Just returned from Longji Rice Terraces, here are some hard truths

🌄 "The Crown of World Terraces" - Guangxi's Longji Rice Terraces hide among mountain ranges, where every curve flows with the poetry of the earth, and every inch of land tells the story of millennia of farming. Whether it's the dreamlike mirror-like paddies during irrigation season or the overwhelming golden rice waves during autumn harvest, the beauty is breathtaking. This ultra-detailed guide will help you unlock all the charms of Longji Rice Terraces! 📍Address: Longji Rice Terraces, Longji Town, Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County, Guilin City, Guangxi 🎫 Ticket Information: - Adult ticket: ¥80 (covers all three terrace areas: Jinkeng Dazhai, Ping'an Village, and Ancient Zhuang Village) - Discount ticket: ¥40 (for students with ID, seniors aged 60-64 with ID) - Free admission: Seniors over 65, children under 1.2m, active military personnel, disabled visitors (with valid ID) - Tips: Online tickets must be purchased 2 hours in advance. On-site purchase is convenient too. Don't trust locals offering "ticket-free entry" - you might get scammed! 🚗 Transportation Guide: - Self-drive: From Guilin, take National Highway 321 (80km, 2.5-3 hours). Note: Mountain roads are winding - not recommended for novice drivers. - Public transport: - Guilin Qintan Bus Station: Take bus to Longsheng County (¥25, 1.5h), then transfer to Longji Terraces shuttle (¥20, 1h). - Guilin North/West Station: Direct buses to scenic area (¥65, 3h). Last return bus at 17:30 - don't miss it! - Chartered/shared cars: Book via travel platforms or local inns (¥300-500/car for 4-6 people; ¥80-150/person for shared rides). More flexible schedule. 🌟 Best Visiting Times: - April-June: Irrigation season - terraces mirror the sky, perfect for "sky mirror" photos. - July-September: Lush greenery, ideal for summer retreats and countryside views. - October: Golden rice harvest - photographer's paradise and peak viewing season. - November-March: Chance to see snow-covered terraces (but prepare for cold weather). 📸 Must-See Routes: - 1-day tour: Ping'an Village → Seven Stars with Moon Viewpoint → Nine Dragons and Five Tigers Viewpoint → Huangluo Yao Village - 2-day tour: - Day1: Jinkeng Dazhai → Thousand-Layer Ladder → Xishao Sunset Viewing. Stay overnight in Dazhai homestay for stargazing. - Day2: Sunrise viewing → Ping'an Village → Ancient Zhuang Village (Zhuang ethnic culture) → Return in evening. 💯 Must-Visit Spots: - Seven Stars with Moon (Ping'an): Seven small hills surrounding paddies like stars around the moon - poetic scenery. - Nine Dragons and Five Tigers (Ping'an): Terraces shaped like dragons and tigers - iconic landscape. - Golden Buddha Peak (Jinkeng): Best sunrise/sea of clouds viewpoint (weather permitting). - Huangluo Yao Village: "World's First Long Hair Village" - enjoy Red Yao hair dance performances. 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations: - Panorama Hotel (Jinkeng): Prime views (¥500-1000/night). - Longji Homestay (Ping'an): Great value, clean rooms (¥200-400/night). - Blooming in Clouds (Instagrammable homestay): Large viewing terrace (¥300-600/night). 🍱 Food Guide: - Bamboo rice (¥20-30): Glutinous rice with bamboo fragrance. - Longji free-range chicken (¥150-200): Freshly prepared, firm texture. - Yao rice wine (¥20-30/jin): Sweet, low-alcohol - great for ladies. - Sour fish soup (¥80-120): Spicy-sour appetizer with tender fish. - Recommended restaurants: Ameng's (Jinkeng), Longji Taste (Ping'an), Yao Flavors (Huangluo). ❗ Pro Tips: - Transportation: Scenic area buses are most reliable. Private cars can't enter villages (park outside). - Shopping: Be cautious with silver jewelry (many fakes). Bargain for local products. - Photography: Best light 2hrs after sunrise/before sunset. Drones require prior approval (some no-fly zones). - Hiking: Wear anti-slip shoes, bring water. Extra caution when rainy. Longji Rice Terraces, Longsheng