Discover breathtaking scenery at the enchanting Longji Rice Terraces.

2025 Longji Rice Terraces: The Complete Guide (Including the Latest Tips to Avoid Pitfalls) Best Time to Visit: 1. Spring (March–May): The water-filled terraces resemble mirrors, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, earning them the name "Mirror Terraces." The best time to see this effect is from March to April. 2. Fall (September–November): The rice paddies turn golden, creating a sea of gold across the terraces. The most spectacular views are at the end of October, but book accommodations at least one month in advance. 3. Summer (June–August): Lush greenery and swirling clouds are common, but be prepared for rain and slippery conditions. Winter (December–February): The terraces are covered in snow, offering a serene experience. Tip: Avoid the crowds during Golden Week holidays. Visiting on a working day is more enjoyable. Transportation Guide: • External Transportation: ◦ Fly or take the high-speed train to Guilin, then transfer to a direct bus (approx. 2 hrs, GBP 2–5). ◦ Drive with caution, as the mountain roads have many sharp turns. Not recommended for novice drivers. • Internal Transportation: ◦ Ping'an Village: Take the sightseeing bus directly to the Nine Dragons and Five Tigers viewing platform (GBP 4/person). ◦ Jinkeng Dazhai Village: Take the cable car to and from Jin Buddha Peak (GBP 8/person), or hike the stone path (non-slip shoes are essential). ◦ Hiking routes between villages: Ping'an Village → Guzhuang Village (1.5 hrs), Jin Buddha Peak → Tiantou Village (2 hrs). Must-See Attractions and Activities: 1. Ping'an Zhuang Village: • Nine Dragons and Five Tigers: Offers panoramic views and the best spot for sunrise and sunset. • Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon: A 30-min walk from the village, where the terraces and houses complement each other. 2. Jinkeng Dazhai Village: • Thousand-Layered Terraces: The winding lines are perfect for wide-angle photography. • Jin Buddha Peak: Accessible by cable car, offering views of both sunrise and sunset. 3. Cultural Experiences: • Participate in the Yao Panwang Festival or the Zhuang Singing Festival (check dates in advance). • Take photos in traditional Yao clothing, taste oil tea and糍粑(sticky rice cake), and shop for embroidered handicrafts. Accommodation Recommendations: • Jinkeng Dazhai Village: Guesthouses in Tiantou Village are ideal for photography enthusiasts, with terraces and sea of clouds views right outside the window. • Ping'an Village: Wide roads and numerous affordable guesthouses make it suitable for families. • Unique Experiences: Stilt houses with scenic views, stargazing campsites (summer only). Food Guide: • Must-Try Dishes: Bamboo chicken, bamboo rice (with a rich bamboo aroma), rice paddy fish, and dried bacon with bamboo shoots. • Drink Recommendation: Yao rice wine (sweet but potent, drink in moderation). • Dining Tip: Guesthouse restaurants offer authentic local flavors at around GBP 3–5 per person. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls and Important Notes: 1. Safety: Avoid hiking in rainy weather and going up the mountain alone at night. The edges of the terraces are slippery, so stay on designated paths. 2. Equipment: Non-slip shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and rain gear are essential. 3. Respect Local Customs: Do not touch villagers' belongings without permission and avoid making inappropriate comments about traditional customs. 4. Avoid Tourist Traps: Decline offers from unofficial tour guides. The scenic area is clearly marked, so follow the signs. Recommended Itinerary (2-Day Highlights Tour): • Day 1: Guilin → Ping'an Village (Nine Dragons and Five Tigers sunset view → Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon hike → Check in to a stilt house). • Day 2: Jinkeng Dazhai Village (Thousand-Layered Terraces → Jin Buddha Peak cable car → Guzhuang Village cultural experience) → Return trip. Tickets and Fees: • GBP 7 for adults, students/seniors enjoy half price or a GBP 1 discount. • Scenic area shuttle bus: GBP 3. Additional fees apply for visiting multiple villages.