Longji Rice Terraces late October

Question

Hello everyone! We are planning a trip to China in the second half of October, and we would be in Guilin in the last week of this month. Is it worth visiting the rice terraces or will everything already be harvested?

Thank you!

Answer

The Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces, are a popular attraction near Guilin, and the timing of your visit can greatly affect what you will see.

By late October, most of the rice in the terraces will have already been harvested. The terraces go through seasonal changes:

Spring (April–May): Terraces are filled with water, creating a mirror-like effect – ideal for photography.
Summer (June–September): Lush green rice grows in the fields, giving vibrant scenery.
Autumn (September–October): Rice turns golden, ready for harvest. The best time for seeing the golden fields is early to mid-October.
Late Autumn (late October–November): Most of the rice has been harvested, and terraces may look bare or muddy.

Considering your travel dates in the last week of October:

The visual impact of the terraces may be reduced as the rice will mostly be harvested.
You may still see some remaining golden patches, but the majority of the fields will not have the vibrant color seen in early October.
The landscape is still beautiful, with terraced hills and villages, so it can be worthwhile if you enjoy hiking and rural scenery rather than just the rice fields themselves.

If seeing the terraces in their peak golden color is your priority, visiting a week or two earlier would be preferable. Otherwise, late October can still offer pleasant walking trails, cooler weather, and fewer tourists compared to peak season.

Longji Rice Terraces late October

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