🌾 Yangshuo's Paddy Fields: A Guide to China's Most Scenic Rice Terraces

#chinatravel
While Yangshuo itself is famous for its karst mountains and Li River, the most spectacular rice terraces are actually located in **Longsheng (Longji Rice Terraces)**, about 4 hours away by car. However, Yangshuo does have beautiful patchwork paddy fields woven into its countryside, especially around villages like **Fuli** and **Xingping**. Here’s what you need to know:

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### **1. Best Paddy Field Spots Near Yangshuo**
- **Fuli Village**: Cycle through emerald-green rice fields along the Li River, where farmers still use water buffalo for plowing. The fields here are smaller but incredibly photogenic, especially at sunrise .
- **Xingping Area**: Near the 20 RMB note viewpoint, you’ll find terraced paddies framed by karst peaks. Rent a bike or take a bamboo raft for the best views .
- **Yulong River Valley**: The cycling route from Yangshuo to Yulong Bridge passes through quiet paddies and farmer’s trails—stop at **Jiuxian Village** for tea with locals .

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### **2. Longji Rice Terraces (Day Trip from Yangshuo)**
If you want the iconic "dragon’s backbone" terraces:
- **Ping’an Village**: Features the "Seven Stars Around the Moon" and "Nine Dragons & Five Tigers" viewpoints (1.5-hour hike) .
- **Dazhai (Jinkeng)**: Larger terraces with cable cars to Golden Buddha Peak. Best for sunrise/sunset .
- **Best Time to Visit**:
- **May–June**: Flooded fields mirror the sky.
- **Sept–Oct**: Golden harvest season .

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### **3. How to Visit from Yangshuo**
- **Private Driver**: ~CN¥800 round-trip (4 hours each way). Negotiate with taxi drivers in Yangshuo .
- **Public Bus**: Take a bus to Guilin (1.5 hours), then transfer to Longsheng (2.5 hours). Tickets ~CN¥50 .
- **Tours**: Book a guided day trip (CN¥400–600) with stops at minority villages .

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### **4. Tips for Visiting**
- **Wear sturdy shoes**: Fields can be muddy and slippery.
- **Respect farmers**: Avoid stepping on crops; ask before taking photos.
- **Try bamboo-tube rice**: A local specialty cooked in hollow bamboo .

**#yangshuoricefields #guilincountryside #chinatravel**