The signature trek across the Longji terrace system, climbing stone-paved and dirt paths from Ping'an village (Zhuang minority) over ridgelines and through smaller settlements to Dazhai village (Yao minority), with the Jinkeng terrace section forming the trail's most photographed stretch. The terraces were carved by hand over roughly 650 years and appear water-filled in late spring or golden with ripening rice in early autumn.
The trek begins at the Ping'an entrance gate in Longsheng County, roughly a two-hour drive north of Guilin; most visitors arrive by chartered minibus or public bus to Longsheng town followed by a shuttle to the terrace scenic area, and an entrance ticket to the Longji Rice Terraces scenic zone is required before setting out. From Ping'an the stone-paved path climbs steadily onto the ridge above the Zhuang village, gaining roughly 600m cumulatively over undulating terrace terraces before descending toward Dazhai, for a total one-way distance of about 20km if the full ridge route is walked rather than shortcut by cable car partway. The surface alternates between worn stone steps near the villages and packed dirt or gravel farm tracks along the open ridges, with little shade once above the treeline around the terrace tiers, so exposure to sun and wind is significant on clear days. Landmarks along the way include the Seven Stars with Moon viewpoint above Ping'an, the Zhongliu ridge junction overlooking the Jinkeng terraces, and the trailside hamlet of Tiantouzhai, which makes a reasonable turn-around point for hikers wanting roughly half the full distance. Small guesthouses and food stalls operate in Ping'an, Tiantouzhai, and Dazhai, but there are no formal shelters or potable water points between villages, so hikers should carry sufficient water and expect only intermittent tea-house stops along the ridge.
| Distance | 20km (one way) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5-6 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | Late April to May (flooded terraces) or September to October (golden rice), Northern Hemisphere |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Longji (Dragon's Backbone) Rice Terraces, Longsheng County
Highlights
- Jinkeng (Golden Buddha) terrace viewpoints
- Seven Stars with Moon viewpoint above Ping'an
- Zhuang villages along the Ping'an side
- Long-haired Yao women of Dazhai, known for waist-length hair traditions
Tips for visiting
- Wear sturdy trail shoes with grip; the stone steps become slippery when wet
- Carry at least 1.5 liters of water, as reliable refill points are limited to villages
- Terraces flood and mirror the sky in late April to May and turn golden in September to October, the two most photogenic windows
- Start early to avoid the midday sun on the exposed ridge sections and to beat tour groups
- A cable car between Ping'an and the upper viewpoints offers a bail-out option if weather turns
When to visit
Early morning starts avoid both the midday heat and the bulk of day-tripper crowds arriving from Guilin.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly, as it consists of uneven stone steps and dirt ridge paths with sustained elevation change throughout.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the full Ping'an to Dazhai trek take?
Most hikers complete the roughly 20km route in 5 to 6 hours at a steady pace, not including stops at viewpoints or villages.
Can the trek be shortened?
Yes, hikers can turn back at Tiantouzhai village around the 13km mark, or use the cable car near Ping'an to skip the initial climb.
Is a guide required?
A guide is not required, as the route is well marked with signage between villages, though hiring a local guide in Ping'an is a popular option for cultural context.
Where can hikers stay overnight?
Guesthouses are available in both Ping'an and Dazhai villages, allowing the trek to be split across two days.