Trips and Tours to LongshengTake a group tour to the 'Dragon's Backbone'
When do you want to go?
2024
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Visit Longsheng
Located in a beautifully scenic area of China, Longsheng is home to some ten ethnic minority groups and surrounded on all four sides by forested mountains. The region is largely untouched by the modern world, wooden houses are squeezed between farmed terraces and villagers continue to use age-old farming techniques and dress in their colourful, traditional costume. However, the main attraction is the Dragon’s Backbone terraces where grassy rice fields coil around Mount Longji, climbing layer upon layer to its summit. Covering 66 square kilometres and a resembling a luminous green contour map the terraces are over 700 years old, construction was started by the Zhuang people back in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and was finally completed during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Hike along the stone paths, that are no more than a metre wide, for panoramic views of the ribbon-like terraces complete with picturesque valleys and meandering streams below. It also gives you the chance to see the different traditional costumes as the local women work the fields – quite a colourful sight. The whole area changes with the seasons, with snow covering the terraces in winter, the rice fields a rich green in summer, and a golden hue in autumn at the time of harvest.
Tours to Longsheng
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Longsheng, home to the breath-taking Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the "Dragon's Backbone." Nestled in the scenic Guangxi region, Longsheng offers visitors a chance to explore its stunning terraced fields that stretch along the mountainsides, creating a mesmerizing landscape that changes with the seasons. Experience the rich culture of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities, visit traditional villages, and enjoy hiking trails with panoramic views. Whether you're marvelling at the golden fields in autumn or the lush greenery in summer, a tour to Longsheng is a must for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.
What to expect when visiting Longsheng
Longsheng is the perfect place to visit if you are looking to experience traditional China. With its beautiful scenery of rich green rice terraces and idyllic hiking trails that connect the rustic villages. This autonomous region has a vibrant mix of cultures and is primarily made up of the Zhuang and Yao people, so expect to see many locals in traditional attire observing the unique customs of their respective cultures. This makes for an eye-opening experience, broadening your understanding of these ethnic minorities. If you are hoping to see traditional Chinese living then look no further that Longsheng, with cultural performances, traditional wooden housing and a deep connection to their historic ways, you are sure to get the best cultural experience in Longsheng. With stunning landscapes, delicious local cuisine and a peaceful atmosphere a visit to Longsheng is sure to make you feel grounded and leave you with a deeper understanding of China’s traditional roots.
What to do in Longsheng
See the ‘Dragon’s Backbone’
Visiting the Dragon's Backbone (Longji Rice Terraces) in Longsheng is like stepping into a living masterpiece of nature and culture. These majestic terraces, carved into the mountains over centuries, create a stunning patchwork of lush greenery and intricate patterns that change with the seasons. As you wander along the well-trodden paths, you'll be treated to breath-taking vistas of cascading fields and panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The terraces are not just a feast for the eyes but also a gateway to experiencing the rich traditions of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities, whose villages dot the landscape. Here, you can immerse yourself in local culture, enjoy traditional architecture, and witness the unique agricultural practices that have shaped this remarkable landscape.
Go on a hike
Hiking in Longsheng is a captivating journey through some of China’s most spectacular landscapes. As you traverse the winding trails of the Longji Rice Terraces, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of lush, multi-layered fields that cascade down the mountainsides. The well-maintained paths lead you through traditional villages where you can encounter the vibrant cultures of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities. Each season offers a unique experience: spring’s shimmering water-filled terraces, summer’s vibrant greens, autumn’s golden harvest, and winter’s serene snow-capped peaks. The peaceful solitude of the hikes, combined with the stunning panoramas and cultural encounters, makes trekking in Longsheng a truly memorable adventure.
Meet the locals
Meeting the locals in Longsheng offers a genuine glimpse into the lives of China’s ethnic minorities. As you wander through the traditional Zhuang and Yao villages, you’ll encounter friendly and welcoming residents who are eager to share their culture and traditions. The Yao women, known for their strikingly long hair, are often happy to show off their unique hairstyles and traditional dress. You might witness artisans weaving intricate textiles or preparing traditional dishes, and you’ll likely be invited to join in local festivities and cultural practices. Engaging with the locals in their scenic mountain setting provides a deeper understanding of their heritage and a memorable connection to the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
When is the best time to visit Longsheng?
The best times to visit Longsheng are spring and autumn. Spring is when the rice terraces are filled with water, creating stunning reflective surfaces that highlight the intricate patterns of the terraces. This season also features mild temperatures and lush, green landscapes, making it ideal for photography and hiking. In Autumn the rice terraces turn a brilliant golden colour as the rice is harvested, offering spectacular views. The weather is generally cool and pleasant, perfect for exploring the terraces and local villages. These seasons provide the most picturesque scenery and comfortable weather for experiencing the beauty and culture of Longsheng.
Conclusion
Visiting Longsheng offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in one of China’s most stunning and culturally rich landscapes. The breath-taking Longji Rice Terraces, or Dragon’s Backbone as they are often called, with their intricate patterns and seasonal transformations, provide a visual feast for nature lovers and photographers alike. Beyond the terraces, the chance to engage with the warm and welcoming Zhuang and Yao communities offers a unique cultural experience, from traditional customs to local craftsmanship. Whether you’re hiking through picturesque trails or savouring authentic regional cuisine, Longsheng presents a serene and authentic escape that captures the essence of rural China and promises a memorable and enriching journey.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear when visiting Longsheng?
Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy walking shoes for hiking. Weather can vary, so bring layers to adapt to cooler mornings and evenings. In rainy seasons, waterproof gear is recommended.
What activities are recommended in Longsheng?
Recommended activities include hiking the scenic trails of the Longji Rice Terraces, visiting traditional Zhuang and Yao villages, experiencing local cultural performances, and photographing the stunning landscapes. Engaging with local artisans and trying traditional dishes are also highlights.
What is the local cuisine like in Longsheng?
Local cuisine in Longsheng features traditional dishes from the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups. Try specialties such as bamboo rice, sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, and local mountain vegetables. The food is typically fresh and flavourful, often prepared with local ingredients.
English widely spoken in Longsheng?
English is not widely spoken in Longsheng, especially in rural areas. Learning some basic Mandarin phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Guides on our tours also speak English.
What cultural customs should I be aware of?
When visiting local villages, dress modestly and be respectful of local customs. Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in traditional attire. It’s customary to greet locals politely and show appreciation for their hospitality.
China travel guides
Highlights of China
Our top picks of things to see and do in China!
The Great Wall
Stretching for more than 20,000km from the Yellow Sea in the eats to the Gobi Desert in the west, the Great Wall of China is known around the world and is a major factor in many people's decision to visit China. Dating back more than 2,300 years, the UNESCO-listed wall measures 7 metres in width and 6-14 metres in height with over 25,000 battlements snaking a path along precarious mountain ridges and thick forests.
See pandas in Chengdu
Known for being absolutely adorable, Great Pandas are endemic to china making it the perfect place to see them in their natural habitat. Watch them as they play, sleep and wander around their conservation sites and learn all about China's effort to increase the panda population to stop these beautiful bears from going extinct.
The Terracotta army in Xi'an
In 1976 three farmers near the city of Xi'an were digging a well and in doing so discovered one of China's greatest treasures - Emperor Qin's 7000-strong terracotta army. Believed to have been made 2200 years ago these life-size warriors stand in military formation in excavated pits under the cover of a modern protective hanger. Made of local clay, no two faces are alike – each is said to be an individual portrait.
Beijing
Capital of the People’s Republic, Beijing is China’s political, economic and cultural centre. With a chequered history, Beijing was established in 1045 BC and for 800 years served as the capital of several dynasties. At first glance Beijing can appear as nothing more than a modern cosmopolitan city with soaring skyscrapers, sprawls of apartment blocks and a crisscross of freeways. But hidden amid the concrete and glass one can still find remnants of the city’s past and evidence of traditional Chinese culture still practised today.
Shanghai
Buzzing with energy and activity from its gleaming sky scrapers all the way to its charming Old Town, the mega city of Shanghai epitomises China’s meteoric rise to global power status. Everywhere you look, there is something to do, see or buy, and you're unlikely to ever find yourself having a dull moment during your stay.
Guilin
Renowned for it’s striking, if bizarre scenery - vast areas of karst limestone outcrops that rise up from flat rice paddy fields, and beautiful pagodas, Guilin is often the subject of Chinese painting. On our tours that travel to Guilin, we will visit the enormous and dazzlingly beautiful Reed Flute Caves. The city is filled with a delicious fragrance of Sweet Osmanthus trees and indeed this is the meaning of the name Guilin - "forest of Sweet Osmanthus".