Magnificent Longji, Beautiful Terraced Fields - A Travelogue of Longsheng, Guilin

I know Longsheng because of the Longji Rice Terraces. Coming to Guilin without visiting Longsheng and seeing the beauty of the Longji Rice Terraces would always feel like a regret. On May 1st, a steady drizzle fell without stopping. Guilin, shrouded in clouds and mist, made my expectant mood somewhat oppressive. Leaving Guilin city, heading west, as the bus climbed over a mountain pass at 800 meters above sea level, a thick, rolling fog further dampened my hopes. Could I see Longji today? Would the terraced fields be beautiful?

The tour guide poured fuel on the fire, saying: "Visiting Longji Rice Terraces during the rainy season requires luck. Two days ago, I brought a group up, and the fog covered everything—we couldn't see anything from the top. Yesterday, I led another group, and the fog cleared for only 25 minutes. Today, I can only wish everyone good luck."

We descended to the scenic area entrance in the valley. Looking into the distance, thick clouds and fog still lingered, with no sign of clearing. Fortunately, the rain had stopped.

The guide said: "Let's first go to the Yao village along the way and watch a Yao dance performance—there's no rush." I silently hoped that perhaps the Yao dance would disperse the thick clouds and fog.

This was a Red Yao village. Since the women here cut their hair only once in their lives, at adulthood between 16 and 18, most adult women have beautiful hair one to two meters long. Hence, this village is also called Long Hair Village. In front of guests from afar, the Yao women warmly displayed their graceful dances, beautiful songs, and long hair.

During the interactive segment, several young men were invited on stage to hold a simulated wedding with the beautiful Red Yao women. Before the red bridal veil was even lifted, the overjoyed young men were already impatient and over the moon.

Foreign friends from afar were even more infected by the romantic and festive atmosphere of this exotic culture, their joyful mood about to explode with excitement!

Carrying a lightened heart, we continued our journey up the mountain. When the bus stopped steadily in the parking lot and we looked out, a new village appeared before us—this was our destination: Ping'an Zhuang Village. Ping'an Village is home to over 170 households and more than 800 Zhuang people. This village has long escaped poverty and prospered; it is no longer a remote and impoverished place in the deep mountains. Here, there are not only hotels and cafes but also karaoke bars and dance halls.

Through the winding and rugged alleys of the village, we could climb up the winding and rugged mountain ridge. The terraced fields were ahead, right above us.

The village lies in the valley, while the terraced fields spread across the ridge, coexisting harmoniously for thousands of years.

Ahh—Longji Rice Terraces! We've come! We've come to see you!

Look! Seven Stars with the Moon! A bright, shimmering full moon. At this time, it is the season for watering the terraces. One hilltop is irrigated, while seven others are not, clustering together—that is Seven Stars with the Moon.

No need for me to explain further; please use your own eyes to slowly take in its charm.

The locals say this is not yet Longji's most beautiful season. Around June 20th, the weeds in the fields will be completely removed, all the seedlings transplanted, and everywhere will be lush green and full of vitality. But the most beautiful season is around National Day (October 1st), the harvest season, when nature's palette is overturned, and the heavy rice ears enhance your joy of the harvest. I said, "It's too late; I've already come, and I won't be able to come back then because I'll be busy harvesting my work at work, haha. Let more people come to enjoy it." In truth, Longji has already left its mark on me, and the terraced fields have too.

Of course, in this girl's memory, Longji is beautiful, the terraces are beautiful, and she herself is truly beautiful!