Longcheng

Have you ever wondered what a dragon’s backbone might look like? Here in Longsheng County, just northeast of Guilin, you can witness it firsthand at the magnificent Longcheng Rice Terraces, also known as the Longji Rice Terraces. Longji translates to “Dragon’s Backbone,” a fitting name given how the terraces wind from the riverbanks up the mountain slopes, resembling a dragon’s scales climbing its spine. These aren’t just any rice paddies. These are breathtaking works of art, carved into the mountainside over generations. Imagine the back-breaking labor that the Zhuang and Yao people poured into these slopes, starting way back in the Yuan Dynasty, around 700 years ago. They toiled, generation after generation, shaping the land into these incredible terraces. They built them along the slopes of the mountains. The terraces rise as high as 885 meters at the peak and descend to 380 meters at their lowest point. The ingenuity of their irrigation system is just as astonishing. They managed to channel water from the river all the way to the top, allowing rice to flourish even on these steep inclines. Today, as you stand here, you are witnessing the legacy of their hard work and ingenuity. Longcheng is more than just a stunning landscape. It’s a vibrant tapestry of cultures, primarily the Zhuang and Yao peoples who still maintain their traditional villages nestled within these terraces. Each village, from Ping’an to Dazhai, offers a unique glimpse into their customs, costumes, and way of life. The best time to visit Longcheng is between April and October when the weather is pleasant. However, each season paints the terraces with a different hue, from the glistening waters of spring to the vibrant green of summer and the golden harvest of autumn. Even winter holds a unique beauty, blanketing the terraces in a pristine layer of snow. As you gaze upon this extraordinary vista, remember that you are witnessing a living, breathing testament to human resilience and ingenuity. Longcheng, the Dragon’s Backbone, is a reminder of the profound connection between humans and nature.