'an Zhuang Terraced Fields Spot: This is one of the earliest developed terraced fields areas for tourism. It has a relatively compact layout and offers impressive views. The "Seven Stars 伴月 (Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon)" and "Nine Dragons and Five Tigers" are two famous landscapes here. The "Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon" consists of seven small hilltop terraces and one large hilltop terrace, creating a beautiful and unique pattern2.
  • Jin Keng Red Yao Terraced Fields Spot: It is the largest terraced area in Longji, presenting a more magnificent and wild beauty. There are several notable viewing platforms here, such as the "Thousand-Layer Ladder", where you can see the terraced fields stacking up layer by layer on the rugged mountain ridges; the "Xishan Shaole" viewing platform offers a vast and grand view of the terraced fields, and it is also a great place to watch the sunrise; and the "Golden Buddha Summit" is the highest viewing platform in the Jin Keng area, and you can take a cable car to reach here to enjoy the panoramic view2.
  • Longji Old Village Cultural Terraced Fields Spot: This is the birthplace of the Zhuang terraced fields, with a long history and rich cultural heritage. The ancient villages here are well-preserved, allowing you to experience the original lifestyle and traditional culture of the Zhuang people. The "Group Dragons Exploring the Sea" viewing point in this area offers a spectacular sight of the terraced fields spreading over the high and steep mountains2.
  • Huangluo Yao Village: It is the only Yao village among the Longji Thirteen Villages. The villagers here are all of the Red Yao ethnic group. The women in the village are famous for their long hair, and the village has obtained the "Long Hair Village" certificate from the Guinness headquarters. You can experience the unique culture and customs of the Yao people here.

• Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (March to May): During this season, the terraced fields are filled with water, reflecting the sky and the surrounding mountains like mirrors, creating a beautiful and serene landscape. It is a great time for photography.
  • Summer (June to August): The terraced fields are lush and green, with rice plants growing vigorously, presenting a vibrant and lively scene. The cool mountain breeze makes it a pleasant place to escape the summer heat.
  • Autumn (September to November): As the rice ripens, the terraced fields turn golden yellow, creating a magnificent harvest scene. This is the most popular time for tourists to visit, as the scenery is extremely beautiful3.
  • Winter (December to February): Although the terraced fields are relatively desolate in winter, if there is snow, the snow-covered terraced fields form a unique winter landscape, which is also very charming.

• Precautions
  • The terraced fields are located in the mountainous area, so the temperature difference between day and night is large. It is necessary to bring appropriate clothing to keep warm or cool according to the season2.
  • The hiking trails in the scenic area can be steep and slippery in some places, so wear comfortable and anti-slip shoes to ensure safety.
  • Respect the local ethnic culture and customs, and do not damage the terraced fields and the ecological environment of the scenic area.