The terraced fields of Longsheng: marvelous sight - Photo Album

Located approximately 27 kilometers (about 16 miles) southeast of Longsheng County, a vast region of rice terraces stretches layer upon layer, coiling around from the base of Longji (the dragon's backbone) Mountain to its summit. This is the most amazing terrace in China, the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces. Construction of the terraces began in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), and continued until the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) when construction was completed. The Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces are the culmination of both the profound wisdom and strenuous labor of the Zhuang people.

It is within the territory of Guilin Longsheng county the southeast Peace township, have first large-scale terraced fields group, Like the chain and belt, twine from foot of the hill to the mountaintop, the hill is like the spiral shell, the mountain is like the tower, layer upon layer of, straggly at last. Its lines are natural and smooth, graceful and gentle and smooth; Scale is boundless and grand, powerful, have good reputation of " the first, terraced fields of world ", this is dragon's spine terraced fields. Dragon spine from terraced fields to Longsheng of county town is 27 kilometers, distance to Guilin 80 kilometers, scenic spot area amounts to 66 sq. km., the terraced fields are distributed between 300 to 1100 meters in the elevation, slope is mostly between 26 to 35 degrees, the largest slope is up to 50 degrees. Though there are terraced fields everywhere in the mountain area of the southern part of the country, the concentration as extensive as dragon's spine terraced fields is really rare.

The Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces is a beautiful natural picture. The linked together rice terraces vary from season to season. In spring, the water is irrigated into the fields and the terraces look like great chains or ribbons hung on the hillsides. When the onset of summer, green waves rush continuously down the mountainside from the heaven. The theme of autumn is the harvest, with the mountainside decorated with the gold of ripened millet. Coming into winter, the whole mountain will be covered with white snow, just like dragons playing with water.

As well as its amazing scenery, Longji is also the area to visit to experience Chinas ethnic minorities' culture. The Zhuang and the Yao nationalities live here, though mainly it is the Zhuang people. The women dress in unique and colorful costumes, singing and dancing. Guests also can join in with them to enjoy the original Zhuang life and culture, and even stay with local families enjoying both the Longji tea and the Longji wine.[Close]