🌾 Yangshuo's Paddy Fields: A Guide to China's Most Scenic Rice Terraces

#chinatravel While Yangshuo itself is famous for its karst mountains and Li River, the most spectacular rice terraces are actually located in **Longsheng (Longji Rice Terraces)**, about 4 hours away by car. However, Yangshuo does have beautiful patchwork paddy fields woven into its countryside, especially around villages like **Fuli** and **Xingping**. Here’s what you need to know: --- ### **1. Best Paddy Field Spots Near Yangshuo** - **Fuli Village**: Cycle through emerald-green rice fields along the Li River, where farmers still use water buffalo for plowing. The fields here are smaller but incredibly photogenic, especially at sunrise . - **Xingping Area**: Near the 20 RMB note viewpoint, you’ll find terraced paddies framed by karst peaks. Rent a bike or take a bamboo raft for the best views . - **Yulong River Valley**: The cycling route from Yangshuo to Yulong Bridge passes through quiet paddies and farmer’s trails—stop at **Jiuxian Village** for tea with locals . --- ### **2. Longji Rice Terraces (Day Trip from Yangshuo)** If you want the iconic "dragon’s backbone" terraces: - **Ping’an Village**: Features the "Seven Stars Around the Moon" and "Nine Dragons & Five Tigers" viewpoints (1.5-hour hike) . - **Dazhai (Jinkeng)**: Larger terraces with cable cars to Golden Buddha Peak. Best for sunrise/sunset . - **Best Time to Visit**: - **May–June**: Flooded fields mirror the sky. - **Sept–Oct**: Golden harvest season . --- ### **3. How to Visit from Yangshuo** - **Private Driver**: ~CN¥800 round-trip (4 hours each way). Negotiate with taxi drivers in Yangshuo . - **Public Bus**: Take a bus to Guilin (1.5 hours), then transfer to Longsheng (2.5 hours). Tickets ~CN¥50 . - **Tours**: Book a guided day trip (CN¥400–600) with stops at minority villages . --- ### **4. Tips for Visiting** - **Wear sturdy shoes**: Fields can be muddy and slippery. - **Respect farmers**: Avoid stepping on crops; ask before taking photos. - **Try bamboo-tube rice**: A local specialty cooked in hollow bamboo . **#yangshuoricefields #guilincountryside #chinatravel**