A shorter loop within the Longji terrace system connecting Dazhai village to three main viewing platforms — Golden Buddha Peak, Thousand Layers Terrace, and Music from Paradise — without the full commitment of the Ping'an-to-Dazhai traverse. A cable car option covers part of the ascent for those wanting to shorten the walk further.
The loop starts and ends in Dazhai village within the Jinkeng section of the Longji terrace scenic area, Longsheng County, reached by shuttle bus from the scenic zone's main parking area after purchasing an entrance ticket; a cable car station near the village center offers an optional lift partway up. Covering roughly 5 to 7km with about 300m of elevation gain spread across three viewpoint tiers, the loop is shorter and less demanding than the full Ping'an-to-Dazhai traverse, with stone steps and packed dirt paths connecting each platform. The route has minimal shade on the open viewpoint sections but passes through forested terrace edges between them, and technical difficulty is low, consisting of steady stepped climbs rather than scrambling. The three main landmarks are the Golden Buddha Peak viewpoint, the Thousand Layers Terrace platform, and the Music from Paradise viewpoint, each offering a different angle over the terraced hillsides, and hikers short on time can turn back after the first one or two platforms rather than completing the full loop. Dazhai village itself has guesthouses, restaurants, and shops at both the start and end of the loop, though no shelter or water points exist between the viewpoints themselves.
| Distance | 5-7km loop |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | Late April to May (flooded terraces) or September to October (golden rice), Northern Hemisphere |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Jinkeng section of the Longji terraces, near Dazhai village
Highlights
- Golden Buddha Peak viewpoint
- Thousand Layers Terrace viewpoint
- Music from Paradise viewpoint
- Long-haired Yao cultural performances in Dazhai village
Tips for visiting
- Buy a combined Longji scenic area ticket in advance, as it covers entry to the Jinkeng section including this loop
- Use the cable car for the initial climb if time or fitness is limited, then walk the viewpoint connections
- Terraces are water-filled and mirror-like in late April and May, golden with rice in September and October
- Wear grippy shoes, as the stone steps between viewpoints can be uneven and slick after rain
- Watch for long-haired Yao cultural performances scheduled at set times in Dazhai village
When to visit
Early morning light before cloud builds over the terraces gives the clearest photography conditions, particularly during the flooded or golden rice seasons.
Accessibility
The loop is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly due to stone steps and uneven terrace-edge paths, though the cable car provides an alternative for reaching upper viewpoints without walking the full ascent.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Jinkeng loop take?
The loop typically takes 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace, covering roughly 5 to 7km between the three viewpoints.
Is this easier than the Ping'an to Dazhai trek?
Yes, this loop is shorter and less strenuous, staying within the Jinkeng section rather than crossing the full ridge to Ping'an.
Can the cable car be used to skip walking entirely?
The cable car covers part of the ascent from Dazhai, but reaching all three viewpoints still requires some walking between platforms.
What is the best viewpoint on the loop?
Golden Buddha Peak is generally considered the most photographed viewpoint, offering the widest angle over the terraced hillside.