A Hidden Gem: The Longji Rice Terraces
It was about five years ago I went to China and stayed in a little village in the south for six weeks. The village was just outside of Guilin, in Guangi Providence. My friends ask me if I wanted to go to one of their favorite spots in China. It was not long before we took a half-day taxi ride far into the mountains to the Longi Rice Terraces. When I arrived I could not believe what I saw. I was surprised that our tours did not go there. When I talked to Henry, who is our main guide in Beijing I learned that he had not been there either. I told him we had to add this to our tours. There was a long pause and then he said, “I think it is too hard for American’s to climb up to the terraces. I figured if I could make it then at least 90 percent of our travelers could the other 10 percent could be carried the mile up the mountain in sedan chairs.
It was not long before it was on our regular schedule and now hundreds of our travelers have gone up the mountain to see the “real old China.” When you arrive at the village, the first thing you will notices is that there are no cars and no roads. The rice terrace were built over 500 years ago and have been farmed every since. When our guests look back at their trip after visiting the Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall over 60 % tell me this was the highlight of their visit to China.
As you enjoy these views, remember all the building material were carried up on the back of donkeys.
When someone dies they are buried in the mountainside with a stone that cover the tomb.
