Guilin & Longji Terraces: Why We Skipped Ping’an for Jinkeng Dazhai

We thought we had the perfect short getaway plan for Guilin, crafting an itinerary that seemed to cover the key highlights we want to see. But as soon as our boots hit the ground, we discovered what other travel blogs don't tell you.

This isn't the guide we planned to write, it is the one we wish we had. After talking to locals, uncovering a a few tips, we realized our original plan needed a serious overhaul. We learned from our discoveries on the ground, and now you can too.

Our entire trip through stunning Guilin spanned only four nights. To keep things clear and detailed, we’ve split our journey into two posts. This post focuses on the absolute must-dos for your time in Guilin city and the beautiful Longji Rice Terraces.

We focus on the most worthwhile sights, the locally-recommended gems, and the practical advice that will help you build the perfect itinerary from the start. First up, we’ll show you how to conquer Guilin city and why a visit to the Jinkeng Dazhai (金坑大寨) part of Longji rice terraces is the best choice.

One Perfect Night in Guilin: A Free 5A Attraction and Our Top Hotel Pick

We arrived in Guilin in the late afternoon, aiming to see the city's best sights efficiently. We based ourselves right at the Two Rivers and Four Lakes (两江四湖) area, a decision that put us in the heart of the action.

First, an essential tip for the city's main attraction, the 5A-rated Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山景区). Most guides don’t mention that the park has been completely free to enter since Oct 2022. However, you must reserve a ticket with a specific entry time slot.

You can reserve your free ticket through their WeChat mini-program (WeChat has a Translate to English function). There are three slots: 7am-12pm, 12pm-6pm, and 6pm-9pm. You can reserve up to three tickets at a time. We highly recommend booking a later slot to watch the park transition from day to night.

To make the most of our short visit, we chose to stay at a hotel nearest to the scenic area and it was a perfect location. This hidden hotel gem sits right by the river, offering spectacular views of the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas (日月双塔) a few steps from the property. It is also a short, pleasant walk to the entrance of Elephant Trunk Hill entrances. The convenience was unmatched for a one-night stay.

Because of our tight schedule, we didn’t manage to visit Fubo Hill (伏波山) and Diecai Hill (叠彩山). We would have visited them if we had more time at Guilin.

Jinkeng Dazhai vs Ping’an Village: Why We Chose Jinkeng 金坑大寨

When planning a trip to the Longji Rice Terraces, you face one critical choice: Jinkeng Dazhai or Ping’an village? We chose Jinkeng and when on the ground, our interview with locals and driver also say the same. Why?

First, the scale of the landscape is simply different. Locals explained that while Ping’an is beautiful, its terraces are smaller. Jinkeng Dazhai, on the other hand, offers epic, panoramic views that stretch across the whole valley. It is a grander and more immersive experience. Plus, for a place with limited dining, Jinkeng has better food options.

Second, the journey to the villages is a deciding factor. Both villages share the same Main Entrance gate where you scan your entry ticket. From there, a single 10km road splits to the respective village. The drive to Ping’an continues via a tight and winding 7km that our driver, and many others, dreads. The road to Jinkeng is longer at 14km, but it is a much more manageable drive.

Finally, you need to understand that visiting both Jinkeng Dazhai AND Ping’an is extremely difficult. The direct shuttle service between them was discontinued after a recent tourist accident, with no news of its return. The only way to travel between them now is a shuttle bus all the way from the Main Entrance - a winding 41km detour. Hiking is also not a simple option. The path is a strenuous 17km trek over varied terrain that locals say takes over four hours.

You effectively have to choose one village. For the grander views and a much smoother journey, Jinkeng Dazhai is our clear winner.

Getting to Longji Jinkeng Dazhai from Guilin: The Easiest Way

Once you decide on Jinkeng Dazhai, the next step is figuring out how to get there. The journey from Guilin takes about 2+ hours, and you have several options depending on your budget and schedule. We found that chartering a ride offered the best balance of convenience and price. These choices also work if you prefer to visit Ping’an.

Here’s a breakdown of your choices for one-way transport to Longji Rice Terraces:

1. Private Car (Didi)

   This is the most convenient and flexible option. You can book a Didi directly from Alipay Mini-Program for a private ride to the Jinkeng Dazhai car park. Expect to pay around ¥250 for the car, plus an optional ¥53 toll fee. Taking the toll road is highly recommended as it saves you 30-60 minutes of travel time. Didi was our backup plan.

2. Ride-Sharing Service (What We Chose)

   For the best value, we booked a ride-sharing service via this WeChat mini-program. You buy a ticket for a seat at a specific time slot. Depending on the day’s demand, the vehicle could be a passenger car or a mini-van. At ¥70 per person (excluding your share of the toll), it's incredibly affordable. The best part is they pick you up directly from your hotel in Guilin. You can use your hotel’s number during ticket booking. Note the slight hassle of communicating via WeChat to arrange the pick up. You can also ask the hotel concierge for help with communication the day before pick up.

3. Day Tours

   If you aren't staying overnight in Longji, a day tour is the perfect solution. You can book a simple round-trip transport from your hotel or opt for a comprehensive private tour that includes an English guide. This takes all the planning off your plate. You can browse a variety of well-rated Longji Day Tours here.

4. Bus Service

   This is the most economical way to get to the terraces, with tickets starting from ¥50. However, it is also the slowest. The bus journey can take anywhere from four to six hours, depending on traffic and stops. With our limited time, we knew this option would eat up too much of our precious exploration time, so we ruled it out.

How to See the Best Viewpoints in Jinkeng Dazhai in 24 Hours

Jinkeng Dazhai rice terraces are vast, with three official viewpoints offering breathtaking views. With smart planning, you can easily experience all of them without feeling rushed. This itinerary assumes you set off from Guilin around 8am, arriving at the Jinkeng Dazhai car park by 10:30am.

Morning at Jinkeng Dazhai: Arrival and Viewpoint 3 (The Cableway)

Your first stop is the car park, which is also the base of the cableway station. You can store any luggages you have at car park for a small fee (¥10). It will be cumbersome to lug them around as you explore the rice terrace.

Grab a quick local snack here before you head up to Viewpoint 3 via the cableway. We queued for about 30 minutes on a Friday but expect longer waits on weekends when day-trippers arrive.

To save precious time, buy a round-trip cableway ticket (¥100 per pax). The tickets are only valid on the day of purchase. While you can hike back down in about an hour, the cableway ensures you have enough energy for the other viewpoints. Viewpoint 3 is incredible with the morning sun lighting up the terraces. Spend an hour here soaking in this most famous panorama.

A quick note: please respect the landscape and do not step into the rice fields. These fields are the livelihood of the local community. You may find some designated spots where you may enter for a small fee.

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Afternoon at Jinkeng Dazhai: Viewpoints 1 and 2

After taking the cableway back down, get a quick bite before making your way to Viewpoint 2. If also booked the hotel we recommended, ask for a pickup, check-in, and make your way to Viewpoint 1 first.

There is a green sightseeing bus service from Jinkeng Dazhai car park to viewpoint 2 stop. From the stop, follow the signs, in English and Chinese, to Viewpoint 2 (Multi-layer Skyscraper Viewing Deck 千辰天梯观景台) that is a 10-15 minutes walk up. It is quite easy to find your way with the signs but don’t be afraid to ask locals for directions when needed.

Viewpoint 2 is absolutely stunning in the afternoon as the sun casts a warm glow across the landscape. Many say this view resembles Ping’an. Plan to spend about an hour here before making your way to Viewpoint 1.

Next, walk back to where the sightseeing bus dropped you, and follow the signs towards Viewpoint 1 (Xishan Shaole Viewing Deck 西山韶乐观景台). It is a steep 20-30 minutes upwards hike along the road. If your hotel is nearby, like ours, this is only a 5-minute hike. This viewpoint is less crowded, offering a more intimate and peaceful perspective of the rice terraces.

Essential Tips for Your First Visit to the Longji Rice Terraces

Here are a few final tips we learned on the ground that will make your visit seamless, saving you time and energy.

1. Know Your Transport Options Within the Village. The best way to get to Viewpoint 2 from the car park is to take the green, open-air sightseeing buses that run a route to Viewpoint 2 until 7:00pm. Round trip tickets (¥50 per pax) can be purchased at the counters, and the buses run every 15-20 minutes. Just ask a local if you're unsure where to wait. Tickets are 50% off when you tell them the name of your homestay.

2. Plan Around the Cableway Hours. The cableway to Viewpoint 3 is a huge time-saver. It operates from 8:00am to 5:30pm (9am to 5pm during non-peak), with the last car down announced around 6:00pm. Each car fits a maximum of four people. It moves surprisingly fast at one metre per second, and attendants are there to help you get on and off safely.

3. Stock Up on Supplies at the Car Park. Before you head to your hotel, stop by the modern, well-stocked convenience store. You can’t miss its bright red building near the car park gantry. This is the best place to buy any snacks, water, or drinks you’ll need, as options become very limited once you’re higher up in the village.

4. Choose a Hotel with a View. Ideally one that overlooks the amazing rice terrace. We recommend finding a homestay near the quieter Viewpoint 1 that offer a pickup/dropoff service from the car park. This area is far enough from the bustle to feel peaceful (it gets pitch black at night), and some even offer incredible, unobstructed views of the terraces directly from your room. It’s the perfect way to wake up.

   • For Authentic Charm: This is the guesthouse we personally stayed in and absolutely loved. It features a beautiful traditional design with wood, creating a cozy yet modern atmosphere. The view from our room was breathtaking. And the room comes with a complimentary bottle of rice wine that we enjoyed thoroughly while having our dinner. This is our top choice, and you can see why and check its rates here.

   • For Sleek, Modern Comfort: If you prefer a more contemporary aesthetic, this nearby hotel is an equally stunning alternative. It offers the same jaw-dropping views of the terraces but with clean lines and modern design. Explore this beautiful modern guesthouse and see its rates here.

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Guilin and the Longji Rice Terraces offer a truly unforgettable landscape. We hope our on-the-ground tips help you craft the perfect itinerary. Now that you’ve conquered the mountains, get ready for the next leg of our journey - the serene rivers and karst peaks of Yangshuo and Xingping.

FAQ for Guilin Longji Rice Terrace

Q1. When is the best time to visit Longji Rice Terrace?

A1. Each season in Longji offers a unique and stunning landscape. The main viewing periods are:

• May: This is when the rice terraces are flooded with water, creating a spectacular mirror-like effect that reflects the sky.

• July to September: The rice fields are a vibrant, lush green as the rice plants grow.

• October: The rice terraces turn a stunning golden-yellow for the harvest season. This is when we visited and the colours were incredible.

For a cultural experience, you can also aim for local festivals like the Long Hair Festival (Lunar 3/3) or the Clothes Drying Festival (Lunar 6/6).

Q2. What is the exact rice harvest period in Longji rice terraces?

A2. The timing is very specific. The rice terraces typically begin to turn golden in the first week of October. This is the peak time for photography. The actual cutting of the rice happens later. In a typical year, the harvest date for Ping'an is on 26 October, and for Jinkeng Dazhai is on 2nd November.

Q3. Is a day trip to Longji enough, or should I stay overnight?

A3. We strongly recommend staying overnight. A day trip from Guilin takes at least 5 to 6 hours of driving, which leaves you feeling rushed. Staying for one night allows you to witness the magical sunset and sunrise over the terraces. It also gives you enough time to explore all the Jinkeng Dazhai viewpoints at a relaxed pace.

Q4. How can I get official updates for the Longji Rice Terraces?

A4. The best source for real-time information is the official WeChat account 龙胜龙脊. This account provides the latest news, official announcements, and even real-time stats for the scenic area. Please note that the content is entirely in Chinese, but the translation feature within WeChat may be helpful.

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