Longji Rice Terraces

Address Ping'an Village, Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County, Guilin, Guangxi
Hours 08:30–17:30 (ticket office); villages are open 24/7 for overnight guests
Phone +86 773 7583188
Announcement: Cultural & Scenic
Entrance ¥80
Hours 08:30–17:30 (ticke...
Best Season May (water-filled...
Time needed 1–2 days
Last visit: Jul 11, 2026
Author: Chen Liu
Reviewer: Wenjing Pan
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Longji Rice Terraces Overview

Vast, spectacular terraced rice fields carved into the hillsides by the Zhuang and Yao minority people over centuries.

Longji Rice Terraces Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 08:30–17:30 (ticket office); villages are open 24/7 for overnight guests
  • Best season: May (water-filled fields) or September–October (golden harvest)
  • Ticket note: One main scenic area ticket covers Ping'an, Jinkeng (Dazhai), and Longji Ancient...

Essential Longji Rice Terraces Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 773 7583188
  • Viewing platforms
  • Wooden guesthouses
  • Cable car (in Dazhai)
  • Local minority restaurants

How to Get to Longji Rice Terraces

Direct express buses run from Guilin Railway Station or Guilin Qintan Bus Station (approx. 2-3 hours).

Longji Rice Terraces Travel Safety & Advice

First aid kits at village clinics; major medical issues require transfer down the mountain to Longsheng or Guilin.

Practical Info

  • Ping'an Village, Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County, Guilin, Guangxi
  • 08:30–17:30 (ticket office); villages are open 24/7 for overnight guests
  • +86 773 7583188
Chen Liu
Chen Liu
Certified Senior Tour Guide
Chen Liu, a Guangzhou-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Central South China itineraries covering Guilin, Yangshuo, Shamian Island, and Chaozhou tea-culture alleys.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.3 (20 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • One main scenic area ticket covers Ping'an, Jinkeng (Dazhai), and Longji Ancient...

Online booking may be required

Tips

Pack extremely light. Leave heavy luggage at the ticket office at the base of the mountain or in your Guilin hotel.

Reality Check

  • Steep climbs required to reach viewpoints
  • Luggage must be carried up stairs (porters available for a fee)
  • Long bus ride from Guilin
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Recent Reviews

4.3 ★★★★☆ (20)
Roaming_Rob Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

LensAndWande Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

hiker_ella Jul 06, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

Sunny_in_SH Jul 06, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

Travel_Junki Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

Disappointed Jun 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

Jake_and_Lis Jun 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

Nomad_Phil Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

TravelingTam Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

RicePaddyHop Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

BackpackerDa Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

PhotoMina23 Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

SoloExplorer Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

Tim_R_Travel Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

HikerJen42 Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

the_roaming_ May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

sunny_sue_ad May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

marco_in_asi May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

travel_bug_m May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

hiking_jane_ May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

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Longji Rice Terraces Travel FAQ

I'm not a serious hiker. Are the Longji Terraces still accessible?
Absolutely. In Ping'an, the walk between the two main viewpoints is on paved steps and takes about 1.5 hours round-trip at a slow pace. In Jinkeng, you can take the cable car up and down to Golden Buddha Peak and still get an amazing view with minimal walking. Just choose your village and transport options wisely.
What's the one item most tourists forget to pack for Longji?
Sturdy shoes with good grip. Not just sneakers, but something that can handle slippery, wet stone steps and muddy paths. The second most forgotten item is a small, powerful flashlight or headlamp. Village paths are poorly lit at night, and power outages aren't unheard of.
Is it worth visiting Longji Rice Terraces in the rainy season?
It's a double-edged sword. The rain brings lush greenery and dramatic clouds swirling through the valleys, which can be phenomenally beautiful for photography. But it also means fog can completely obscure the views, trails are slippery, and leeches can be present on wet, grassy paths. If you go in summer, pack a rain jacket, leech socks (available in local shops), and have a flexible attitude.
How do I handle luggage if I want to hike between Ping'an and Jinkeng?
You don't. The hike between these two main villages is long (4+ hours) and not particularly scenic compared to the hikes within each area. It's a logistical headache with luggage. The practical way is to choose one village as your base, do the hikes there, and if you must see the other, take the scenic area shuttle bus (about 40-50 minutes ride) on a separate trip. You can pay a small fee to leave your main bag at your first guesthouse while you do a day trip to the other village.
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