Rice Terraces and Rainbow Cliffs: A Hiker’s Guide to Longji and Zhangye

If you're into epic hikes, jaw-dropping views, and landscapes that look like they’ve been photoshopped (but aren’t), then Longji and Zhangye should be at the top of your China bucket list. These two spots are total opposites in vibe but equally mind-blowing — one’s all lush green staircases carved into mountains, the other looks like Mother Nature went wild with a paintbrush.

Let’s start with Longji Rice Terraces, aka the Dragon’s Backbone, tucked in Guangxi Province. This place is straight-up magical, especially in spring and summer when the flooded terraces shimmer under the sun like giant mirrors. Imagine walking narrow dirt paths between endless layers of rice fields, mist curling around the hills, and local Zhuang and Yao villagers going about their day in colorful traditional clothes. It’s peaceful, surreal, and 100% Instagram gold.

The best trail? Hit up Ping’an Village for the classic panoramic view. The hike isn’t super tough — think moderate with some steep bits — so it’s doable for most fitness levels. Pro tip: Stay overnight in a guesthouse there. Sunrise over the misty terraces? Chef’s kiss. And don’t skip the sticky rice steamed in bamboo — it’s simple, delicious, and tastes better when you’re sweaty from hiking.

Now, swap paddies for paint-splattered cliffs and head to Zhangye Danxia in Gansu. This place is like Mars decided to become an artist. The rainbow-colored rock formations were shaped over millions of years by sediment layers and tectonic drama. Reds, yellows, purples — it’s nature showing off.

The park has viewing platforms, but if you want real adventure, take the less crowded trails behind the main spots. You’ll dodge crowds and get killer photo angles. Go at golden hour when the sun hits the cliffs just right — the colors practically glow. It’s that unreal.

Travel-wise, getting to Longji means a bus ride from Guilin (about 2 hours). Zhangye’s trickier — fly into Zhangye Ganzhou Airport or take a train from Xi’an. Both places are remote, which keeps them fresh and unspoiled, but plan ahead on transport and lodging.

Why hike both? Because they show two wildly different sides of China’s natural beauty. Longji is calm, cultural, and alive with farming traditions. Zhangye is raw, ancient, and feels like another planet. Together, they make one epic adventure combo.

Pack good shoes, a light rain jacket, and your sense of wonder. Whether you’re chasing serene rice field views or psychedelic desert cliffs, Longji and Zhangye deliver big time.