Longji Rice Terrace Fields

Gazing up at the Longji Rice Terrace Fields, wouldn’t you agree they resemble a dragon’s scales? The mountain ridges look like the dragon’s backbone. This is how the Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, earned their name. Located in Longsheng County, near Guilin, these terraces are a testament to the ingenuity of the Zhuang and Yao people. Construction began during the Yuan Dynasty, around the 13th century, and continued into the Qing Dynasty, finally completing over 650 years ago. The Longji Rice Terrace Fields sprawl across 66 square kilometers. The terraces climb the mountains, starting at around 300 meters above sea level and reaching heights of 1100 meters. Imagine the effort required to carve these terraces into the mountainside, transforming seemingly unusable land into fertile rice paddies. These fields aren’t just for show. They are actively farmed by the people of Ping’an Village, Longji Ancient Zhuang Village, and the Jinkeng Red Yao villages. This means that no matter when you visit the Longji Rice Terrace Fields, the view is breathtaking. In spring, water floods the terraces, creating shimmering pools that reflect the sky. Summer brings lush green rice stalks. By autumn, these stalks turn a glorious golden-brown, ready for harvest. Even winter holds its own beauty, with snow dusting the terraces like a delicate icing. If you’re feeling energetic, hiking trails crisscross the Longji Rice Terrace Fields. You can choose a short hike or a longer trek. Some popular routes include the paths around Ping’an Village and the Jinkeng villages. From these vantage points, you can truly appreciate the scale and beauty of these man-made wonders.