Southwest China · Guangxi · Longsheng Multi-Ethnic Autonomous County
Over 650 years of Zhuang and Yao terrace farming, coiling up the mountainside like dragon scales through the mist — split into two: the Zhuang village of Ping'an and the Red Yao village of Jinkeng/Dazhai.
Why it's special
One mountain, two farming traditions, over 650 years of unbroken terrace history.
Longji Rice Terraces sit in Guangxi's Longsheng Multi-Ethnic Autonomous County, named for the way they coil up the mountainside like a dragon's spine. Farmed continuously for over 650 years, the terraces are actually split into two adjacent but distinct areas: Ping'an, farmed for generations by the Zhuang people, sits on gentler terrain closer to Guilin with more mature tourist infrastructure; Jinkeng/Dazhai, farmed by the Red Yao, sits deeper in the mountains with steeper, more dramatic scenery, and is the cultural heart of Red Yao long-hair tradition. The terraces reach roughly 1,100m at their highest point with slopes up to about 50 degrees, climbing into the clouds — a rare piece of mountain farming still very much alive today.
Nature
Culture
Honest fit
Don't miss
Not a sightseeing list — things worth doing once, with your own hands.
Eat & bring home
Mostly mountain-village home cooking — choices are limited, and a family-run kitchen in the village is the default way to eat here.
Choices at family kitchens are limited, but base vegetarian options like bamboo rice and oil tea exist — communicate ahead.
Mountain-village cooking commonly uses preserved pork or lard for flavor — going vegan is genuinely hard; arrange ahead with your accommodation.
Halal options are essentially unavailable in the villages — bring your own or stock up in Guilin beforehand.
Good to know
Reality check
The honest take
If you just want one Instagram-worthy terrace photo and a quick exit, Longji might feel like a long trip for a lot of climbing. But if you're willing to spend half a day in each area and see how Zhuang and Red Yao farming and daily life actually differ, the climb pays off.
Ping'an and Jinkeng/Dazhai are two adjacent but separate scenic areas, about an hour apart by car — don't assume one ticket covers both; confirm ticket coverage before you go.
Getting around means stone-step trails with steep grades — if you're traveling with kids or elderly family, or aren't used to hiking, plan the route and time carefully.
Ticket and cableway prices/policies do change — we're not listing specific figures here; confirm through official channels or on the day you arrive.
A Red Yao woman's hair is part of her personal and family identity — always ask before photographing or touching, and don't treat it as a novelty spectacle.
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Is it for you?
Where to next
From Longji outward — a few options around Guilin.
Longji's gateway city — karst scenery and much more mature tourist infrastructure, a good base to come and go from.
The classic Li River scenery destination — good for continuing a deeper look at Guangxi's karst landscape.
Home to Dong ethnic villages and their wind-rain bridges — another slice of minority culture beyond Longji.
Travel responsibly
Travel isn't only about the view — it's about living alongside a place with respect.
