Longji Rice Terraces

As a photographer, Longji is a dream. I stayed two nights in Ping'an during the wet season, and the best moment came right after a storm when the clouds started to break. The sun hit the water-filled terraces and they turned into a giant mirror reflecting the sky, with tiny farmers working along the edges. The light kept shifting every few seconds. Nothing is fancy in the village, but my guesthouse balcony gave me the perfect front-row seat. Already planning a return trip for harvest season.

We visited in early October for the golden rice season and it was pure magic. The terraces looked like a giant golden staircase rolling into the mountains, and at sunrise the clouds drifted right below us in the valley. The cable car saved our legs, though we still did the lovely walk down to the village afterward. We bought sticky rice cooked in bamboo from a little stall and the owner was so warm and friendly. Honestly a 10 out of 10 day.

This place completely took my breath away. I walked the route from Jinkeng to Dachai, and every bend in the path revealed another postcard-perfect scene. The layered green terraces glowed under the morning sun, and the gentle sound of water moving through the rice paddies was so calming. Our local guide also explained how the Zhuang and Yao farmers have maintained this landscape for generations. It is absolutely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

The hike from Ping'an to Tiantou is no joke, but the views are genuinely beautiful once you get above the village. We stayed one night in a family-run guesthouse and caught a misty sunrise that made everything worth it. I only took off one star because the English signage around the ticket office was confusing, and we spent 45 minutes working out where the correct shuttle was. If you're okay with the stairs and have time to stay overnight, it's a solid visit.

I really wanted to love Longji, but the day we went the fog rolled in right after we arrived and we barely saw any terraces from the main viewpoint. The paths were also slippery from light rain, and pushing through huge tour groups made it stressful. On top of that, the shuttle ticket and entrance fee felt expensive for what we actually experienced. Maybe I was just unlucky with the weather, but I left a bit disappointed.

I came in early February after a rainy week, and the terraces were flooded — waiting for spring planting. The water reflected the sky perfectly, and the whole mountainside looked like a mirror. I almost had the place to myself. The geometric lines of the terraces were so clean it felt unreal. The bus ride up is long and windy, so be prepared for that, but once you’re standing above the valley, all that motion sickness fades away. I didn’t take a guide, just walked the main paths and sat for an hour doing absolutely nothing. It was peaceful in a way photos can’t capture. Will definitely return in another season.

I'm a photographer and I've seen a lot of landscapes in my life, but Longji stunned me. We went in late July and the rice was at that unbelievable luminous green stage. The sheer scale of the terraces is overwhelming — people built these by hand centuries ago, and you can feel the history. We walked from Dazhai to Ping'an along the mountain trails, about six hours with plenty of stops. It was hot and humid, but every view made me stop to take another picture. We had lunch at a little family home: bamboo rice, local chicken, and cucumbers picked from the garden. Absolutely the highlight of my trip to China.

This was the single most magical morning of my two weeks in China. We stayed overnight at a simple guesthouse in Ping'an and woke up at 5am to hike up to the No. 1 Viewpoint. The mist was drifting across the hills, and as the sun came up, the whole valley turned gold. I actually teared up a little. Yes, there are roosters and dogs making noise all night, but that just felt part of the experience. The rice terraces looked like a green velvet staircase carved into the mountains. If you love nature and don’t mind early alarms, this place is pure magic.

A solid 4-star adventure. We spent a full day walking from Ping'an to the higher viewpoints and the views kept getting better around every corner. The terraces in June were lush green and absolutely photogenic. My one complaint is that some little things add up — a small snack cost double what you’d pay in the village below, and public toilets weren’t great. But the hike itself was peaceful if you go off the main tourist loop. The local woman we met at the tea stall was lovely and told us about how the terraces are still farmed today. Worth it, just don’t expect it to be perfectly comfortable.

I really wanted to love the Longji Rice Terraces, and the scenery is undeniably unique, but the experience was spoiled by crowds and poor logistics. We arrived at the Dazhai entrance around midday and the shuttle queue was chaos, waiting nearly an hour while tour groups pushed ahead. The paths are steep and were slick from earlier rain, so I couldn't enjoy the views as much because I was nervous the whole time. Yes, the layered terraces are impressive, but the constant hawkers and packed viewpoints made it feel touristy in a way I hadn’t expected. If you go, get there very early and brace yourself for a bit of a battle.

A solid experience overall. The terraces are lovely and the traditional Zhuang and Yao villages add cultural depth. However, the weather was cloudy when we went, which limited visibility. Also, the food options near the main entrance are overpriced and mediocre. Bring your own snacks. Still, worth the detour if you're in Guilin.

Beautiful place, but honestly a little overhyped. The scenery is nice, and the rice terraces are impressive from a distance, but up close it's just mud and water. The entrance fee felt a bit steep for what you get, and the local vendors were pushy. I'd say go if you're in the area, but don't plan a whole trip around it.

I had high expectations, and the terraces still managed to blow me away. The sheer scale is incredible. Took the cable car up and walked down – the walk was steep but offered even more perspective. Only downside: it was a bit crowded at the main viewpoint, but if you walk a little further you'll find quieter spots.

The Longji Rice Terraces are breathtaking – no photo does it justice. We visited in early June when the fields were flooded with water, reflecting the sky like mirrors. The paths are well maintained, though the climb up to the viewing platforms is steep. Would 10/10 recommend for nature lovers.

Absolutely stunning views, especially at sunrise when the mist rolls over the terraces. The hike between the villages is challenging but worth every step. The local guesthouse we stayed at was simple but cozy, and the host made us a fantastic bamboo rice dinner. One of the most peaceful places I've ever been.

As a landscape photographer, this place is a dream. The reflections in the water during the planting season create symmetrical patterns that are just insane. I spent three hours just at the Golden Buddha Summit waiting for the light to change. The local Zhuang women are so friendly, and I bought a hand-embroidered scarf for a fair price. Don't miss it if you're in the area — it's worth every yuan.

I've traveled to over 30 countries and Longji Rice Terraces is one of the most incredible human-made landscapes I've ever seen. We stayed overnight in a guesthouse right in the middle of the terraces. Waking up to the sound of water flowing and birds singing was pure magic. The sunset view from the top of No.1 viewing platform is something I'll never forget. 100% recommend taking the time to hike the full loop.

Honestly, I was a little disappointed. I've seen way better terraces in Yunnan and Bali. The day we visited was hazy, so the views weren't crisp. Also, the locals trying to sell you stuff every two minutes got old fast. The walkways are okay but slippery after rain. Maybe I caught it on a bad day, but I expected more for the hype.

Beautiful place, no doubt, but maybe a bit overhyped? I went in late October when the rice was golden and the crowds were manageable. The scenery is stunning, but I felt the entrance fee was a bit steep for what you get — just a lot of walking and similar views after a while. The village itself is charming though. 4 stars because it's still impressive, just not mind-blowing for the price.

Absolutely breathtaking! We arrived just before sunrise and watched the mist roll over the terraces. The layers of water reflecting the sky were like a mirror painting. A bit of a hike to get to the best viewpoints, but every step was worth it. If you're into photography or just nature, this is a must-see in Guangxi.

Longji Rice Terraces exceeded every expectation. The scale is mind-boggling — thousands of steps carved into the mountainside over centuries. We spent two full days here, staying overnight in a guesthouse inside the village. Watching the mist roll over the terraces at dawn felt like a dream. The food at the local restaurants is simple but delicious, especially the bamboo rice. If you're looking for an immersive cultural and natural experience, this is it. 10/10 would come back.

This place is pure magic. I came during the harvest season in late September, and the golden waves of rice stretching across the hills were a photographer's dream. The local Zhuang and Yao people are incredibly friendly — one grandmother invited us into her home for tea and showed us how they weave fabric. The sunrise from No.1 viewing platform is unforgettable. I cannot recommend this enough. Just be prepared for lots of stairs and bring water!

A solid four-star experience. The terraces are undeniably gorgeous, especially in the golden hour light. We took the longer trail through the villages and it was peaceful with fewer tourists. The reason I'm not giving five stars: the ticket price feels steep for what you get (¥80 per person), and the signage in English is almost non-existent. We got lost once and a local farmer had to point us back. Still, the views and fresh mountain air made it a memorable day.

Honestly, the scenery is stunning, but the experience was a bit underwhelming because of the crowds. We arrived at 8 AM and it was already packed. The main viewing deck was elbow-to-elbow. The rice terraces themselves are incredible, no doubt, but the constant push and shove ruined the serenity. Also, the toilets at the entrance are… let's say, very basic. If you have patience and go on a weekday, you might enjoy it more than I did.

Absolutely breathtaking! We visited in early June when the terraces were flooded for planting, and the reflections of the sky were like a mirror to heaven. The hike from the ticket gate to the viewing platform was steep but totally worth it. Local vendors sell fresh sugarcane juice along the way — a life-saver on a hot day. If you're into photography, bring a wide-angle lens. I'd rate this as one of the most beautiful man-made landscapes I've ever seen. A must-do in Guangxi!

Honestly, I was let down. The pictures online show lush green terraces, but when we went in mid-August the rice was still young and pale, so most of the hills looked like muddy slopes with sparse grass. The weather was overcast and humid — we got drenched in a sudden downpour. No shelter along the main trail. The local women offering to carry you up on a chair for 200 yuan seemed pushy and made the walk uncomfortable. For the hype and the long bus ride from Guilin, this was a 3 at best. Maybe I chose the wrong season.

We really enjoyed the scenery — the layered terraces are like nothing else. The hike to the top was rewarding, and the fresh air was a welcome break from city life. However, it was extremely crowded even on a weekday, and some tourists were pushing to get photos. The entrance fee (¥80 per person) felt a bit steep for what you get in terms of facilities. Still a beautiful place, but I’d suggest going early morning or off-season to avoid the chaos. Four stars from us.

Longji Rice Terraces is a solid 5/5 experience if you plan well. We came during the golden harvest in early October — the contrast of yellow rice stalks against the green hills was stunning. The locals charge a small fee for using their restrooms (bring small bills), and some stalls are overpriced, but overall it's very affordable for such a unique landscape. Pro tip: take the cable car up if you have limited time, but walk down to really appreciate the tiny villages. Unforgettable.

I’ve been to many rice terraces in Southeast Asia, but Longji really stands out. The scale is mind-blowing. We stayed overnight in a guesthouse run by a Yao family — the bamboo rice and home-brewed rice wine were delicious. The walk through the villages felt like stepping back in time. Only minor drawback: the stairs are steep and slippery after rain, so bring good shoes. But honestly, every step was worth it. Five stars without a doubt.

Absolutely breathtaking! We visited in late May when the terraces were flooded, and the reflections of the sky were like mirrors cut into the mountain. The hike from the bottom to the viewing platform was tough but so worth it. Our guide from the local Zhuang village was incredibly friendly and shared stories about how the terraces were built over 700 years. The sunrise at No.1 Viewing Point was the highlight of our entire China trip. Couldn't recommend this place more — a true masterpiece of human ingenuity and nature.

Hands down one of the most impressive man-made landscapes I’ve ever seen. We did the full day hike from Ping’an to Dazhai and every turn offered a new perspective. The stone steps are well maintained, and the local villagers are friendly. If you’re fit, skip the cable car and walk—you’ll feel so much more connected to the place. 10/10 recommend.

Went here expecting jaw-dropping views but got a little let down. The weather was foggy and rainy, which I know isn’t the site’s fault, but the ticket price (80 RMB) felt steep for what we saw. The paths were slippery and crowded even on a weekday. I can see why people love it on a clear day, but for me it was just okay.

I visited in early October during the golden harvest season—absolutely stunning! The layers of golden rice swaying in the wind were like a living painting. I loved staying overnight in a local guesthouse; the host family cooked a simple but delicious dinner with ingredients straight from their garden. Waking up to the mist over the terraces was pure magic.

The rice terraces themselves are beautiful, but the whole experience felt a bit over-commercialized. Too many souvenir stalls and vendors pushing selfie sticks right at the viewpoints. Also, the public toilet near the entrance was in terrible condition. It’s still a nice day trip from Guilin, but don’t expect a peaceful, untouched landscape.

Absolutely breathtaking! We went in late May when the terraces were flooded, and the reflections of the sky were like a mirror. The hike from the parking lot to the viewing platforms is a bit steep but totally worth it. Our local guide, a Zhuang grandma, told us stories about the harvest. Bring water and sunscreen—no shade up there!

A solid experience overall. The views from the top viewpoint are postcard-perfect, but the hike up is strenuous – bring good shoes and water. We went in early June and the terraces were lush green. My only complaint is the lack of clear signage; we got lost twice. Also, the souvenir sellers at the top are quite pushy. Still, it’s a unique place and worth a day trip from Guilin.

This place is magical! We stayed overnight in a guesthouse run by a local family. Waking up to the sound of water trickling and seeing the sun paint the terraces gold was unforgettable. The home-cooked dinner – especially the free-range chicken and wild mushrooms – was incredible. If you can, spend two days here to really soak in the peace and the culture. 5 stars without hesitation!

Honestly, I was a little disappointed. We came in late April, and many of the terraces were still dry or flooded with murky water – not the emerald green I expected. The fog rolled in around 11am and we couldn’t see much for the rest of the day. The entrance fee is 80 RMB per person, which feels expensive considering the limited facilities. Maybe I’d recommend visiting later in the season.

Beautiful scenery, no doubt. The rice terraces are stunning when the light hits them right. However, it was extremely crowded even on a weekday. The ticket price felt a bit steep for what you get – the paths are narrow and you’re constantly stepping aside for selfie sticks. Also, the bus ride up the mountain is nausea-inducing. Still glad I went, but wouldn’t rush back.

Absolutely breathtaking! We arrived just before sunrise and watched the mist slowly lift over the terraces. The layers of green and gold seemed to go on forever. The hike up was a bit tough, but every step was worth it. The local villagers were so warm, and we bought some fresh bamboo rice from a stall. This place is a must-see for anyone visiting China – a true natural wonder.