Dazhai village is located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, approximately 106 km northwest of Guilin. Inhabited by the Red Yao ethnic group, it cascades down the slopes of the Longji terraced rice fields, in the Jinkeng valley. It is one of the prime starting points for exploring this agricultural landscape, shaped over several centuries.

Why visit Dazhai Yao Village

Dazhai brings together three points of interest rarely found in one place: a spectacular agricultural landscape, a living minority culture, and direct access to well-marked hiking trails. The Jinkeng terraced rice fields, carved into mountainsides, are part of the vast Longji complex (meaning "the dragon's spine"). The village itself remains inhabited: you don't come to see an open-air museum, but a living place where residents still maintain the plots, weave and preserve their traditional costumes.

The Red Yao ethnic group, whose women are recognizable by their long hair and brightly embroidered red clothing, perpetuate practices distinct from those of their neighboring Zhuang. The village lends itself to a stay of one to two nights, time enough to visit several viewpoints and attend a cultural event.

What to see and do in Dazhai

The Jinkeng terraced rice fields

The terraces change dramatically throughout the year: water mirrors in spring, dense green in summer, golden waves before the autumn harvest. Three viewpoints structure the visit:

• Xishan Shaoyue ("moon above the western mountain"): expansive panorama, particularly suited to sunset.
• Thousand-Layer Terraces: tight, layered curves, interesting light in early morning.
• Golden Buddha Peak: the highest point in the sector, accessible on foot via an uphill trail or by cable car from the village.

Plan 2 to 4 hours of walking to connect the main viewpoints on foot. The trails are paved but often steep staircases; wear good hiking shoes.

Red Yao culture

Village women regularly present demonstrations of singing and dancing, including the Longji bronze drum dance and the Shigong Wu, two performances linked to agricultural rituals and collective memory. Embroidered costumes, elaborate hairstyles and weaving are visible daily in the village streets.

The Shaiyi Jie festival

On the 6th day of the 6th lunar month, the village celebrates Shaiyi Jie, a festival honoring the God of the Fields and the Temple God. The ceremony includes sacrifices of pigs and ducks, followed by communal meals, singing and dancing. It is the most striking opportunity to observe local spiritual traditions, but also the most crowded.

Traditional agricultural practices

Depending on the season, you can watch villagers practice ploughing, planting, harvesting and drying rice using methods that remain largely unmechanized, adapted to the terraced terrain. Some host families offer their guests the chance to participate in these tasks, particularly during transplanting (May-June) and harvest (September-October).

When to visit

The most favorable period extends from April to October. Each season offers a different face:

• April-May: flooded terraces, spectacular mirror effect.
• June to August: rice fields in dense green, but rainy season (frequent mist, sometimes slippery trails).
• Mid-September to mid-October: golden ears of rice before harvest, the most photogenic period.
• November to March: terraces at rest, sometimes snow-covered at altitude. Many guesthouses close or reduce activity.

Practical information

• Visit duration: from a few hours for a quick round trip to 2 days to enjoy the different viewpoints and an overnight stay with a host family.
• Accommodation: family guesthouses and wooden inns run by Yao families, best reserved in advance during high season.
• Entry ticket: one ticket covers the entire Longji-Jinkeng site (moderate fee). The cable car to Golden Buddha Peak is paid separately.
• What to bring: hiking shoes, warm clothing in the evening even in summer (altitude), cash (mobile payments don't work everywhere).

How to get there

Dazhai is accessible from Guilin, approximately 106 km away. Several options:

• Public bus: from Qintan bus station in Guilin, direct buses reach Dazhai in 3 to 4 hours. Most economical option.
• Private car or long-distance taxi: more comfortable journey, expect around 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, which become winding toward the end.
• Organized tour: many agencies in Guilin or Yangshuo offer transfers combined with a guided visit.

Upon arrival at the village parking area, access to houses and guesthouses is on foot (15 to 30 minutes uphill depending on your accommodation). Yao porters offer their services for luggage.

What to see in the region

Dazhai fits naturally into a wider circuit around Guilin. You can extend your stay with:

• Guilin and its karst landscapes along the Li River.
• The neighboring village of Ping'an, another gateway to the Longji rice fields, inhabited by the Zhuang ethnic group.
• The Yangshuo region, approximately 2 hours from Guilin, for hiking and cycling among limestone peaks.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your trip to Chine

Dazhai Yao Village fits naturally into an itinerary combining Guilin, the Longji rice fields and Yangshuo. To build a tailor-made trip including this stop, consult our suggestions for travel in Chine.