Longji Rice Terraces

Longji Rice Terraces — six centuries of Zhuang and Yao minority farming carved into mountain slopes

Qianyi L.
By Qianyi L.·Updated May 2026·10 min read
Longji Rice Terraces at sunrise, Guilin, China
Time needed
1-2 days
Rating
AAA

Overview

The Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon's Backbone) are among the most spectacular agricultural landscapes in the world. Carved into the steep slopes of the mountains northeast of Guilin by the Zhuang and Yao minority peoples over 600 years, the terraces cascade from the mountain peaks to the valley floors in sweeping curves that follow every contour of the hillside. The name comes from their resemblance to the scales on a dragon's back.

Plan your visit

Best time to visit

May-June (terraces filled with water, vivid green young rice) and late September-October (golden harvest). Both periods are spectacular.

Getting there

From Guilin: 2 hours by bus (¥26) or organised tour to Longsheng county, then minibus to the village bases. Most visitors stay overnight in a guesthouse in one of the villages.

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