The Dragon’s Backbone: Your Guide to the Longsheng Rice Terraces (2026)

Located about 2.5 hours north of Guilin, the Longsheng Rice Terraces are among China’s most majestic landscapes. This is your ultimate guide for things to do in Longsheng in 2026.

01 What are the Longsheng Rice Terraces?

The Longsheng Rice Terraces (龙胜梯田 Lóngshèng Tītián), one of southern China’s slightly lesser-known natural wonders, are situated in Longji Town (龙脊镇 Lóngjí Zhèn), Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, roughly 100 kilometers (60 miles) outside of Guilin. Rising nearly 800 meters (2,600 feet) above sea level, these terraced paddy fields resemble cascading, grassy steps that were originally constructed by farmers during the Yuan dynasty.

Not only are the rice terraces an agricultural curiosity and a hiking haven, the area is also one of the best places in China to learn about Guangxi’s indigenous groups, sample regional cuisine, and enjoy a break from city life.

An agricultural history

Rice terraces are commonly found across Asia, usually in rural areas with steep, hilly terrain. They are formed through an agricultural technique that flattens hillsides into even walls and steps of earth, which are then used to grow rice and other crops that require high volumes of water.

This platform formation helps keep the soil intact as water is channeled from nearby rivers or drainage basins into a complex series of irrigation canals, which funnel it into each paddied terrace.

A laborious but efficient farming technique, terracing doesn’t require advanced technology. It is particularly common in developing countries and regions.

Ethnic minorities in Longsheng

The Guangxi terraces were constructed by China’s Zhuang and Yao ethnic minority groups during the Yuan (1271–1368 CE) and Qing (1644–1911 CE) dynasties, when they fled into the mountains to escape socio-political conflict and needed to keep farming despite the harsh new terrain.

Members of these ethnic groups still account for most of Longsheng’s local residents.

The Zhuang ethnic group, known in Mandarin as 壮族 (Zhuàngzú), is China’s largest ethnic minority with an estimated 18 million members. Many of them live in Guangxi and neighboring Yunnan Province.

In Longsheng, it is common to meet Zhuang people while hiking past their homes, which are built upon wooden stilts rather than flat on the ground.

Another sizable ethnic group in Longsheng is the Yao minority, or 瑶族 (Yáozú). Nicknamed the 红瑶长发女 (hóng Yáo chǎng fā nǚ; long-haired red Yao women), many Yao females, particularly those of the “red” branch, are well-known in China and abroad for their stunningly long hair.

As is customary, Yao women cut their hair only once in their lifetimes, on their eighteenth birthdays. Unmarried Yao women keep their hair wrapped up in a headscarf, while married women wear their locks wound in a turban-like bun.

The Miao (苗族 Miáozú) are another group in Longsheng known for their bright traditional clothing and silver jewelry, which they wear even while farming.

Like all of China’s distinct indigenous groups, the Zhuang, Yao, and Miao peoples each have their own dialects, culinary styles, and artistic customs. A trip to the rice terraces is a unique opportunity to engage with locals and immerse yourself in China’s cultural diversity.

02 Top experiences in Longsheng

Since there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Longsheng, most visitors plan their itineraries in advance to make the most of this enchanting landscape. Some guests visit on a single day trip from Guilin, while others make it a multi-day destination.

Upon arriving in Longsheng’s scenic area, you’ll purchase a ticket in the entrance office for 80–100 RMB. Then you’ll have a choice of where to head next.

Ping’an Village

The easiest village to reach within Longsheng is Ping’an (平安村 Píng’ān Cūn), located a short drive past the main ticket office. Ping’an is mostly inhabited by Zhuang people and was the first township in the terraces to be designated as a tourist site by the local government.

After climbing through the paddied fields along stone steps that wind between stilted wooden farmhouses and rustic tea shops, hikers can choose between the village’s two scenic platforms, Seven Stars Around the Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers, for a panoramic view of the terraced mountains below.

Dazhai Village

Another twenty-minute drive past Ping’an lies the more remote Dazhai (大寨村 Dàzhài Cūn), home to the stunning Jinkeng Terraces visible from several lookout points throughout the village. Unlike Ping’an, Dazhai also boasts a gondola, so trekking up the terraces isn’t the only option for those hoping to admire the landscape from greater heights.

It is also possible to hike between the two villages, which takes 4–6 hours and leads past another remote hamlet, Tiantou Village (田头寨 Tiántóu Zhài). Because a series of farming trails shoot off from the main pathway, this hiking route is somewhat difficult to navigate.

If you get lost, feel free to ask locals for help by saying “去平安，怎么走” (Qù Píng’ān, zěnme zǒu; Which way to Ping’an?) or “去大寨，怎么走” (Qù Dàzhài, zěnme zǒu; Which way to Dazhai?). Alternatively, hire a local guide to escort you during your intervillage trek for about 100 RMB.

Hot springs

Trekking through the terraces isn’t the only way to appreciate Longsheng’s natural splendors. During cooler months, many visitors opt for a soak in the natural mineral baths of Longsheng Hot Springs National Forest Park (龙胜温泉国家森林公园 Lóngshèng Wēnquán Guójiā Sēnlín Gōngyuán), about 20 miles past the central ticket office.

Surrounded by dense forests, these outdoor pools are brimming with minerals like strontium, lithium, iron, zinc, and copper, which are said to possess healing properties. A relatively off-the-beaten-track destination, the hot springs are usually quiet and uncrowded, especially on weekdays.

Yao Tribe Long Hair Performance

For anyone hoping to explore the cultural side of Longsheng, the long hair performance in Huang Luo Village makes for an entertaining morning activity. During the show, Yao ladies demonstrate the rituals of caring for their famous long manes, and performers come together for traditional songs and dances.

Although it’s arguably a touristy activity, buying a ticket is also a considerate way to support local performers, many of whom depend on the travel industry to earn a living.

Be sure to ask about the 长发表演 (chǎngfā biǎoyǎn), or long hair performance, at the Longsheng ticket office, since shows usually take place only during busier months.

03 What to eat in Longsheng

Dining in Longsheng is an opportunity to feast on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the aromatic regional spices of Guangxi. Proud of their culinary customs, Longsheng residents will tell you that the secret to their good health and longevity is their clean and nutritious food.

You won’t be hard pressed to find a satisfying, home-cooked meal at one of the many restaurants throughout the villages.

No matter where you dine, be sure to order the 竹筒饭 (zhútǒngfàn), or bamboo rice, a specialty made from glutinous rice mixed with peanuts, pork, and bamboo shoots roasted in a bamboo tube over a small fire. Bacon lovers should also try 腊肉 (làròu), thinly sliced pork prepared in an in-home smokery.

Chilli peppers, wild mushrooms, and tangerines are among the area’s most important crops, so look out for these staple foods. A mug of fragrant Longji tea (龙脊茶 Lóngjí chá) or a glass of local 糯米酒 (nuòmǐjiǔ), sweet home-made rice wine, makes a delightful complement to your meal.

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04 Where to stay in Longsheng

While it’s possible to visit Longsheng as a day trip from Guilin, you’re better off spending a night or two among the terraces to appreciate the full experience. After nightfall the tranquility is stunning, and sunrise the next morning is certainly worth waking up early for.

There are plenty of accommodation options in the villages, since running a guesthouse or restaurant is the occupation of choice for many locals. Below are a few of our top picks for where to spend the night.

Budget

Long Ji International Youth Hostel. Located in the heart of Ping’an Village, this is a simple but cozy hostel featuring shared dormitories and private double rooms.

Like most guesthouses in Longsheng, it resembles a rustic wood cabin and boasts a spacious outdoor patio. A bunk bed in one of its shared, mixed-gender rooms is likely the cheapest bed in the area.

Price range: $5–20 per night.

Dragon’s Den Hostel. This is another comfortable, wallet-friendly choice for your overnight stay in Longsheng.

Situated in remote Tiantou Village (a forty-minute hike from Dazhai and several hours from Ping’an), this backpacker hub is optimal for budget travelers who want to immerse themselves in nature and trek the terraces as much as possible.

The hostel features shared dorms and private rooms, as well as a simple farmhouse restaurant. Price range: $5–20 per night.

Mid-Range

Longji Vita Hotel. Travelers seeking solid mid-range accommodation in Ping’an should consider this locally run guesthouse, built in Longsheng’s signature log cabin style.

Each room features a balcony and swinging love-seats overlooking the surrounding mountains — the perfect spot to sip tea and appreciate the terraces after a long day of exploring. Price range: $50–60 per night.

Ridge Inn. On the slightly more upscale end of Longsheng’s mid-range selection is this charming, family-run inn.

Managed by friendly locals, Ridge Inn’s decor is particularly rustic, with a garden lounge, sleek timber furniture, and a pastoral atmosphere. It is centrally located in Ping’an Village and serves a scrumptious Chinese/Western-style breakfast. Price range: $45–60 per night.

Upscale

Baike Boutique Hotel. This upscale boutique hotel sits close to the entrance of Ping’an Village.

It is the accommodation of choice for travelers who prefer minimal hiking and want a deluxe Longsheng experience. Baike features a full-service bar and restaurant, plush beds, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the terraced mountains right to your bedroom. Price range: $85–130 per night.

Rice View Lodge. Undoubtedly the most luxurious hotel in Longsheng, this lodge is nestled in the mountains several miles from Dazhai.

Accessible by private car, this architectural wonder is recommended for travelers ready to pamper themselves. Its sleek rooms feature hot tubs, balconies, and an array of modern amenities.

The only downside? Rice View Lodge offers such a perfect stay that you may never want to leave. Price range: $200–250 per night.

05 How to get to Longsheng

The terraces are located high in the mountains and aren’t reachable directly by train or flight, so traveling into the area requires some advance planning.

By bus

Catching a public bus is a cheap and direct way to travel from Guilin to Longsheng.

For Ping’an, head to Guilin Qintan Bus Station (桂林琴谭客运站 Guìlín Qíntán Kèyùn Zhàn) and catch the bus to Longsheng County (龙胜县 Lóngshèng Xiàn), which takes about 1.5 hours and costs 40 RMB. From there, transfer to a bus heading to the Ping’an Village entrance (平安停车场 Píng’ān Tíngchēchǎng), which takes an hour and runs about 20 RMB.

If you’re going to Dazhai instead, catch a direct bus at the Guilin Hong Kong Hotel (桂林香江饭店 Guìlín Xiāngjiāng Fàndiàn), Guilin North Railway Station (桂林北站 Guìlín Běi Zhàn), or Guilin West Railway Station (桂林西站 Guìlín Xī Zhàn). The journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 70 RMB.

By private car with driver

Hiring a private driver is another convenient (though more costly) option, and most cab drivers in Guilin will drive travelers to and from the terraces for several hundred RMB if reserved in advance.

If you have a Chinese or international driver’s license and experience on China’s winding country roads, renting a car and driving to the terraces yourself is sure to be an adventure.

Remember that no matter which method you choose, cars and buses alike can only take you as far as the entrance to Ping’an or Dazhai. To reach your accommodation and the scenic outlooks, you’ll usually need to hike at least twenty minutes up the terraces’ stone pathways.

06 When to visit Longsheng

One of the best aspects of visiting Longsheng is that its landscape transforms with the changing seasons, so each time of year unveils a new face of the terraces.

Spring

In spring, heavy rainfall across Guangxi turns Longsheng’s stepped fields into reflective, mirror-like ponds — a sight much sought after by photographers from far and wide.

Temperatures range from 11 to 27°C (50–80°F) with sudden downpours common, so be sure to pack waterproof gear if visiting between March and June.

Summer

In the summer months, when the rice is nearing maturation, the temperate, subtropical climate brightens the landscape into an effervescent green. Temperatures are hottest from June through September, with daytime highs of 33°C (91°F).

However, nights can feel significantly cooler, so bring plenty of layers when venturing around Longsheng in summertime.

Autumn

Harvest season, from mid-September to mid-October, is the peak period for visiting the terraces, partly due to the comfortable weather. During these weeks, the terraced rice plants are long and golden, and villages bustle with farmers preparing for the harvest.

Winter

Winter months tend to be cold and dry, with temperatures as low as 5°C (41°F). While crops generally aren’t harvested at this time and the terraces are somewhat less photogenic, one upside is that the area is far less crowded.

The misty weather common in winter also gives the region an otherworldly appearance. Although snowfall is rare, lucky guests may witness enchanting snow-covered terraces when visiting from December through February.

07 Make the most of your travels

In addition to admiring the landscape, one of our favorite aspects of visiting Longsheng is interacting with the friendly residents. Before heading out, brush up on your survival Chinese so you can build meaningful connections with the people you meet along the way.

If the trip inspires you to Learn Chinese in China, CLI’s home base in Guilin makes the terraces an easy weekend escape. Many travelers find Guangxi a rewarding place to study abroad in Guilin while exploring the region’s natural wonders.

Better yet, consider joining CLI’s Immersion Program in Guilin and visiting Longsheng as a weekend getaway during your stay. The CLI team looks forward to welcoming you to Guangxi!

08 Longsheng Rice Terraces vocabulary

The following terms will help you understand place names, food, and cultural references you’ll encounter on a trip to the terraces.

09 FAQ