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Longsheng is home to the Longji Rice Terraces — one of the most photographed landscapes in China, where centuries-old terraced paddies cascade down the 'Dragon's Back' mountains. The area is inhabited by four ethnic minorities (Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong), each with distinct traditions, and the Yao women of Dazhai are world-famous for their extraordinarily long hair. The terraces are beautiful in every season, from spring flooding to summer green to autumn gold.
Good for rice terraces, ethnic minority culture, photography
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龙脊梯田
Ancient terraced rice paddies cascading down the 'Dragon's Back' mountains, comprising two main areas: Ping'An (Zhuang minority) and JinKeng/Dazhai (Yao minority). The terraces change dramatically with the seasons — flooded silver in spring, lush green in summer, golden in autumn.
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The main village in the JinKeng terrace area, home to Red Yao women famous for having the longest hair in the world — they never cut it, instead wrapping it in an elaborate bun. Traditional Yao clothing and customs are well-preserved here.
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The main Zhuang minority village in the Longji terrace area, with traditional timber houses up to four stories high. The surrounding terraces offer the classic 'Nine Dragons and Five Tigers' viewpoint.
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A 3-hour hiking trail connecting Ping'An and Dazhai through the terraces and forest, passing smaller hamlets including Tiantou village at the highest elevation.
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The villages feature distinctive timber houses, typically rectangular and three stories high, with each ascending floor slightly larger than the lower. Some houses in Dazhai use thick tree bark as roof shingles.
Longsheng is home to the Longji Rice Terraces — one of the most photographed landscapes in China, where centuries-old terraced paddies cascade down the 'Dragon's Back' mountains. The area is inhabited by four ethnic minorities (Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong), each with distinct traditions, and the Yao women of Dazhai are world-famous for their extraordinarily long hair. The terraces are beautiful in every season, from spring flooding to summer green to autumn gold.
- Longji Rice Terraces - Dazhai Village and Yao Long-Hair Women - Ping'An Village - Inter-Village Hiking Trail - Traditional Minority Architecture
Longsheng county seat is about 2.5 hours by bus from Guilin (¥30). From the county seat, minibuses run to the Longji ticket office (about 1 hour). From the ticket office, local buses serve Ping'An and Dazhai. The ticket office and bus service are run by a tour operator consortium — buy tickets there. Alternatively, direct tourist buses run from Guilin to the Longji area.
Bamboo tube rice (竹筒饭) is the signature local dish — rice stuffed into bamboo with meats, vegetables, and spices, then cooked over an open fire. Country-style Chinese food is available at small restaurants throughout the villages. Local specialties include smoked pork, wild vegetables, and rice wine. Meals in village restaurants ¥30–60.
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