Longsheng Rice Terraces at Pingan

The rice  terraces of Longsheng (literally, the Dragon's Backbone) have become a famous sight, especially in the spring when the paddies are flooded for the newly planted crop. The mirror-like affect cascading down over the hillside is an awesome spectacle - even more awesome when you think of the work involved.

You can reach the rice terraces from Guilin by public transport. Take a bus to Longsheng (the town, which is not actually at the terraces at all) and a minivan from there to Pingan (most popular) or Dazai (the roadhead further up the vallet). We recommend you take a car for convenience and so as to have more control over the driving. You will certainly want to stop and take photos along the way.

Pingan is now well developed for visitors. You will need to pay an entrance fee (currently 50 Rmb) and may be required to take a local shuttle bus up the last hill (cost 10 Rmb. This is ostensibly for safety reasons and normally only applies to people arriving on a large bus or on particularly busy days).

There are lots of accommodation options. Most people choose to stay in a traditional wooden building guesthouse. These are usually owned and run by local families. Facilities vary but generally you should be able to find somewhere with twin rooms and en-suite bathrooms.

There are some more expensive hotel options if you prefer a higher standard of comfort or need some particular services.

The main activity in Pingan is hiking up the hillside to the two viewing points with the best opportunities for photos.

You are free to continue walking in either direction. Back the way the bus came in is the village of Longji. This is pleasant and the walk only takes about one hour each way. Going the other direction will take you to Zhongliu in about two to three hours. You don't need a guide this far as there is really only one trail. If you plan on hiking to Dazai then a guide is recommended. A raod is being pushed through from Dazai to Zhongliu which will make it easier to walk that section in future - but we would still say take a guide so that you can follow the old trails and avoid the dust.

Evenings are a relaxing time. Enjoy the views with a drink until time to eat. Western food is available but the locals cook their own food better so you should try some of that. The rice and pork steamed in bamboo is delicious.

Some guesthouses will offer a show of traditional singing and dancing in the evening. This is fun but can be a bit expensive unless there are a number of you interested in taking part. Yes - you'll have the most fun if you are willing to get up and take part.

Since Longsheng is on the same side of Guilin as the airport it makes sense to leave the visit here until the end of your stay in Guilin. You can then take a taxi straight back to the airport without needing to pass through the city again.