1. Overview & Significance
Spanning 66 km² in Longsheng County, the Longji Rice Terraces ("Dragon’s Backbone") are among the world’s most spectacular terraced landscapes. Developed during the Yuan and Ming dynasties, they showcase harmony between human ingenuity and nature, earning 4A scenic status and global agricultural heritage recognition.
2. Key Features
- Engineering Marvel:
- Steep Slopes (up to 50°): Terraces adapt to mountainous terrain, using ancient irrigation systems to channel water from high-altitude forests.
- Three Main Sections:
- Ping’an Zhuang Terraces: Famous for "Seven Stars Around the Moon" (seven small terraces encircling a central one).
- Jinkeng Red Yao Terraces: Known for "Thousand-Layer Ladder" and "Golden Buddha Peak" sunset views.
- Longji Ancient Zhuang Village: Preserves 600-year-old stilt houses and ethnic traditions.
3. Cultural Heritage
- Ethnic Minorities: The Zhuang and Yao communities maintain traditional farming, long-hair dances, and handwoven textiles.
- Legends: Local lore claims the terraces were shaped by a dragon’s spine, with some fields so small they’re called "three-seed paddies".
4. Seasonal Beauty
- Spring (March–May): Water-filled terraces reflect skies like "thousands of mirrors".
- Summer (June–August): Vibrant green rice shoots create "rolling waves".
- Autumn (September–October): Golden harvests paint "towers of rice".
- Winter (November–February): Frost transforms the landscape into a "silver dragon".
5. Visitor Experience
- Hiking Trails: Routes like Ping’an to Dazhai (4–6 hours) offer panoramic views.
- Cultural Immersion: Stay in stilt-house homestays, taste bamboo rice, and attend torch festivals.
- Photography Tips: Sunrise at "Nine Dragons and Five Tigers" (Ping’an) and foggy mornings for mystical shots.
6. Practical Information
- Location: 77 km from Guilin (1.5-hour drive).
- Ticket: ¥80 (discounts for students); open year-round.
- Best Time: April–October; avoid July rains and Chinese holidays.
7. Conservation & Recognition
- UNESCO Global Agricultural Heritage (2018).
- CCTV’s "Top 10 Rural Destinations" (2024).
The Longji Rice Terraces are a living testament to sustainable farming and ethnic culture, blending awe-inspiring scenery with deep historical roots.
