When autumn breezes drift across the mountains of Longsheng, Guangxi, the Longji Rice Terraces awaken in a blaze of gold. Thousands of terraces cascade down the slopes like rippling waves of light, turning the entire valley into a living landscape painting. For travelers, photographers, and lovers of nature, autumn in Longji is not just a sight—it’s an experience steeped in culture, tradition, and the rhythm of harvest.
The Wonder of Terraces: A Flowing Ocean of Gold
In autumn, Longji becomes one of the most breathtaking destinations in southern China. The golden rice fields sweep across the mountains in graceful curves, shimmering under the sunlight. The two most famous spots—Ping’an Zhuang Terraces and Jinkeng Dazhai Red Yao Terraces—each offer a distinct charm.
Ping’an is gentle and elegant, its lines like silk threads winding through the hills, while Dazhai is grand and dramatic, resembling a golden dragon coiling around the mountains. From above, the golden fields ripple in the wind, and farmers move gracefully through the layers of terraces—harvesting, smiling, living. It’s not just scenery; it’s poetry written in earth and sunlight.
Sea of Clouds: Where Mist Meets Morning Light
At dawn, a veil of mist often settles over the valleys. From the Xishan Shaole (Music from the West Hill) viewpoint, clouds drift between the terraces like soft silk ribbons. The golden rice fields flicker through the mist, creating a surreal, dreamlike view that feels almost otherworldly.
As the sun rises higher, the fog gently lifts, revealing wooden houses, curling smoke from kitchen fires, and glistening dew on rooftops. Here, the divine and the earthly meet—the perfect harmony of nature and human life.
Autumn Drying Traditions: A Feast for the Eyes
After the harvest, every home in the villages bursts with color. Rice, corn, peppers, and pumpkins are spread out on bamboo mats to dry under the warm sun. The villagers, dressed in bright traditional costumes, chat and laugh as the air fills with the scent of grain and wood smoke.
One of the most charming sights is the “he liang jia” (harvest drying racks), where bundles of rice hang neatly in rows, glowing golden in the sunlight. This age-old ritual, known as shai qiu (“autumn drying”), turns the whole village into a canvas of harvest hues—a living celebration of abundance and gratitude.
Cultural Roots: The Living Heritage of Rice Civilization
With a history of over 600 years, the Longji Rice Terraces are a living museum of China’s ancient rice culture. The Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups have cultivated these mountains for generations, transforming steep slopes into fertile terraces through skill and wisdom.
Every stage—from seed selection to harvest—follows the rhythm of nature and the cycle of seasons. In autumn, local festivals such as the Yao Clothes-Drying Festival and Zhuang Harvest Festival fill the mountains with music and dance, celebrating the bond between people and the land.
Here, farming is not just labor—it’s art, culture, and the essence of life.
Must-Do Experiences
Rice Field Hiking
Walking along the terrace paths is the best way to feel the pulse of Longji. The trail between Ping’an Village and Dazhai Village is especially scenic, offering ever-changing perspectives of the golden fields and ideal spots for photography.
Stay in a Wooden Stilt House
Spend the night in a traditional wooden diaojiaolou (stilt house). As night falls, you’ll hear crickets singing and water trickling through the valley, while stars shimmer above the terraces—nature’s lullaby beneath a velvet sky.
Experience the Long Hair Ritual
In Dazhai Red Yao Village, Yao women are famous for their floor-length black hair, which they wash with fermented rice water. This ancient practice, now recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, symbolizes beauty, purity, and blessing. Visitors can watch or even join the ritual for a glimpse into local life.
Terrace Stargazing and Photography
When night descends, the terraces turn into a vast mirror reflecting the Milky Way. Autumn offers clear skies, making it the best time for astrophotography—where stars, mountains, and golden fields unite in breathtaking silence.
Best Time to Visit
The golden season arrives from mid-September to mid-October, when the rice fields are fully ripe and glowing. The scenery is most spectacular around late September and early October. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays and plan to shoot during sunrise or sunset for the most enchanting light.
Travel Guide
Getting There
From Guilin, it takes about two hours by bus or car to reach Longsheng County, followed by a local transfer to Ping’an or Dazhai village. Self-driving along the Guilin–Longsheng Highway is also a scenic option.
Where to Stay
Choose a guesthouse or homestay inside the terrace area, such as those near the Dazhai Viewing Platform or Ping’an Village. Waking up to sunrise over the golden fields is an unforgettable experience.
What to Wear
Autumn temperatures are mild but can vary between day and night. A light jacket and comfortable hiking shoes are recommended. Bring a hat and sunscreen for daytime walks, and an extra layer for cool evenings.
Tickets
The Longji Rice Terraces entrance fee is about 80 RMB per person, with additional costs for shuttle buses within the scenic area. Viewpoints like “Thousand Layers to Heaven” and “Golden Buddha Peak” are popular for their panoramic views.
Local Cuisine
A trip to Longji isn’t complete without tasting its rustic mountain flavors.
- Bamboo Tube Rice: Sticky rice, cured meat, and bamboo fragrance all in one bite.
- Longji Chili Sauce: Fiery and flavorful, a staple on every table.
- Smoked Pork: Slow-smoked with mountain wood for a rich, savory aroma.
- Rice Field Fish: Raised naturally in the terraces, tender and slightly sweet.
- Oil Tea: A local drink made with fried rice, peanuts, and tea leaves—an age-old symbol of hospitality.
A Golden Dream Beneath Autumn Skies
Autumn in Longji is a dialogue between nature and humanity—a story of patience, harvest, and grace. The terraces are not only breathtaking in their beauty but also profound in their symbolism: each curve carved by hand, each layer telling a tale of resilience and harmony.
As you walk through the golden waves, breathe in the scent of rice, and listen to the wind whisper through the fields, you’ll feel time slow down. Here, in this sea of gold, life becomes simple, radiant, and endlessly poetic.
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