Indeed, the Longji Rice terraces are worthy to be called the “champion of the terrace world”. Covering a stretch of 66 kilometers of systematically designed rice paddies in Longsheng, it looks like magnificent chains of rice ribbons in plain view. As far as your eyes can seek, the hillsides are carved with rice terraces following the slope formation.
The terraces were mostly built during the Ming Dynasty. They are popular because the terraces looked like scales of a dragon. This is where the rice fields got their name. Longji means “Dragon’s backbone”.
Agriculture was the main reason the terraces were built. Locals aim to make good use of the areas arable land. The terrace system allows enough water to be trapped in each puddle to ensure best rice growth while excess water trickles down to the lower puddles.
The highest elevation of the rice terraces is at 880 meters above water and the lowest is at 380 meters above water.
The view is at its best when you visit in June. By then, the rice plants are in full bloom with the greenery adding beauty to the overall magnificent effect. Visiting the site during different seasons provide a natural beauty of the area; winter outlines gray frost paddies, fall highlights the golden hue of the full golden rice heads, and spring reflects the sun’s rays on the water.
The most popular creation among the Longji rice terraces are Jinkeng Rice Terrace and Ping An Rice Terrace. A visit to the sight will make you realize how a work of farming intelligence brings out a magnificent view worthy of picture taking.