Rising to elevations of over 1,100 meters, the Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田) are an extraordinary engineering marvel constructed by the Zhuang and Red Yao minorities beginning during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368).
1. Which Village to Base Yourself In: Ping'an vs. Dazhai (Jinkeng)
Ping'an Village (平安寨)
The original tourist village. Home to the Zhuang people. More developed paved pathways, boutique wooden lodges, and classic vantage points like "Seven Stars with the Moon" and "Nine Dragons and Five Tigers".
Best for: Families, relaxed walkers, comfortable hotels.Dazhai / Jinkeng (大寨 / 金坑)
Inhabited by the Red Yao minority (famed for women with 2-meter-long hair). Vastly larger, steeper, and more dramatic than Ping'an. Features an aerial cable car to Viewpoint #3 (Golden Buddha Peak).
Best for: Avid hikers, expansive scale, photographers.2. The Famous 4-Hour Cross-Village Trek (Dazhai to Ping'an)
For active travelers, hiking between Dazhai and Ping'an along the ancient flagstone ridges is one of the top walks in southern China:
- Distance & Elevation: ~12 kilometers, 4 to 5 hours, moderate difficulty.
- Route Highlights: Pass through pristine bamboo forests, stream crossings, and the intermediate hamlet of Zhongliu Village (中六村).
- Trail Navigation: Download the offline map on Maps.me or Apple Maps before climbing, as mobile signals can dip in deep valleys.
Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Entry & Golden Buddha Peak Cable Car E-Tickets
From $12 USD · Direct QR Admission at Village Gate