Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Regarding Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces

1. What Are the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces?
Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, also known as Longji Backbone Rice Terraces, is located in Longsheng County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. It is one of the most famous natural and cultural landscapes in Guilin, and it is also one of the most representative mountainous terraced fields in China. It is approximately 80 kilometers away from the city of Guilin. The entire rice terraces area is spread across slopes ranging from about 300 meters to 1,100 meters above sea level, covering a vast area and is one of the largest and most intact groups of terraces in China.

2. Why Is It called "Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces"?
The name "Dragon Ridge" is derived from the overall shape of the terraces. When viewed from a distance, the layers of terraces wind their way up along the ridge, with undulating lines resembling the back of a giant dragon extending among the mountains. Thus, it is vividly called "Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces".

3. The History of Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces
The history of Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty (about 700 years ago). At that time, local residents began to cultivate terraced fields along the slopes in order to carry out agricultural production in the mountainous area. After hundreds of years of continuous construction and expansion during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the present large-scale terraced field landscape was gradually formed.

4. Tickets and Opening Hours for Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces
To enter the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, you need to purchase the scenic area ticket. Currently, the ticket price is approximately 80 RMB. The scenic area usually offers preferential policies to certain groups of people, such as the elderly, children, and tourists holding student ID cards, who can enjoy a 50% discount.
The tickets are generally valid for 3 days. During the validity period, tourists can enter the scenic area multiple times. This is very convenient for those who plan to have a deep tour or stay overnight in the terraced fields to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces are open all day long. Tourists can enter the scenic area at different times for a visit.

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How to Travel from Guilin to Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces

1. How to Get to the Scenic Area from the Urban Area of Guilin
· Specialty Bus
High-speed Rail + Bus: Take the high-speed rail from Guilin North to Longsheng Station (about 1 hour), then transfer to the Longsheng Station to Longji Bus (ticket price 20 yuan, one bus every half an hour). 
Tourist Special Line: Special bus line from Guilin to Longzhi Terraces. The ticket price from Guilin North and West Station is 65 yuan; from Guilin South Station it is 50 yuan.
· Tourist Bus
Many travel agencies offer one-day or two-day tours from Guilin to Longji Terraces. Usually, they use tourist buses for transportation. The transportation, tickets and guides have all been arranged, making it suitable for tourists with limited time or those who don't want to plan the route by themselves.
· Chartered Vehicle
If you want a more flexible itinerary, you can choose to hire a car or book a private driver. Starting from Guilin and going directly to Longji Rice Terraces, you can stop at any time during the journey to take photos or visit other attractions.
· Drive There by Yourself
From the urban area of Guilin, drive along the expressway and mountain roads for about 2-3 hours to reach the entrance of Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area. The scenery along the way is beautiful, but after entering the mountainous area, the roads are rather winding and it is necessary to pay attention to safe driving. After arriving at the scenic area, park at the parking lot and then transfer to the scenic area transportation to enter the terraces area.

2. Internal Transportation Methods within the Scenic Area
· Tourist Bus
At the entrance of the scenic area, there is usually an internal shuttle bus available. Tourists can take the bus to visit different terraced fields, such as Ping'an Terraced Fields or Jinping Dazhai Terraced Fields. The bus is the most common and convenient mode of transportation to enter the scenic area, which can save a lot of time and energy.
· Hiking
Many viewing platforms can only be reached by walking or climbing. The scenic area has built stone steps and trails, along which one can see terraced fields, villages and mountainous landscapes. The hiking time varies depending on the viewing point, ranging from about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. For tourists who enjoy the outdoors and photography, hiking allows them to see more natural and cultural landscapes.
· Telpher 
In the Jinkeng Dazhai Terraced Fields scenic area, tourists can also take a cable car to reach the observation platform at a higher altitude. The cable car can directly take you to the Golden Buddha Peak viewing platform. This is one of the most expansive viewpoints for the Long Ridge Rice Terraces, offering a panoramic view of the entire rice field landscape. It is perfect for taking photos and enjoying the scenery.
Price: Round trip: 100 yuan      One-way fare: 70 yuan

The Distribution of the Three Major Terraced Fields Areas
The Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces is vast in size and consists of multiple terraced fields and ethnic minority villages. Among them, the ones most popular among tourists and the most representative are the Ping'an Rice Terraces, the Jinkeng Dazhai Terraces, and the Guzhuang Village Terraces. These three areas have distinct landscape features, different levels of development, and various travel experiences. Tourists can choose the area that suits them based on their time, physical condition, and travel interests.

1. Ping'an Rice Terraces
· Features: Ping'an Terraces is one of the earliest developed and most fully equipped scenic areas among the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. The roads, accommodations, dining facilities, and viewing platforms here are relatively mature, making it the area with the highest concentration of tourists. Due to its convenient transportation, the walking distance from the scenic area entrance to the village and the viewing platform is relatively short, making it an ideal destination for first-time visitors to the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. 
The terraces of Ping'an Village have graceful lines and are layered and spread out on the slopes. They complement the traditional Zhuang ethnic hanging-stilt villages, forming a typical mountainous rural landscape of Guilin.
· Famous Viewing Spots
Seven Stars with Moon: This is one of the most classic scenes of the Ping'an Terraces. From a high vantage point, one can see seven smaller terraces surrounding a larger paddy field, forming a shape resembling stars surrounding a moon. Hence, it got its name. This scene is particularly beautiful during the irrigation period and the golden rice fields of autumn.
Nine Dragons and Five Tigers: This is another famous viewpoint. From the viewing platform, one can see the terraces stretching along the mountain ridge, forming a shape resembling a dragon and a tiger. The terraces here have a rich hierarchy and are a popular spot for enjoying the panoramic view of the terraces and taking landscape photos.
· Suitable for: First-time visitors to Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, tourists with limited time for a one-day trip, travelers who do not want to do a long hike, and those who wish to experience the combination of terraced landscape and village culture.

2. Jinkeng Dazhai Terraces
· Features: Jinkeng Dazhai Terraces are one of the largest and most spectacular areas among the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. They are also the favorite destination for photography enthusiasts. The terraces here are larger in area, higher in altitude, and offer a more expansive view. From the viewing platform, one can see the terraced landscape extending layer upon layer towards the distant mountains.
Jinkeng Dazhai is located in the area where the Hong Yao ethnic group lives. The local villages still retain many traditional cultures and ethnic characteristics, such as the clothing culture and long hair customs of the Hong Yao ethnic group. Therefore, in addition to the natural scenery, the cultural atmosphere here is also very unique.
· Famous Viewing Spot
West Hill Music (No.1 Viewpoint): This is one of the important viewing platforms for enjoying the panoramic view of the terraced fields. During sunrise, the clouds often flow in the valleys, interweaving with the terraced field landscape, creating a truly magnificent scene.
Thousand Layers Terraces: From this viewing platform, one can see the closely arranged terraced fields, layer upon layer extending towards the top of the mountain. It looks like a set of steps leading to the sky, and is one of the most impressive scenes of Longjie Terraced Fields.
Golden Buddha Peak: This is the highest viewing point of Jinkeng Dazhai. It can be reached directly by cable car. From here, you can overlook the entire terraced field area. It is an excellent location for taking panoramic photos and enjoying the sunrise and sunset.
· Suitable for: Photographers and enthusiasts of landscape photography, tourists who enjoy magnificent natural scenery, deep travelers and outdoor hikers, and those who want to experience the combination of ethnic culture and terraced landscapes.

3. Guzhuang Village Terraces
· Features: Guzhuang Village Terraces are one of the relatively primitive and quiet areas among the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. Compared with Ping'an Rice Terraces and Jinping Dazhai, the number of tourists here is smaller, thus creating a more peaceful overall atmosphere. The village still retains many traditional Zhuang ethnic buildings and lifestyles, allowing one to more truly experience the local ethnic culture.
· Cultural and Humanistic Characteristics: This area has many traditional Zhuang ethnic bamboo-structured houses. The villagers lead an original mountainous village life and retain a considerable amount of traditional farming culture.
· Suitable for: Tourists who prefer niche travel routes, travelers interested in ethnic cultures and traditional villages, tourists seeking to avoid the crowds at popular tourist attractions, and enthusiasts of in-depth cultural exploration and slow travel.

The Best Season

April - May: Irrigation Period (Mirror-like Reflection, Best Shots)
Every spring, especially from April to May, is the irrigation period for Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. At this time, the paddy fields are filled with water, creating a mirror-like reflection. The shooting effect is at its best. This period is the favorite season for photography enthusiasts because the reflection of mountains and clouds on the water surface resembles an ink painting. 
· Shooting Suggestions: Utilize the soft light in the early morning or evening to capture the reflection of the rice fields. Especially when the water surface is calm, the reflection will be the clearest.

June - August: Green Terraces
During the summer, the rice in the terraces begins to grow, and the fields take on a lush green hue. This period features a striking contrast between the greenery of the fields and the surrounding mountains, creating a unique beauty that is particularly suitable for capturing the vibrant rural scenery.
· Shooting Suggestions: Suitable for shooting large scenes. Use a wide-angle lens to showcase the vastness and layers of the terraced fields.

September - October: Golden Harvest
From September to October, it is the harvest season. The rice fields are golden, and farmers are harvesting the rice. At this time, the terraced fields have rich colors, transitioning from green to golden, presenting a scene of agricultural harvest, which is particularly suitable for capturing the autumnal rural scenery. 
· Shooting Suggestions: During the shooting, use a low angle and the light of the setting sun to showcase the golden terraced fields and the busy rural life.

December - February: Snow Scenery / Mist
When the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces are covered with snow, they present a breathtakingly beautiful scene of pure white. Mist shrouds the terraces and the mountains, creating a mysterious picture. This season's photography is extremely challenging, but it is also the most poetic. 
· Shooting Suggestions: When shooting snow scenes, use a low ISO to avoid overexposure caused by the strong reflection of light from the snow. Capturing the morning fog and light after the snowfall can create a charming atmosphere.

Photography Guide
Different times, different weather conditions and different seasons will present completely different visual effects. Therefore, by knowing the best shooting time and topics in advance, photography enthusiasts can better capture the most captivating moments of Longjie Terraces.

1. Optimal Shooting Time

Sunrise
The time just before sunrise is one of the most popular times for photographing Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. The morning light is soft, and the sunlight slowly rises from the valleys. The terraces gradually come to life under the morning glow, with the layers and lines becoming very distinct. If the weather conditions are favorable, there may also be a light mist or sea of clouds in the valley, making the entire terraced landscape appear even more dreamlike. 
· Shooting Suggestions: Arrive at the viewing platform 30-60 minutes in advance; Use a tripod to capture the changes of the morning light; Utilize the foreground terraces to enhance the visual depth of the composition.

Sunset
Evening is also the prime time for photography. The warm light of the setting sun shining on the terraced fields creates distinct changes in light and shadow, making the curves of the terraces more three-dimensional. The golden rice fields in autumn are especially spectacular under the sunlight, and are perfect for taking wide-angle landscape photos.
· Shooting Suggestions: Choose the viewing platform with a broad view; Capture the outline of the terraces using backlighting; After sunset, you can continue to capture the blue hour.

After the Rain - The Cloud Sea
After rain, the weather is often more conducive to the formation of clouds or fog, which is one of the most artistic landscapes of Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. The clouds and fog flow through the valleys, and the terraces appear intermittently, looking like scenes from traditional Chinese landscape paintings. Such weather conditions are perfect for capturing picturesque landscape works.
· Shooting Suggestions: The morning after rain is the time when cloud seas are most likely to appear; Choose the elevated viewing platform to capture the overall landscape; Use a telephoto lens to compress the layers of the image.

2. Photography Subjects

Terraced Fields Lines
The curves and layers of the terraces themselves are the most classic photographic subjects of Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. As the terrain changes, the terraces form beautiful arcs and geometric patterns, presenting a strong visual impact when viewed from a high altitude. Through proper composition, the lines and layering structure of the terraces can be highlighted.
· Shooting Techniques: Use a wide-angle lens to capture large scenes; Utilize the ridgelines and terraced lines to form guiding lines; Choose the elevated viewing platform to capture the overall structure.

Agricultural Scene
The Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces area is not only a scenic area but also an agricultural landscape that is still in use for farming. The scenes of local farmers working in the terraces, transplanting rice seedlings or harvesting rice, add a sense of life and story to the photography. The spring sowing and autumn harvesting are the most suitable seasons for capturing agricultural activities.
· Shooting Techniques: Use a telephoto lens to capture the details of the labor process; Utilize the proportionate contrast between the figures and the terraces; The light is softer in the morning or in the evening.

Minority Ethnic Culture
The Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces area is home to ethnic minorities such as the Zhuang and Yao. The local villages still retain many traditional cultures, including ethnic costumes, festival activities and traditional architecture. Capturing these human elements can make the photos not only feature natural scenery but also tell cultural stories.
· Shooting Techniques: Respect the local residents and obtain their consent as much as possible before shooting; Capture the figures against the backdrop of terraced fields; Capture the natural scenes of life, rather than staging them deliberately.

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Must-try Project
When visiting Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, apart from enjoying the magnificent terraced landscape, there are also many unique cultural and natural experiences worth trying. From ethnic minority culture, hiking exploration to local specialty cuisine, these experiences enable tourists to gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyle and traditional culture of Longji area, making the entire journey more enriching and memorable.

Cultural Experience in Yao Village with Long Hair
The Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces area is home to multiple ethnic minorities, among which the Red Yao ethnic group has particularly unique culture. The Yao village located near Jinping Dazhai is often called "The Village of Long Hair" by many tourists. The Red Yao women in this village are renowned for preserving the traditional custom of long hair. They usually start growing their hair from a young age, and only have their hair cut once in their lifetime, and then they style it into a unique hairstyle.
In the village, tourists can see the traditional Red Yao ethnic costumes, wooden stilt houses, and the local ethnic lifestyle. Some villages also showcase traditional dances or cultural activities, allowing tourists to have a more direct understanding of the history and culture of the Red Yao ethnic group.

Terraced Field Hiking and Field Ridge Strolling
Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces are not only suitable for sightseeing, but also very suitable for hiking exploration. By walking along the paths and ridges between the terraces, one can appreciate the layers and lines of the terraces from different angles. Many photographers and experienced travelers choose to hike through the terraces and villages, slowly experiencing the natural scenery here.
Common hiking experiences include walking from one viewing platform to another, or strolling along the mountain paths between villages. Along the way, one can see terraced fields, irrigation canals, farmlands and the daily life scenes of the local residents.

Sunrise and Cloud Sea Scenery View 
The early morning is one of the most beautiful times of Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. As the sun slowly rises, the sunlight shines on the layers of terraces, and the entire valley is gradually illuminated by golden light. If the weather conditions are favorable, one might even see the sea of clouds slowly flowing in the valley, creating a very spectacular scene.
Many tourists choose to stay at a homestay near the terraces for one night. This way, they can walk to the viewing platform in the early morning to enjoy the sunrise scenery. For photography enthusiasts, this is the best time to capture the beauty of the terraces.

Red Yao and Zhuang Ethnic Group Clothing Photography
The Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces area is home to ethnic minorities such as the Zhuang and Yao. The local traditional costumes are brightly colored and have unique styles, and they are very representative cultural elements. Some villages offer experiences of wearing ethnic costumes, and tourists can try on the traditional clothing and take commemorative photos against the backdrop of the terraced fields.
This kind of experience is not only suitable for photography enthusiasts, but also very suitable for family tourists or travelers who enjoy cultural experiences.

Local Specialty Food Experience
When visiting Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, don't miss the local traditional farmhouse cuisine. Many of the dishes here are made with local ingredients, having a simple yet authentic flavor, allowing tourists to experience the genuine mountainous farmhouse style.
· Pounded Oil Tea: This is a traditional beverage of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups in this area. It is made by combining tea, ginger, garlic, peanuts, etc. The taste is rich and it is an important part of the daily life of the local people.
· Bamboo Tube Rice: The glutinous rice and ingredients are placed in a bamboo tube and steamed. It has a faint bamboo fragrance and a deliciously soft texture. It is a very popular specialty snack among tourists.
· Rice-fish: This kind of fish lives in terraced paddy fields. Its meat is tender and it is a very representative specialty dish in Longjie area.
· Farmhouse Cuisine Experience: Many local guesthouses offer farm-fresh dishes made from locally grown ingredients, such as local chickens, seasonal vegetables, and wild mountain foods, allowing tourists to experience the most authentic rural cuisine.

Where to Stay

1. Hotel Moro

Address: No. 66, Group 3, Tian Tou Village, Dazhai Village
Telephone: +86-19997909855
Price: US$80 and up per night
Highlights: From the exterior to the interior, the hotel is meticulously designed and materials are carefully selected. It features high-quality decoration materials and soft furnishings to create a boutique-style guesthouse. In terms of design, it adheres to the harmony between humans and nature, using the color and texture of wood as the base, combined with wooden furniture and the natural colors of plants, to create a contemporary, simple and rustic naturalistic style.

2. Yunxi Shang Viewing Homestay

Address: Longjie Town Jinping Dazhai Tianhouzhai Group 3
Telephone: +86-13557532992
Price: US$48 and up per night
Highlights: This accommodation is located in the core area of Longjie Terraces. It is just a short walk or a short drive away from the second, third and fourth viewing platforms as well as the thousand-layer terraces. It is also close to scenic spots such as Xishan Shao Le and Golden Buddha Summit. It is highly convenient for sightseeing. You can easily reach the best photography spots and sunrise viewing locations in the terraces. Some rooms even offer a direct view of the terraces, creating an immersive natural experience.

Safety Tips
In order to help tourists avoid some common travel pitfalls and unpleasant experiences, the following lists some "traps" that may be encountered during the Longzhigeldan trip, along with corresponding suggestions for avoiding them, making your journey more smooth.

Cheap Cars and False Soliciting
In many popular scenic spots of Longji Terraces, especially during peak seasons, there are often some unlicensed drivers or tour groups offering discounted pick-up and drop-off services. They usually lure tourists to unapproved accommodation places or provide substandard transportation. Sometimes, they even deliberately take longer routes to increase the cost.
· Suggestions: Try to book accommodation and transportation in advance through official hotels, travel agencies or online platforms. Avoid taking unconfirmed low-priced vehicles, especially near the entrance of scenic spots.

Misplaced the Campsite then Missed the Sunrise
Some tourists, in a rush to choose their accommodation, ended up staying in villages that were far away from the terraced fields scenic area. As a result, they missed the most beautiful moment of the sunrise the next morning.
· Suggestions: Beforehand, make sure to know the location of your accommodation. Try to choose one that is close to the viewing platform. This not only makes it convenient for you to watch the sunrise but also saves you the time of traveling back and forth. Especially when shooting the sunrise, it's best to select an accommodation within a 10-minute walk.

Fake Viewing Platform and Unauthorized Photo-taking Charges
Some unscrupulous merchants and tour guides would lead tourists to paid fake viewing platforms, claiming that they are the "best shooting spots", and charge extra fees, or use unclear charges to force tourists to take photos.
· Suggestions: Make sure to choose the viewing platforms officially certified by the scenic area. Beforehand, find out which are the legitimate charging points and avoid entering unregulated shooting locations. Do not readily pay extra fees for taking photos. Try to find the best free viewing spots within the scenic area.

Food Fraud in Restaurants
In some places, restaurants may cut corners in their food preparation in order to increase profits. The portion of food they serve is less than what is promised, especially in areas with a high number of tourists.
· Suggestions: Choose restaurants with good reviews or those recommended by locals. Avoid dining in overly commercialized areas, especially near the entrances of tourist attractions. Try to book meals at your accommodation location. It is usually more cost-effective and offers a more authentic taste.

Being Deceived by the Shuttle Bus Service
In the scenic area, some tourists may encounter unclear charges or excessive sales tactics, especially regarding the shuttle bus service. Some unregulated shuttle bus companies may charge excessively or add extra fees without the tourists' knowledge. 
· Suggestions: Choose the official shuttle service marked with prices within the scenic area. Avoid dealing with unlicensed private vehicles. If it's the peak season, it is recommended to book transportation in advance to ensure seats.

Touring by Sightseeing Bus
Many group tours have tight schedules and tight time arrangements, leaving tourists with only a cursory view and unable to fully appreciate the beauty and culture of Longzhi Terraces. This kind of tour may miss out on some very worthwhile attractions to stop at and photograph. 
· Suggestions: If you have sufficient time, it is recommended to opt for a self-guided tour or a customized itinerary, so that you can spend more time at the attractions and enjoy a more profound travel experience.

Pre-trip Preparation Guide

Mountain Area Temperature and Weather Preparation
Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces are located in a mountainous area. The overall altitude is higher than that of Guilin city, so the temperature is usually about 5–8 degree lower than that in the city. Especially when watching the sunrise in the early morning or staying on the mountain at night, the temperature difference becomes even more pronounced.
Meanwhile, the weather in mountainous areas changes rapidly. Even on sunny days, clouds or light rain may suddenly appear. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the weather forecast in advance and take precautions against cold and rain.
· Suggestions for Preparation: A lightweight coat or a waterproof jacket (especially for spring and autumn); When watching the sunrise in the morning, it's a good idea to bring an extra layer of warm clothing; During the rainy season, it is recommended to prepare lightweight raincoats or collapsible umbrellas.

Shoe Selection: Slip Resistance is the Most Important Factor
The interior of Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces is mainly composed of mountain paths, stone steps and small paths along the fields. Especially after rain or in the early morning when there is more dew, the ground is prone to be slippery. If the shoes are not suitable, it is very likely to cause slipping or difficulty in walking. 
· Suggestions for preparation: Anti-slip hiking shoes or sports shoes; Hiking shoes with strong tread grip; Avoid wearing high heels, flat leather shoes or shoes with smooth soles.

List of Essential Items
· Sun Protection Products: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.
· Rain Gear: Foldable umbrella or lightweight raincoat.
· Power Bank: Charging is inconvenient in the mountains, and the battery drains quickly when taking photos.
· Stilts: They can reduce the pressure on the knees when hiking for a long distance.

The Physical Arrangements for the Elderly and Children
Although the terraced fields have a magnificent scenery, the area inside requires some physical effort. Many viewing platforms can only be reached by walking or climbing stairs. Therefore, if traveling with the elderly or children, it is necessary to make physical arrangements in advance.
· Suggestions for Preparation: Choose the terraced areas with better transportation (such as Ping'an Terraced Fields) ; If you plan to visit Jinping Dazhai, you can consider taking a cable car to reach the Jinfo Top Observation Platform; Control the duration of the hiking and avoid planning overly long hiking routes; Take appropriate breaks during the journey and avoid climbing continuously for long periods of time.

Dressing Tips
Taking photos in long dresses, ethnic-style outfits or flowing garments yields very good results. The golden terraces in autumn are suitable for warm-colored clothing. You can also bring small baskets and bamboo-made props.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When planning a trip to Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, many tourists will have some similar questions, such as how many days are needed, whether it is suitable for bringing the elderly and children, whether it can still be visited in rainy days, and whether the transportation is convenient, etc. By getting these pieces of information in advance, it can help you arrange your time and route more reasonably, making the entire journey more smooth.

How many days will it take to visit Longjie Terraced Fields? 
The visiting time for Longjie Terraced Fields can be arranged according to the travel pace and personal interests. Generally, there are two common ways of itinerary: 
· 1-day Fun Tour Itinerary
If time is limited, you can choose to take a round-trip within the city of Guilin. The usual way of visiting is to go to Ping’an Village, visit the core viewing platform of the terraced fields, and have a brief stroll around the village.
· 2-day Deep Tour (The Best Recommendation)
If you want to have a more comprehensive experience of Longji Terraces, it is recommended to plan a 2-day 1-night itinerary. The common arrangement is to go to Jinkeng Dazhai to watch the sunrise, then head to Ping'an Village for sightseeing and photography, and stay at a local ethnic guesthouse.

Are the elderly and children suitable for this?
Suitable, but a proper route needs to be chosen. Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces belong to a mountainous scenic area. Some sections of the route require walking and climbing. However, as long as the itinerary is well planned, the elderly and children can also enjoy a pleasant tour. It is recommended to choose the Jinkeng Dazhai cable car route. You can take the cable car directly to the Jinfo Top Observation Platform, which can reduce the physical exertion from climbing. Choose an accommodation that is conveniently located for transportation. Some of the accommodations are close to the main road or equipped with elevators, and the walking distance is shorter.

Is it recommended to visit Longzhi Terraces on a rainy day?
Yes, and sometimes it's even more beautiful. Although many people are worried that rain might affect the trip, in Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, after the rain, the weather is more likely to feature cloud seas and fog scenes. When the clouds and fog flow between the terraces, the entire landscape looks like a Chinese landscape painting, which is perfect for photography. If you are lucky, the probability of seeing the sea of clouds in the early morning after the rain is very high.
However, it should be noted that the mountain roads will be quite slippery after rain. It is recommended to wear anti-slip shoes and prepare a raincoat or an umbrella.

Can I drive directly to the hotel entrance?
Generally, it is not allowed. 
The Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces scenic area has implemented traffic control. Private cars usually cannot directly enter the village. Tourists need to park their cars in the scenic area parking lot and then take the scenic area shuttle bus (scenic area bus) to visit various terraced fields. Only in a few cases (such as for special permits or for local vehicles) can one directly enter the village.
The basic process is usually: Parking lot - Tourist shuttle bus - Village entrance - Walk to the guesthouse or viewing platform

Can drones be flown?
In some areas of Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, there are strict restrictions on drone flights. The main regulations include: The entire Golden Buddha Peak area is prohibited for drone flights throughout the year. For the part of Ping'an Village, prior registration is required to avoid flying in densely populated areas. If you plan to conduct aerial photography, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the latest management regulations of the scenic area in advance and abide by the local management requirements.

Can I visit Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces and Yangshuo at the same time?
Many tourists mistakenly believe that Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces are located near Yangshuo. In fact, Longjie Terraces do not belong to Yangshuo. From a geographical perspective: Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces are located in Longsheng County in the north of Guilin, while Yangshuo is in the south of Guilin. The directions are completely opposite, and the driving time is generally around 3-4 hours. Therefore, it is usually necessary to arrange a one-day or two-day itinerary separately.
Common arrangements: Guilin City - Longji Terraces (1-2 days)    Guilin City - Yangshuo (2-3 days) 
This way, the itinerary will be more reasonable and it won't affect the travel experience due to the rush to reach the destination.

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