Location & How to Get There

Nestled in the heart of Longji Rice Terraces, Thousand-Layer Heavenly Ladder is a jaw-dropping sight near Ping'an Village, Longji Da Yao Zhai Tien District. To reach this slice of heaven, fly into Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or take a train to Guilin Station. From there, hire a taxi or join a local tour group heading to Longsheng County. The final stretch? A winding 321 national road and rural path 552 will drop you right at the entrance of this terraced masterpiece. Pro tip: Visit during autumn (September-October) when rice paddies turn golden, or spring (April-May) for water-reflected skies!

Nature’s Masterpiece

Thousand-Layer Heavenly Ladder isn’t just a name—it’s a staircase of rice fields carved into steep hillsides by Zhuang and Yao communities over 650 years. Imagine 1,000+ layers of emerald, gold, or jade (depending on the season) cascading down mountains like a giant green scarf. At sunrise, mist floats between the terraces, making it look like clouds are touching the earth. Locals still farm here using traditional methods, so you might spot a water buffalo plodding through the mud or farmers singing work songs. Fun fact: These terraces were built without modern tools—all muscle and ingenuity!

Cultural Heartbeat

Beyond the landscape, Thousand-Layer Heavenly Ladder is a living museum of Red Yao culture. The Yao people, known for their vibrant red costumes, have lived here for centuries. Wander through Ping'an Village to see wooden houses with thatched roofs, handwoven textiles, and elderly women smoking pipes while chatting. Don’t miss the Yao’s Flute Festival (timing varies), where locals play traditional instruments and dance. For a deeper dive, stay in a homestay run by terrace families—they’ll feed you sticky rice cakes and share stories about their ancestors.

Practical Vibes

Visiting Thousand-Layer Heavenly Ladder is hassle-free. The area has clean restrooms, snack stalls selling oil tea (a local favorite), and viewpoint signs in English. For epic photos, climb Ping'an Viewpoint (20-minute hike) or splurge on a helicopter tour. Wear sturdy shoes—the terrain is steep, and those iconic shots require some scrambling! If you’re not driving, book a private car + guide through your Guilin hotel; it’s worth it for flexibility.

Ultimate Experience

At Thousand-Layer Heavenly Ladder, every step feels like a scene from a fantasy movie. Wake up before dawn to catch the first light painting the terraces. Then, stroll through the village, chat with farmers, and end your day sipping Longji Tea while watching fireflies blink over the fields. Trust me—this isn’t just a “tick off” attraction. It’s a chance to connect with nature, culture, and humanity’s raw creativity. Bring your camera, but leave your rush behind.

Key words: Thousand-Layer Heavenly Ladder, Longji Rice Terraces, Yao culture, Ping'an Village, Zhuang community, terrace farming, Guilin tourism, Red Yao traditions, seasonal landscapes, homestay experience.