Longsheng Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 龙胜各族自治县 (lóng shèng gè zú zì zhì xiàn) 
Population: 186,000
Area: 2,538 square kilometers (980 square miles)
Location: in the northwest of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southwestern China
Area Code: 0773
Zip Code: 541700
GDP (2017): CNY 6.63 billion (USD 1.00 billion)
Nationalities: Miao, Yao, Dong, Zhuang, Han
Longsheng Maps
 

Located in the northwest of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Longsheng Ge Autonomous County is subordinate to Guilin. It is adjacent to Liuzhou to the west and Hunan Province to the north and northwest. Longsheng is the most concentrated place of ethnic minorities in northern Guangxi and the first Autonomous County in central and southern China. Longji Rice Terraces and Longsheng Hot Springs are the most famous attractions of the city. Longji Rice Terraces is a very large scale terrace group in the Guilin area. The terraces, like chains, encircle mountains into huge spiral shells. It takes about 40 minutes to Longsheng Spring from urban area by car where the springs contain more than ten kinds of microelements beneficial to human. Also, visitors are able to see the beautiful natural scenery and architecture of minority nationalities and experience various ethnic customs.

The city boasts many attractions that have helped build a thriving culture of tourism. A few of its highlights include: Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces located in Heping Township; Longsheng Hot Springs, which originate in the Longsheng Hot Springs National Forest Park and are considered supernatural water by locals - the water that flows from that hot springs is natural mineral water which can be used both medicinally and as drinking water; Huaping National Nature Reserve, which is the largest subtropical evergreen broad-leaf forest and also known for its many waterfalls; Longsheng Nanshan Prairie, which is a natural meadow stretching across Hunan and Guangxi Provinces and famed as 'China Southland's Hulunbeier  Prairie (in Inner Mongolia)'.

 

Visitors typically begin trips to Longsheng from Guilin. Transportation within the county is also convenient, as buses regularly run between the surrounding villages, towns and scenic spots. If you plan on visiting Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces, you'll be able to  take a bus that transfers only once in Heping Township, and then travels directly to the scenic area.

See also How to Travel between Guilin and Longsheng

Longji Rice Terraces

Women of Yao Ethnic Minority

Visitors are often fascinated by the diverse social customs of the ethnic groups. Local villages have their own refined building styles, dress, and varied customs. Some of the surrounding villages include Jinzhu Zhuang Village, Baimian Yao Village, and Yinshui Dong Village. While traveling around these villages, you may find cafes or teahouses, which often carry local flare and are great places to rest. Many local festivals and celebrations such as Yao's Hongyi Festival, Miao's Jigu Festival, Dong's Xinhun Festival and Zhuang's Niuhun Festival make it a wonderful destination as well.