Longsheng Rice Terrace
Area Famous hillside rice terraces cultivated by ethnic minorities
Near Guilin, Longsheng’s rice terraces carve hills into stepped paddies; tourists hike ridge trails, photograph layered fields at sunrise and visit nearby Zhuang and Yao villages.
The Longsheng Rice Terrace complex, commonly called the Longji or Dragon’s Backbone terraces, is a series of carved rice terraces in Longsheng County, Guangxi, China. The terraces occupy steep hillsides and have become a widely photographed agricultural landscape.
Terraced fields and ethnic minority villages form the main attractions; popular vantage points are the village lookouts above the terraces where layered patterns are clearly visible. Walks between villages such as Ping’an and Dazhai let visitors experience the terraces at close range.
Local Zhuang and Yao communities constructed and maintained the terraces over many generations for upland rice cultivation. The landscape evolved through continuous agricultural use rather than a single construction event.
The terraces lie in Longsheng County in northeastern Guangxi, northeast of the city of Guilin, and are accessed by road from regional transport hubs.
- Best viewpoints: Best viewed from village viewpoints at dawn or dusk when light emphasizes the contours of the terraced slopes.
What to See #
- Ping'an Village: Ping'an Village - a hilltop ethnic village offering close-up views of terraced paddies and a common access point for tourist trails.
- Dazhai terraces: Dazhai terraces - a cluster of terraced fields accessible from a separate village trail known for layered rice-field panoramas.
How to Get to Longsheng Rice Terrace #
Longsheng (Longji Rice Terraces) is reached by bus from Guilin (2-3 hours) or by private transfer from Guilin or Yangshuo. Buses arrive at Longsheng/Longji town; from there visitors walk or take local shuttle vans uphill to the terrace villages (Ping’an, Dazhai, Jinkeng). Expect 30-60 minutes of uphill walking from the town.
Tips for Visiting Longsheng Rice Terrace #
- Take the bus from Guilin or Yangshuo to Longsheng (Longji) and expect a 2-3 hour journey; from Longsheng town it's a 30-60 minute walk up to the terraces.
- Visit the Ping'an and Jinkeng villages for different perspectives - Jinkeng is wilder and less developed, Ping'an has more guesthouses and photo viewpoints.
- Arrive at sunrise for the best light across the terraces and fewer tour groups; cloud cover can change the mood quickly.
Best Time to Visit Longsheng Rice Terrace #
Spring and autumn are the most visually rewarding months - spring for newly planted, vivid green terraces, autumn for harvest colors and clearer skies.
Weather & Climate near Longsheng Rice Terrace #
Longsheng Rice Terrace's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1639 mm/year), wettest in May.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Heavy rain (208 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (293 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (274 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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