Longsheng is a small town and county located roughly a hundred kilometres from Guilin in Guangxi province. Nestled amid cultivated valleys, this village is famous for its spectacular rice terraces that have made Longsheng a destination in its own right. A trip to Guilin is the perfect opportunity to arrange an excursion to Longsheng and admire this captivating landscape.

Beyond its terraced paddies, Longsheng is home to a dozen ethnic minorities—including the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong peoples—who continue to preserve their traditions and offer visitors a window into their rich heritage.

History

Longsheng's terraced rice paddies were carved into the landscape by the Zhuang over 600 years ago.

The region's challenging terrain offered few options for cultivation. The Zhuang adapted techniques pioneered by the Hani to create the famous Yuanyang Terraces.

Today

Located in northern Guangxi's autonomous region, Longsheng County is home to Zhuang, Yao, Dong, and Miao ethnic communities. Spanning 2,470 km², it is dotted with small villages nestled among terraced paddies, hot springs, forest reserves, and dramatic rock formations.

The almost otherworldly landscape—with its rice terraces, waterfalls, forests, and steep topography—is a true paradise and attracts a growing number of both Chinese and international visitors each year.

Longji Rice Terraces

The Longji rice terraces, also known as the Dragon's Back rice terraces, are the region's most striking. The paddies cascade across multiple hillsides, with peaks rising above 1,000 metres. Longji covers 71.6 km² and is divided into two main sections: Ping'an terraces on one side and Jinkeng on the other.

Starting from the small village of Ping'an, hiking trails guide you through this human-sculpted landscape, leading to breathtaking viewpoints. The 1.5-hour trek is quickly rewarded with spectacular vistas. Along the way, at the village of Huangluo, you'll encounter Red Yao women, renowned for their exceptionally long hair. For a small donation of 10 to 20 Yuan, they may unbind their hair, allowing you to witness its impressive length firsthand.

Multiple trails connect Ping'an to Jinkeng and even extend to Dazhai, though you should allow at least 3 hours of walking.

Longsheng Hot Springs

Beyond its stunning rice terraces, Longsheng is an ideal destination for relaxation thanks to its natural hot springs. The Longsheng National Hot Springs Forest Park is located in Jiangxi village, approximately 32 kilometres from Longsheng town.

Nestled within forested mountains, these natural thermal waters invite tranquility. Rich in minerals, the waters offer significant benefits for skin and overall wellness.

Climate

Longsheng sits in a subtropical zone influenced by monsoon weather patterns, with abundant summer rainfall.

The average annual temperature reaches 19.3°C. Summers are hot, averaging 28.3°C in July with high humidity and monsoon activity. Winters are mild, with January temperatures hovering just above 10°C.

When to Visit Longsheng's Rice Terraces?

Longsheng's rice terraces are breathtaking year-round, with each season offering a distinct character shaped by the rice-growing cycle.

Spring transforms the hillsides into mirrors—water-filled terraces reflecting the sky in countless hues. Summer brings lush green mountains with rice shoots rising steadily. During monsoon season, mist and clouds add an ethereal quality to the landscape. Autumn paints the terraces in golden, amber, and crimson tones, replacing summer's vibrant green. Rare winter snows cloak the terraces in a stark, equally mesmerizing beauty.

Bus

Buses depart Guilin every fifteen minutes for Longsheng, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours through spectacular karst and mountainous scenery.

Once there, exploration is on foot via hiking trails connecting the villages.

What to Do in Longsheng?

• Discover the panorama of the Longji rice terraces.
• Relax at the hot springs in the Longsheng National Forest Park.
• Meet ethnic minorities and Red Yao women in Huangluo Yao village.
• Extend your trek to the Jinkeng rice terraces.