Location & Accessibility
Ping'An Zhuang Rice Terrace Scenic Area lies in Longsheng County, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. To get there, drive along Xiangdao 839 and Xiandao 151 until they intersect—this is where the magic happens. If you’re flying into Guilin, rent a car or join a local tour (many operators offer day trips). The winding roads leading to the terraces are part of the adventure, so embrace the scenic drive!
Natural Wonders: A Living Postcard
Ping'An Zhuang Rice Terrace Scenic Area spans hillsides between 380 meters and 880 meters in elevation. What makes it special? Two iconic viewpoints: Jiulong Wuhu (Nine Dragons, Five Tigers) and Qixing Banyue (Seven Stars, One Moon).
At Jiulong Wuhu, imagine nine mountain ridges curving like dragons drinking from the river, with five smaller hills resembling tigers guarding the land. From Qixing Banyue, seven tiny hills dot the rice fields, framing a central terrace that glows like moonlight. The terraces themselves? Over 15,862 blocks of land, some as small as “a frog’s leap across three paddies” or “a fisherman’s straw raincoat covering one plot.” It’s a patchwork of green (or gold, depending on the season) that feels endless.
Cultural Roots & Human Touch
This isn’t just nature—it’s Zhuang heritage. For centuries, locals carved these terraces into steep mountains, turning impossible slopes into farmland. Visit during harvest season (September-October) to see traditional Zhuang festivals, or stop by a village to meet families who still hand-plant and harvest. Their legacy? A landscape shaped by human hands, yet wild enough to leave you speechless.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- When to go: Spring (flooded terraces) and fall (golden rice) are prime. Avoid rainy days for safer hiking.
- What to bring: Comfy shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. The terrain is steep, but well-marked paths make it manageable.
- Eat & Stay: Local inns near the entrance offer homestay-style lodging. Try Zhuang oil tea (a warming herb drink) and rice-wine snacks. For meals, fresh mountain trout and bamboo rice are must-tries.
Immersive Experiences
Start at Jiulong Wuhu for sunrise—the morning light turns the terraces into liquid gold. Then hike to Qixing Banyue for sunset, where the central “moon” terrace mirrors the sky. For a deeper connection, join a Zhuang farming workshop: learn to transplant rice or weave bamboo baskets. Photographers: Bring a wide-angle lens—these landscapes are made for epic shots!
Facilities & Comfort
Don’t worry about roughing it. Ping'An Zhuang Rice Terrace Scenic Area has clean restrooms, snack stalls, and shaded pavilions. Guided tours (with English-speaking staff) are available if you prefer structured exploration. For adrenaline junkies, ziplining over the terraces offers a bird’s-eye view—just don’t look down if you’re afraid of heights!
Whether you’re here for nature, culture, or Instagram-worthy moments, Ping'An Zhuang Rice Terrace Scenic Area promises a journey you’ll remember long after your visit. Pro tip: Stick around after dark—the terraces under starlight are nothing short of magical.