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Longsheng Rice Terraces
Introduction
The rice terraces of Longsheng (aka Longji) cascade down over the mountainside for thousands of feet. The labour involved in making these must have been enormous and taken generations. The terraces are best when brimming with water - each looks like a shining mirror. However, a trip here is worth it at any time of the year. The terraces are simply stunning.
How to get there
You can get to Longsheng Town, not to be confused with the Longsheng mountain ridge, by public bus from Guilin. Other public buses leave here for Pingan and Dazai. It is possible to save a bit of time by hopping off part way to Longsheng Town - but that's really only for those who know what they are doing.
A scheduled minivan service leaves Yangshuo every day at 07:00 returning from Longsheng at 15:00. We don't recommend this service as several previous customers have complained about the driving.
A private vehicle may be more expensive but allows for a departure time that suits you and the opportunity to stop and take photos on the way. We also have more control over the driver and can be more certain that you will not be uncomfortable.
Where to stay
We have a long-standing relationship with one particular family in Pingan. They have two guesthouses and a restuarant. The older guesthouse is more popular as it has better views. Your choice then is between views or a more peaceful time. Both guesthouses serve a range of local and western food.
There are many other guesthouses in Pingan and one hotel
Dazai has a few guesthouses.
What to do
The obvious activity is hiking. Almost every visitor will walk up t the nominated viewing spots with the best views of the rice terraces. It is also worth walking to Longji village or, for those with more time, to Dazai. Dazai is about a 3-5 hour walk from Pingan. There are two good routes and the keen can walk back by the alternate route. For those keen on hiking with less time we would suggest walking to Zhongliu (which is halfway along one route) and back to Pingan.
Don't forget to leave time to explore the village. There are plenty of opportunities for photography.
In the evenings, the guesthouse owners can arrange a cultural show which includes traditional singing and dancing. This show is best enjoyed by 6 or more active participants. The more you get involved the more fun is had by all.
Testimonials
Tim Charles from London,England
(in Yangshuo from 10 to 10 July, 2008)
said:
Hello Molly & Expat Services:
You provide fantastic service. I am very happy with tours I booked through your agency. We only wish we found you first.
Molly is the best!!
Lora from Australia travelling with R
(in Yangshuo from 13 to 13 February, 2008)
said:
We enjoyed the tour very much. The scenery was amazing and we had a great guide. I wil recommend the bike tour to all my friends. Thank you very much
Thank you both very, very much. It was a great trip to see a lot of the area. Much more and much better than expected.
Yangshuo Updates
Qing Ming Festival
Zhang Faye, 28 March, 2010
Qing Ming Festival is a tradition throughout China often known as the grave-sweeping festival. Although marked as 5 April on the calendar, actually this is a period of two weeks during which the family pay their respects to their ancestors by cleaning up the graves and offering sacrifices.
Li River Cruises: Low Water Warning
Zhang Faye, 28 March, 2010
Guangxi is part of the drought-stricken area of south-west China which is currently a top news item nationally.
At the moment the Li River water is very low, so the cruise boats can't start from Guilin nor finish in Yangshuo. Until normal water levels return, the cruises will start from Yangti and finish in Xingping.
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Contact: Faye Email: yangshuoexpat@gmail.com
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