Longji Terrace Field



In the southeast of Long Sheng County in Guilin, there is a group of large-scaled rice terraces built into the
hillside. It is no exaggeration to say that where there is soil, there is a terrace. The terraces are found in the
valley beside swiftly flowing rivers to the mountain tops with swirling clouds, or bordering verdant forest and
cliff walls.

Some of the terraces look like great chains, other look like ribbons. They wind from the foot to the top of the hill.
The smaller ones are like snails and the bigger ones like towers. There are layers on layers of terraces, high
and low. The outline is very smooth. Its scale is enormous.

There are numerous terraced fields, of which the terraced Fields in Longji village show a picture of great
momentum and imposing beauty. It is 22.5 km from the county seat and 108 km from the city of Guilin. The
terraced fields are built along the slope winding from the riverside up to the mountain top, the highest part
being 880 m in elevation while the lowest part 380 m in elevation.

Also of interest are the hot springs and the small mountain villages among the wooded areas of trees and bamboos. The rice terraces are built
into the hillsides. Longji literally means " Dragon's Backbone" in Chinese. There is a group of large-scaled rice terraces built into the hillside. This
clever building makes the best use of the limited arable land and water resources in the mountainous area.

The rice terraces form beautiful natural scenery that varies from season to season. In spring, the fields are irrigated and the terraces look like great
chains or ribbons hung on the hillsides. With the onset of summer, waves of green seem to flow down the mountainside. The theme for autumn is
the harvest, when the mountainside takes on the golden color of ripened millet. Coming into winter, the mountains are covered with snow, just like
dragons playing with water.

Apart from its amazing scenery, Longji is also in an area where some of China’s ethnic minority
culture can be experienced. The Zhuang and Yao nationalities inhabit the area although it is mainly
inhabited by the Zhuang people. The women dress in unique, colorful costumes and enjoy singing
and dancing. Guests can join them to experience the original Zhuang way of life and culture. They
are also able to stay with local families and enjoy Longji tea and Longji wine.