Loudi | Ziquejie Rice Terraces | Complete Travel Guide

| Ziquejie Rice Terraces | Complete Travel Guide. Ziquejie Rice Terraces
Located in Xinhua, this vast expanse of rice terraces is best visited in autumn. The terraces rise as high as the mountains, and the water levels match their height. When the rice ripens, the entire mountainside turns a beautiful golden yellow. Nearby, nestled within the landscape, lies the tranquil and pristine village of Xinhua Zhenglong, a perfect spot for photography and hiking. Admission fee applies.

1. Loudi Ziquejie is a famous rice terrace area. Continuing west along the road deeper into the terraces, you'll come to Zhenglong Village, a secluded village inhabited by ethnic minorities, almost entirely surrounded by mountains with only a river outlet.
2. I highly recommend visiting Zhenglong Village in autumn. Although surrounded by rice terraces, Zhenglong Village sits at a higher altitude, meaning the harvest season arrives later than in Ziquejie. So, in September, when the Ziquejie terraces are being harvested, Zhenglong Village's terraces are at their most stunning, especially on sunny days. As time goes on and late autumn arrives, the rainy season sets in, and the yellow leaves in the village become the most eye-catching embellishment.
3. Admire the clustered minority architecture of this ancient village from above. Several vantage points around the village offer stunning views from above. These viewing platforms are easily accessible by walking along the mountain paths, terraces, or rural roads.
4. Zhenglong Village offers limited accommodation options. Spending a night in this quiet, secluded village, lulled by the sound of the stream, is a unique experience.

Practical Information:
📍 Address: Shuiche Town, Xinhua County, Loudi City, Hunan Province
⏰ Opening hours: 8:00am–5:00pm
💰 Ticket price: CNY 68
⏰ Visit duration: 4–6 hrs
🚗 Transportation:
🔹 Internal transportation: The scenic spots are far apart, so self-driving or car rental is recommended.
🔹 External transportation: Self-drive: Navigate directly to Ziquejie Rice Terraces. Parking is available at the scenic area.
🏨 Accommodation:
🔹 You can stay in Xinhua County or Shuiche Town, where hotels of various grades and conditions are available.
🔹 There are many homestays in the Ziquejie scenic area, generally priced around CNY 100, with relatively simple conditions.
🍱 Food recommendations:
Sanhe Soup, Rice Noodles with Pork in a Jar, Tofu with Loach, Snowflake Meatballs, Pounded Duck, Steamed Chicken with Grits, Sticky Rice Cakes, Stewed Chicken, Shuiche Bacon, Fried Konjac with Yellow Beef
Shuiche Town: Kou Rou (different from Guangdong Kou Rou, it's made with red dates, the pork skin melts in your mouth, and it has a sweet taste)