Traveling to the Longji Jinkeng Rice Terraces 龙脊-金坑梯田
The Romantic Side of China
China is a country that many people begin fantasizing about from a young age. With dramatic scenes decorating the inside of take-out restaurants and myths telling of a country on the other side of the world. For many travelers, China seems like a magical, far off fantasy world with adventure behind every turn. Once you hop on a plane and arrive in the Middle Kingdom, your expectations may be crushed.
Although Beijing is home to many of the historic palaces and elaborate temples, these enduring monuments have had a concrete city built around them. Boxed in by the concrete apartments and shrouded with smog, you won’t find the romantic side of China you were dreaming of. In the southern province of Guangxi (广西), however, you will find the towering mountains of Yangshuo (阳朔) and the emerald rice terraces of Longji (龙脊).
Wanting to explore more of romantic Guilin? Be sure to check out Xingping!
How to get to Longsheng
While traveling in Guangxi, it is easy to get confused about where to take a bus in order to see the beautifully terraced rice paddies and idyllic river scenes. Many of the sights within the area are typically sold under the name Guilin (桂林). Once you book your ticket to Guilin, however, you will find that this city is not all the different from the likes of Beijing or Shanghai. The mystical mountain peaks and rustic rice farms are still hundreds of miles of way, Guilin is a mere jumping-off point.
Longsheng (龙胜), also known as Longji (龙脊) is another umbrella name which encompasses several different places. Longji is divided into the touristy Ping’an Terraces (平安梯田), the slightly more rustic Jinkeng Terraces (金坑梯田), and the Longji Ancient Zhuang Village (龙脊古壮寨). Although all the areas are connected by hiking trails, it will be important to know where your bus is going to avoid a long trek over some extremely steep hills.
If you are in Yangshuo, the best way to get to Longji will be by the direct bus. The Yangshuo to Longsheng bus leaves from the Yangshuo Pantao Road Biliandong Tourist Parking Lot (阳朔蟠桃路碧莲洞旅游停车场) and costs around 80 RMB (11.50 USD). The bus from Yangshuo to Longsheng takes about 5 hours and will drop you off at the entrance of the Jinkeng Terraces.
Alternatively, you could always take the bus from Guilin to Longji. Most of the direct buses will take you to the entrance of the Jinkeng Terraces. If you are wanting to go to the Ping’an Terraces or Ancient Village, you will first have to have a bus from Guiling to Longsheng and then transfer. You can find a complete price list and departure guide on China Discovery.
Finding yourself passing through Wuhan? You can find my complete guide to Wuhan here!
The People of Longji
Longji is the home of two different groups of people. The Red Yao (红瑶) and the Zhuang (壮) have been living on these steep hillsides of generations, working the fields and preserving a way of life handed down for centuries. From the second you step off of your bus, some of the locals will be waiting to help you carry your luggage up the endless staircase and trails leading up into the terraces. As a backpacker, you may be quick to dismiss this luxury. But halfway up the steps, you may begin to kick yourself, regreting you didn’t hire someone to help you cart your bag up this steep incline.
Regardless if you decided to visit the ancient villages or not, you will find local people donning modern and traditional wear throughout Longsheng. With handicrafts and traditional workshops throughout the various villages lining the hillside, you will be immersed in their ethnic culture. Although there is a hint of commercialism to their practices, it is important to witness and support a culture that has been on the brink of extinction.
Looking to get off the beaten path in Guangxi? Why not visit the notorious city of Yulin!
More Rice Terraces?
If it is your first time in Asia, you are sure to marvel at these perfectly kept emerald rice terraces. Crawling up the steep hillside as if god carved steps into the earth, the wind will send waves through the crops, giving off a sense of standing in a sea of green. The rustic stone paths and trails leading through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet will leave you with stories that friends and family back home will have a difficult time wrapping their heads around.
On the other hand, if you have been traveling in Asia for some time, you might find yourself yawning at the notion of traveling to another rice paddy. With Banaue in The Philippines, Sapa in Vietnam, and Ubud in Indonesia topping the list of iconic rice terraces, well-seasoned backpackers may feel like they are not going to witness anything they haven’t seen before. It is all a matter of taste and having an open mind. The terraces of Banaue and Guangxi may be similar, but the experience couldn’t be any more different. From the weather, the hikes, and the people, you are sure to have a story totally different from any other place you have traveled to before.
Wanting to explore one of the most unique cities in China? Read more on Chongqing here!
Where to Hike in Longji
Of course, you could hop on the cable car and get some breathtaking views from the Golden Buddha Summit, but where is the fun in that? A big part of exploring Longsheng is getting lost in the rice paddies and discovering something unexpected. Of course, you will not want to be lost forever. Fortunately, there are tons of signs throughout the farms pointing you in the right direction.
From Jinkeng, there are several different hikes that you can kick off your journey with. The Golden Buddha Summit, West Hill Music, and Thousand Layer Terraces are some of the most popular routes. Although on the other side of the mountain, you could always really push yourself and do a long 5-hour hike and visit the nearby terraces at Ping’an. Some of the more popular viewpoints around Ping’an are the Nine Dragons & Five Tigers and the Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon.
Just got one day in Harbin? Read on how to make the most of your layover here!
Exploring Tamed China
Much of the things you will find on the map have been turned into top-class tourist destinations. With ticket booths and gates leading into the Longji Terraces, it is easy to feel as if you are stepping into Disneyland, rather than losing yourself in the Chinese countryside. Even though a lot of the traditional culture and rustic feel of Longsheng is for show, there is still a genuine sense of peace that you can feel in the air.
Despite the touristic and commercial nature of many of China’s most famous places, it is quite easy to get lost and off the beaten path in Longsheng. While exploring the paddies, you will seldom come across another soul on the trails. Thus leaving you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of a more wild China.
