The Longji terraces climb the mountainsides of Longsheng, north of Guilin, in tight, curving steps that follow every fold of the hills. They’ve been farmed for more than 650 years, and the Chinese name means “dragon’s backbone,” after the ridge they run along. They are among the most photographed views in southern China, and a good day trip or overnight stay from Guilin.
| Age | more than 650 years |
|---|---|
| Altitude | up to 1,100 m |
| Slope | up to 50 degrees |
| Viewing areas | Ping’an (Zhuang) and Dazhai (Yao) |
| Location | Longji town, Longsheng county, Guilin |
What you’re looking at
The terraces rise to an altitude of 1,100 meters, and the slopes are as steep as 50 degrees. A local saying runs, “the mountain is the dragon’s spine, and the fields are ladders in the clouds.” Longsheng is an autonomous county where the Zhuang, Yao, Miao and Dong peoples live, and the villages in the terraces are traditional wooden houses.
Two main viewing areas
Ping’an
Ping’an is a Zhuang village, and its terraces are the best known. Paths lead from the village to viewpoints higher on the slope, and many of the houses have been converted into guesthouses. It’s the busiest area, and the most convenient for an overnight stay.
Dazhai
Dazhai, also called Jinkeng, is the Yao area, known locally as the Red Yao. The terraces here are broad and sweep around the hills, and the viewpoints are reached by walking paths from the village. It’s an alternative to Ping’an, often quieter.
When to go
The terraces change with the farming year. In spring, the flooded fields reflect the sky; in summer they’re green; in autumn they turn gold around harvest time, which is the most popular season; and in winter the hills can be misty or, occasionally, snow-covered. Mist is common in all seasons, so be ready for mornings with limited views, and build in a second day if the weather is poor.
Getting there and how long to stay
Longji is a few hours by road from Guilin, depending on the route. A day trip is possible, but one night in Ping’an or Dazhai lets you see the terraces at sunrise and sunset. See our guides to Yangshuo, Guangxi and Guilin, and our China tours.
Planning Longji with Absolute Asia Tours
Absolute Asia Tours has planned private trips in Asia since 1989. For Longji that means a driver and guide from Guilin, a village guesthouse chosen for the view, and a walking route that suits your pace on steep, uneven steps. We’re rated 4.8 out of 5 across about 900 traveler reviews. Tell us your dates and we’ll plan from there.
Sources (read in Chinese, Chinese Wikipedia): 龙脊梯田, 龙胜各族自治县. Last checked November 2026.
Longji rice terraces: FAQ
How old are the Longji rice terraces?
More than 650 years old.
How high are the terraces?
Up to 1,100 meters in altitude, on slopes as steep as 50 degrees.
What is the difference between Ping’an and Dazhai?
Ping’an is a Zhuang village with the best-known terraces and the most guesthouses. Dazhai is a Yao area, often quieter.
When is the best time to see the terraces?
Autumn for gold at harvest, spring for flooded fields, summer for green.
Can you visit Longji as a day trip from Guilin?
Yes, though an overnight stay gives you sunrise and sunset.
Where is Longji?
In Longji town, Longsheng county, northwest of Guilin in Guangxi.
Photo: chensiyuan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
