From Rice Terraces to Starry Skies: Overnight Treks in Longji
- Date：
- Views：13
- Source：The Silk Road Echo
Think hiking is just about the destination? Think again. In Longji, also known as the Longsheng Rice Terraces of Guangxi, China, the journey itself becomes poetry—especially when you spend a night under the stars, wrapped in misty mountain air and ancient farming rhythms.
Carved into steep hillsides over 650 years ago by the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities, these terraces span over 66 square kilometers and rise from 300 to 1,100 meters above sea level. During spring and summer, flooded paddies shimmer like mirrors; in autumn, golden rice waves ripple across the landscape. But it’s the overnight trek that reveals Longji’s soul.
Most visitors come for a day trip. The real magic? Staying past sunset. As day-trippers vanish, silence settles. That’s when local homestays—simple wooden homes with warm beds and steaming herbal teas—invite you in. Many offer guided moonlit walks through the terraces, where fireflies dance and the Milky Way blazes overhead thanks to minimal light pollution.
Why an overnight trek? Because sunrise at Daping Tongue Viewpoint is worth the pre-dawn climb. At around 5:30 AM, golden light spills across layered fields, casting long shadows and painting everything in soft amber. You’ll have it mostly to yourself—if you’re willing to brave the chill.
Best Trails & Estimated Trekking Times
| Trail Name | Distance (km) | Duration (hrs) | Difficulty | Overnight Option? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Chicken Ridge | 4.2 | 2.5 | Moderate | Yes |
| Daping Village Loop | 6.8 | 4.0 | Challenging | Yes |
| Yuanjia Village Path | 3.0 | 1.8 | Easy | Limited |
Pro tip: Pack a headlamp, light rain gear, and layers. Temperatures can drop to 10°C (50°F) at night, even in summer. And don’t skip dinner—a traditional Yao hotpot with wild mushrooms and smoked pork is fuel for both body and soul.
Longji isn’t just a place. It’s a slow-motion dream written in water, rice, and starlight. So lace up, stay late, and let the mountains whisper their secrets.