Longji Rice Terraces

The Longji Terraces, also known as 'Dragon's Backbone Terraces,' are a masterpiece of agriculture and engineering. Over 650 years, the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups have transformed these steep hillsides into fertile farmland. The terraces hug the mountains so perfectly that they look like giant, curved staircases leading into the sky. Depending on the season, the view changes dramatically: from glistening water mirrors in spring to golden waves during harvest time. A visit to villages like Ping'an or Dazhai gives deep insights into minority traditions. The Yao women are especially famous; they never cut their hair and wear it in elaborate hairstyles on their heads. Hiking trails between viewpoints like 'Seven Stars Around the Moon' offer panoramic photo opportunities and peaceful mountain air far from the bustle of big cities. Local cuisine is simple but delicious. A specialty is 'Bamboo Rice,' where rice, meat, and vegetables are cooked in fresh bamboo tubes over an open fire. Homemade rice wine is also a must-try for every guest. The hospitality in the wooden guesthouses is warm, making your stay an authentic experience. The terraces are about a 2-3 hour drive from Guilin. The best time to visit is May (when fields are flooded) or October (just before harvest). Since there are many stairs and steep paths, comfortable footwear is a must. Local porters can help carry heavy luggage to hillside accommodations for a small fee.

Nearby cities

Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a thriving port city renowned for its cutting-edge architecture, traditional Cantonese culture, and exceptional dim sum.

Dongguan

An industrial city in the Pearl River Delta, known as the 'world's workshop'.

Foshan

A city in Guangdong province, famous for its ceramics and furniture industries, and as the birthplace of Cantonese opera.

Bao'an

A modern coastal district in Shenzhen, blending high-tech industry with futuristic waterfront parks.

Haikou

Haikou is the tropical capital of Hainan province, known for its beautiful beaches, historic arcade streets, and lush volcanic landscapes.

Zhuhai

Zhuhai is a romantic coastal city known for its beautiful promenades, hot springs, and close proximity to Macau.

Sanya

Sanya is the "Hawaii of China" at the southern tip of Hainan, famous for its tropical beaches and luxury resorts.

Beihai

A port city in Guangxi, famous for its silver sand beach and well-preserved colonial architecture.

Yangshuo

Yangshuo is the picturesque heart of the karst landscape, offering a paradise for cyclists, climbers, and nature lovers.

Dali

Dali is known for its beautiful, idyllic location nestled perfectly between Erhai Lake and the Cangshan Mountains.

Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna is a tropical paradise in southern Yunnan, famous for its lush rainforests, Dai minority culture, and exotic wildlife.

Jinghong (Xishuangbanna)

A tropical haven in Yunnan known for its Dai minority culture, lush rainforests, and wild elephants.

Tengchong

A geothermal wonderland in Yunnan, famous for its volcanoes, hot springs, and the charming Heshun Ancient Town.

Nanhai

Nanhai is a scenic coastal district in Maoming, known for its extensive sandy shores and protective coastal forest.

Weizhou Island

China's largest and youngest volcanic island, known for its bizarre lava formations and a Gothic cathedral.

History & landmarks

Fenghuang

This picturesque ancient town on the Tuo River is famous for its wooden stilt houses and the rich culture of the Miao and Tujia minorities.

Lijiang

Lijiang is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved ancient town crisscrossed by picturesque canals.

Kaili / Xijiang Miao Village

Xijiang Miao Village, the largest Miao village in China, mesmerizes with its traditional stilted wooden houses and vibrant ethnic culture.

Nature

Qiongzhou Strait

The strait that separates the Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong from the island province of Hainan.

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Huaqiangbei Electronics Market

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Foxconn Shenzhen Campus

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Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

A multifunctional botanical garden in Shenzhen that integrates research, education, and tourism.

Yantian Port

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