Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces: A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Jinkeng Dazhai You Can't Miss!

Rated by National Geographic as one of the must-see landscapes in a lifetime, the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces are vast and breathtaking, with Jinkeng Dazhai being the highlight. During my trip, I stayed at the Qian No.2 Mountain Water Hotel, which offered a perfect experience. Here's a detailed guide to share with you! ✨ Itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Jinkeng Dazhai → Check-in at Qian No.2 Mountain Water Hotel → Explore the surroundings, enjoy the view and food on the hotel terrace 🍽️ Day 2: Early morning visit to Thousand-Layer Ladder 🌅 → Breakfast at the hotel → Head to Golden Buddha Peak → Check out at noon, end of trip Transportation Guide • Self-driving: Navigate directly to Qian No.2 Mountain Water Hotel. The newly built mountain road has many curves, but the scenery along the way is stunning. The hotel offers free parking 🅿️! • Public transport: Take a direct bus from Guilin Xiangjiang Hotel or Guilin North Station, which takes 2.5 hours to reach Jinkeng Dazhai parking lot. Contact the hotel in advance to book tickets for convenience. If you get carsick, choose a window seat 🚗. Upon arrival at the parking lot, contact the hotel for a free shuttle service. Accommodation Recommendation Qian No.2 Mountain Water Hotel, designed by a Shenzhen-based designer, seamlessly blends Red Yao cultural elements with modern aesthetics. The rooms offer spectacular views of the terraces 🌄! In the morning, open the curtains to see layers of terraces dancing with morning mist, like a watercolor painting unfolding before your eyes. The duplex suite with a private hot spring is perfect for soaking in the evening while gazing at the starry sky ✨—romantic and relaxing. The hotel provides thoughtful services, including free shuttle rides to viewing platforms, ticket booking assistance, and itinerary planning. Any request is promptly addressed 💖. Food Recommendations Don't miss the hotel's terrace restaurant! Bamboo chicken is a must-try dish, with tender and juicy chicken infused with a subtle bamboo aroma 🐔. The stir-fried rice with preserved meat is also excellent, with each grain of rice coated in the savory flavor of cured meat 🍚. For breakfast, try the freshly cooked rice noodles topped with a special meat sauce—delicious and flavorful 🥢. During afternoon tea, sip on a cup of Dragon's Backbone Cloud Tea while overlooking the terraces from the terrace—relaxing and delightful ☕. Must-Visit Attractions • Xishan Shaole: This is the best spot to overlook the terraces and watch the sunrise. Wake up early to experience the awe-inspiring sight of the first rays of sunlight hitting the terraces 🌄! • Thousand-Layer Ladder: The layered terraces resemble a staircase to heaven. Walk along the stone paths to immerse yourself in the perfect blend of nature and culture—great for photography 📸. • Golden Buddha Peak: Take a cable car (55 RMB one way) for a 25-minute ride to the highest point, offering a 360° panoramic view of the terraces. The sunset scenery is especially stunning 🌇. Travel Tips 1. Check the weather in advance and prepare suitable clothing, as the temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains can be significant 🧥. 2. Wear comfortable shoes for easy walking 👟. 3. Book tickets online in advance to save time ⏰. The beauty of Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces in Jinkeng Dazhai must be experienced in person. Come here, stay at Qian No.2 Mountain Water Hotel, and enjoy a romantic rendezvous with nature! 💖