Longji Terraced Rice Fields
Overview:Guilin Lognsheng Longji rice terrace, cultivated by local Zhuang and Yao ethnic minority groups, is large and made up of numerous patches no more than 1 mu (it is a traditional unit of area in China, currently call shimu) (about 0.16 acres).
The Longji Terraced Rice Fields have been a visitors' favorite and one of the must-see sites for any Guilin tour due to its unique beauty. It is a stunning location populated with Chinese Ethnic Minority Groups. The Zhuang and Yao Minority Groups live in the area and their ancient cultures have taken on aspects of the other groups' traditions, making it a truly unique place.
Zhuang and Yao Minority Groups fled up into the mountains to avoid persecution. Being agrarian societies, and knowing no other way of life, they turned the mountains themselves into fields. The entire mountain range, which is quite large, has been turned into terraced fields, making it one of the most picturesque places on earth.
The mountains are dotted with little villages. Because they were built on the mountainside, each house was built at a different level with a labyrinth of paths, stairs, and ramps between them. The ancient houses with their grey tile roofs seem to be a part of the mountain. The villages are really wonderful and a lot of fun to explore. The houses were made entirely of wood and no metal fasteners are used in their construction. They were held together by gravity and by mortise and tenon construction. The ground floor of each house is for storage and livestock. The second floor is where the activity and storage rooms were, and the third floor held the bedrooms.
Longji’s beauty is indescribable. It really has to be seen to be fully appreciated. The terraced rice fields look incredible no matter which season they are visited in. Each one is more beautiful than the last.
