Weather in Longji Rice Terraces

About Longji Rice Terraces

The Dragon's Backbone rice terraces climb mountain slopes in curves and spirals that create aesthetic perfection—patterns of water reflect sky creating kaleidoscopic surfaces. Zhuang and Yao minority villages cling to hillsides while farmers maintain agricultural traditions unchanged for centuries. This UNESCO landscape represents humanity's transformation of terrain into art.

Country

China

Best months to visit

October

Currency

CNY

Language

Mandarin, Zhuang

Things to do in Longji Rice Terraces

Photograph rice terraces at sunrise and sunset Trek between terrace villages on foot Stay with minority families in homestays Watch farmers working terraced paddies Explore minority villages and traditions Shop for local textile and craft creations

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

12C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

February

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

March

18C

Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.

April

22C

Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.

May

25C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

June

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

July

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

September

28C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

Recommended

October

24C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

November

19C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

December

13C

Cool, with some rainy days.

The Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin spiral up the hillsides in vast curved tiers, looking different with every season - flooded mirrors in spring, deep green in summer, golden in autumn harvest, and snow-dusted in winter. Yao and Zhuang minority villages are scattered through the terraces, connected by stone paths and viewpoints that reward an early start and a willingness to climb.

Best areas to stay in Longji Rice Terraces

Dazhai

The most photogenic terrace village, with a cable car to the main viewpoints and dramatic tiered views.

Ping'an

A more developed village with guesthouses, two main viewpoints reachable on foot, and views over the 'Seven Stars' and 'Nine Dragons' terrace formations.

Huangluo Yao Village

Known for the Red Yao people's tradition of uncut hair, with cultural performances for visitors.

Guilin city

The transport hub for the region, with its own karst scenery along the Li River and access to Reed Flute Cave.

Getting to Longji Rice Terraces

✈

Flights

Fly into Guilin Liangjiang International Airport via a major Chinese hub or Hong Kong.

⏱

From London

~14-16 hours from London via a connection in China or Hong Kong, plus a 2-2.5 hour transfer to the terraces.

🚕

Getting around

Buses and shared minivans run from Guilin to the terrace villages; within the area, walking and the Dazhai cable car cover the viewpoints.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see the Longji Rice Terraces?

Late April to June shows the terraces flooded and mirror-like before planting, while September to October brings golden harvest colours - both are popular and beautiful.

How do I get to Longji from Guilin?

It's about a 2-2.5 hour drive or bus journey from Guilin, with most visitors staying overnight in one of the terrace villages.

Which village should I stay in?

Dazhai offers the most dramatic terrace views and cable car access, while Ping'an is more developed with easier walking trails.

How much walking is involved?

Expect steep stone paths between viewpoints and villages; a cable car at Dazhai offers an easier option for reaching the top viewpoints.

What else is there to do in the area?

Beyond the terraces, the villages offer Yao and Zhuang cultural displays, including the famously long hair traditions of Yao women in Huangluo village.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Staying overnight in Ping'an meant we caught the terraces at sunrise with almost no one else around - completely different from the midday crowds.

Wei Z. · May 2024

★★★★★

The golden harvest colours in late September were spectacular, and the cable car at Dazhai made it easy to reach the highest viewpoints without an exhausting climb.

Hannah G. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Rainy when we visited but the mist drifting over the flooded terraces was beautiful in its own way. The walk between Dazhai and Ping'an through the villages was a highlight.

Pierre L. · April 2024