Longji Rice Terraces (4A)

The Longji Rice Terraces are terraced rice fields on Longji Mountain in Longsheng Ge autonomous county, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

They are called "Longji" because the terraces resemble dragon scales, and the summit of the mountain range is shaped like the backbone of a dragon. The terraces are distributed at altitudes between 300 and 1,110 meters above sea level, with the gradients of some rice terraces reaching 50 degrees.

The Longji Rice Terraces throughout the four seasons. [Photo/news.cn]

The scenic spot is worth a visit year-round. A coiling terrace line spanning the height of the mountain divides it into layers of water in spring, layers of green rice shoots in summer, layers of rice in autumn, and layers of frost in winter.

Set among the villages of the Zhuang and Yao minorities, the area offers an abundance of moderate hikes that provide panoramic views of the terraces, as well as glimpses into unique ethnic customs and traditional dwellings. 

The rice fields are irrigated in spring, which creates the appearance of thousands of mirrors reflecting the blue sky and green hills. [Photo/news.cn]

The vivid green rice paddies wave in the summer breeze. [Photo/news.cn]

The mountain turns golden in autumn, signaling that the rice is ready for harvest. [Photo/news.cn]

In winter, the terraces are blanketed in frost. [Photo/news.cn]