Things To Do
in Longji
Longji, meaning Dragon's Backbone, is a scenic upland area in Guangxi known for its dramatic terraced rice fields. The landscape unfolds across Ping'an and Jinkeng villages, where ethnic Yao and Zhuang communities preserve centuries-old farming traditions. The terraces glow with seasonal colors—from emerald greens in spring and summer to golds during harvest—framed by carved stone paths and wooden stilt houses.
Visitors come for panoramic viewpoints, sunrise shoots, cultural encounters, and restorative mountain air.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Longji and take in the stunning views of the terraced rice fields. After checking into your accommodation, enjoy a local breakfast featuring traditional dishes. Spend some time exploring the nearby village and interacting with the friendly locals.
Head to the Longji Rice Terraces for a leisurely hike along the paths that wind through the fields. Capture breathtaking photographs of the landscape and experience the harmony between nature and agricultural practices. Visit a farming family to learn about their traditional methods and lifestyle.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant while overlooking the terraced fields. The ambiance is perfect for relaxation as you savor the flavors of the region. Conclude your day by stargazing in the clear night sky, away from city lights.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse, then head to Ping'an Village, which is renowned for its unique architecture and stunning views. Explore the narrow streets and traditional wooden buildings that characterize this ethnic minority village. Join a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of the local Zhuang and Yao people.
After lunch, take a hike to the viewpoint overlooking Ping'an, which offers one of the best panoramas of the rice terraces. The climb is moderate and suitable for all fitness levels, allowing you to witness the verdant landscape up close. Enjoy a leisurely picnic at the top, taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Return to the village to enjoy a cultural performance featuring traditional dances from the Zhuang and Yao cultures. Participate in a cooking class where you will learn to prepare local dishes with the ingredients you sourced. Wind down your evening by chatting with fellow travelers around a fire.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / guesthouse per night | $20-40 |
| 🍶Tea or soft drink | $2-5 |
| 🚌Local bus or minivan fare | $0.5-2 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning terraced landscapes and rich minority culture
- Calm, nature-filled atmosphere away from crowded cities
- Limited nightlife and commercial amenities
- Rural infrastructure can be basic in some villages
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "洗手间在哪儿？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Longji
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic overlook of cascading terraces stretching to the horizon at sunrise or sunset.
Expansive rows of terraces with varying elevations, ideal for panoramas and telephoto shots.
Silhouettes of the ridgelin e against a colorful sky around golden hour.
Stone stairways interlaced with terraces offering symmetrical composition opportunities.
Food in Longji
Longji Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature noodle dish served with a savory broth, pickles, and chili sauce; widely available in guesthouses and eateries.
Must-Try!
Fresh river fish cooked with beer, garlic, ginger, and peppers; popular in Guilin-Yangshuo eateries and often served in terraceside restaurants.
Spicy and sour rice noodle soup with pickled bamboo shoots; commonly found in Guilin area and some Longji eateries.
Glutinous rice steamed in banana leaves with salted vegetables; a rustic terrace snack.
A traditional dish from nearby minority villages featuring herbal seasonings and slow-cooked pork.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local daytime market where residents sell produce, snacks, and simple street foods; great for observing daily life.
Mobile stalls near viewpoints offering grilled corn, fried dumplings, and sugarcane juice.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Ask permission before taking photos of people; dress modestly when visiting villages; remove shoes where required.
Safety
Tipping in Longji
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary but appreciated in tourist-focused spots; small amounts for exceptional service are common.
Cash is widely accepted; mobile payments (WeChat/Alipay) are increasingly common, especially in guesthouses and shops; credit cards are less common in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring brings misty mornings and new green shoots; expect mild temperatures and daily fogs that create mystical photo opportunities.
Warm to hot with frequent rain; lush green terraces, rainbows after showers; humidity can be high.
Harvest season with golden terraces and clear skies; comfortable temperatures and excellent light.
Cool to cold, with possible light frost or fog; terraces may appear dry or snowy in rare cases; quieter and fewer crowds.
Longji at Night
Hiking in Longji
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic loop along multiple terrace levels with viewpoints over entire fields.
Hiking between terrace blocks with opportunities to observe agricultural activity and rural life.
Airports
How to reach Longji by plane.
Main gateway for Guilin and Longji; about 2-3 hours by road to the Longji Scenic Area.
Regional hub in Guangxi; longer drive to Longji but a viable alternative via rail and road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority ethnic group in the area with influences in architecture and cuisine.
An important minority group in nearby villages; known for silver headdresses and distinctive dress; guests may visit Yao communities around Ping'an.
Another minority group present in some surrounding villages; traditional crafts and folk songs can be observed.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Terrace trails and mountain paths are popular among visitors and locals.
Common in community spaces and guesthouses.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Longji.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in most guesthouses; request dishes without meat stock; emphasize vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms.