Minority Enclaves: Longji Rice Terraces

Guilin Longji Rice Terraces are among the most beautiful rice terraces in China, known for their spectacular agricultural landscapes and unique minority cultures. Here is a travel guide to help you fully experience the charm of Longji Rice Terraces: 1. Best Time to Visit May–June (Irrigation Period): The terraces reflect the sky like a mirror, making it ideal for photography. September–October (Harvest Season): The golden rice waves are layered on top of each other, with rich colors. Other seasons: Winter snow scenery (rare), spring green seedlings. 2. Main Terraced Fields Longji Rice Terraces are divided into two core areas, about a 40-minute drive apart: Ping'an Zhuang Rice Terraces Features: Developed earlier, with complete facilities, suitable for first-time visitors. Classic Viewing Platforms: Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon: Seven small hills surround the terraced fields, shaped like stars accompanying the moon. Nine Dragons and Five Tigers: The lines of the terraced fields are like dragon ridges, and the mountain shape is like five tigers. Accommodation: Mostly concentrated in Ping'an Village, with good conditions. Jinkeng Hongyao Rice Terraces (Dazhai Rice Terraces) Features: Larger scale, more original ecology, suitable for hiking enthusiasts. Classic Viewing Platforms: Xishan Shaole (Best for Sunrise) Thousand-Layer Terraces (Step-like Landscape) Golden Buddha Peak (Excellent for Sunset, cable car available) Accommodation: Mostly on the mountainside, requiring hiking up the mountain, but with excellent views. 3. Transportation From Guilin: Direct Bus: Guilin Xiangjiang Hotel/Guilin North Station → Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area (approx. 2.5 hours), fare approx. CNY 50. Chartered cars are more flexible and suitable for multiple people traveling together (approx. CNY 300–500/car). Transportation within the Scenic Area: You need to transfer to the scenic area bus between villages (fees apply). Jinkeng Terraces can take the cable car (CNY 60 one way, CNY 100 round trip) to Golden Buddha Peak. 4. Recommended Itineraries One-Day Tour (Limited Time): Choose one area for an in-depth tour, such as Ping'an Village (Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon + Nine Dragons and Five Tigers) or Jinkeng Rice Terraces (Thousand-Layer Terraces + Golden Buddha Peak). Two-Day Tour (Recommended): Day 1: Hike in Ping'an Village and stay overnight in Ping'an or Dazhai. Day 2: Watch the sunrise at Jinkeng Rice Terraces and visit Huangluo Hongyao Village (Long Hair Village). Photography Enthusiasts: It is recommended to stay one night to capture the morning mist and sunset light and shadow. 5. Featured Experiences Hike: Ping'an Village → Dazhai approx. 4 hours, the scenery along the way is stunning. Ethnic Customs: Visit Huangluo Hongyao Village (holder of the Guinness World Record for Longest Hair). Taste Zhuang bamboo rice, glutinous rice wine, and sour soup fish. Accommodation Options: Give priority to homestays on the mountainside, with views from the window (such as "Panorama Building"). 6. Precautions Tickets: CNY 80/person (including Ping'an Village, Dazhai and other areas, discounts available with student ID). Clothing: Non-slip shoes are required for hiking in the terraced fields, and rain gear should be prepared in the rainy season. Luggage: Most of the homestays are on the mountain, so pack light or pay locals to carry your luggage (approx. CNY 20–30/piece). Respect Customs: The Yao villagers are warm and hospitable, but please ask for permission before taking pictures. 7. Nearby Attractions Guilin City: Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers and Four Lakes. Yangshuo: Yulong River, the essence of the Li River (Longji + Yangshuo requires a 3-day or more itinerary). The essence of Longji Rice Terraces lies in slow travel. It is recommended to slow down and experience the idyllic scenery surrounded by clouds and the simple life of the ethnic minorities.