Meet people in Ping’an

Located on one of the higher tiers of the village, this tea house features a large wooden balcony overlooking the valley. It is a quiet, relaxed setting where visitors can sample local Longji tea while watching the clouds drift over the rice fields. The atmosphere is calm and conducive to conversation, making it a popular spot for travelers to rest after a hike. It is an ideal venue for meeting others who appreciate the slower, more contemplative side of travel in the mountains.

Try the locally grown tea, which is often harvested from the slopes surrounding the village.

This iconic viewpoint offers the most famous perspective of the Longji Rice Terraces. Visitors can see seven small mounds of earth, each topped with a cluster of trees, standing amidst the terraced fields like stars surrounding the moon. The landscape is a masterpiece of human engineering and natural beauty, providing a panoramic view that shifts dramatically depending on the time of day and the season. It is the quintessential spot for photography and appreciating the scale of the agricultural terraces that define the Ping’an area.

Arrive early in the morning to catch the sunrise when the mist clings to the valley floor.

This vantage point is named for the nine ridges that branch out from the main mountain, resembling dragons, and the five mounds that look like crouching tigers. It offers a different, more rugged perspective of the terraces compared to other viewpoints. The walk to this location takes you through dense forest paths and past traditional wooden homes, allowing for a deeper immersion into the local environment. It is an excellent choice for those who want to see the complex topography of the region up close.

Wear sturdy hiking boots as the paths leading to this viewpoint can be steep and uneven.

The heart of Ping’an is a collection of traditional Zhuang wooden houses built into the hillside. Unlike modern tourist hubs, this village retains its original layout with narrow stone paths and winding staircases. Walking through the village, you will encounter local residents going about their daily routines, drying crops, and preparing traditional meals. The architecture is a testament to the ingenuity of the Zhuang people, designed to withstand the humid climate and steep terrain of the mountains, making it a living museum of rural heritage.

Respect the privacy of residents by asking before taking photos of people or their homes.

This small but informative space focuses on the history, customs, and craftsmanship of the Zhuang ethnic group, who have inhabited the Longji region for centuries. Visitors can view displays of traditional clothing, agricultural tools, and ceremonial items that highlight the community's connection to the land. The museum provides essential context for the rice terraces, explaining how the irrigation systems were developed and maintained over generations. It is an ideal starting point for understanding the cultural significance of the landscape before exploring the surrounding hills.

Look for the displays on traditional embroidery patterns, which are unique to the local Zhuang clans.