Longsheng is a small town and county situated approximately 100 kilometers from Guilin in Guangxi province. This village nestles within a valley of cultivated terraced rice paddies that have become Longsheng's hallmark. A trip to Guilin is the perfect opportunity to organize an excursion to Longsheng and witness this captivating landscape.

Beyond the allure of the rice terraces, Longsheng is home to around a dozen ethnic minorities including the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong peoples, who strive to preserve their traditions and share their heritage with visitors.

History

The terraced rice fields of Longsheng were shaped by the Zhuang people over 600 years ago.

The region's challenging terrain offered few opportunities for conventional cultivation. The Zhuang adapted techniques employed by the Hani people to create the Yuanyang Terraces.

Today

Located in the northern autonomous region of Guangxi, Longsheng county is home to Zhuang, Yao, Dong, and Miao ethnic minorities. It spans 2,470 km² and brims with small villages nestled among terraced rice paddies, hot springs, forest reserves, and striking rock formations.

The almost surreal landscape of rice terraces, waterfalls, and forests draped across steep terrain has become a paradise that attracts increasing numbers of foreign and Chinese visitors each year.

Longji Terraced Rice Fields

The Longji terraced rice fields, also known as the Dragon's Backbone rice terraces, are the region's most captivating. The terraces cascade across multiple hillsides, with the highest peaks rising above 1,000 meters. Longji covers an area of 71.6 km² and divides into two sections: the Ping'an terraced fields on one side and Jinkeng on the other.

Starting from the small village of Ping'an, hiking trails wind through this human-crafted landscape, leading to two spectacular viewpoints. The 1.5-hour trek rewards you with breathtaking panoramas. Along the way, in the Huangluo Yao village, you'll encounter the Yao women renowned for their exceptionally long hair. For a modest fee of 10 to 20 yuan, you can watch them unfasten their locks and witness their truly impressive length firsthand.

Numerous paths connect Ping'an to Jinkeng and even extend to Dazhai, though expect at least 3 hours of hiking.

Longsheng Hot Springs

Beyond the spectacular terraced rice fields, Longsheng is an ideal destination for relaxation thanks to its thermal springs. The Longsheng Hot Springs National Forest Park is located in Jiangxi village, approximately 32 kilometers from Longsheng.

Nestled within mountains blanketed by expansive forests, the natural hot springs invite complete relaxation. Waters rich in minerals offer remarkable benefits for skin and overall wellness.

Climate

Longsheng sits within a subtropical zone influenced by monsoon climate with abundant summer precipitation.

The annual average temperature reaches 19.3°C. Summers are warm, averaging 28.3°C in July, with high humidity driven by monsoon patterns. Winters are mild, with January temperatures hovering slightly above 10°C.

When to Visit Longsheng Terraced Rice Fields?

The Longsheng rice terraces are breathtaking year-round, each season offering a distinct character shaped by the rice growth cycle.

In spring, the hillsides transform into mirrors as terraces fill with water, reflecting the sky in countless hues. Summer brings lush green mountains as rice shoots climb higher, their beauty enhanced by monsoon clouds and floating mist. Autumn bathes the terraces in golden, yellow, red, and orange tones, replacing summer's vibrant green. On rare winter occasions when snow blankets the terraces, it creates an equally mesmerizing glacial landscape.

Bus

Daily buses depart Guilin every 15 minutes bound for Longsheng, with a journey of approximately 1.5 hours through fabulous karst and mountainous scenery.

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

What to Do in Longsheng?

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