Hey everyone,
I’m planning a trip to Guilin in early April 2025 and really want to see the Longji Rice Terraces. I’ve seen some amazing photos of the terraces covered in water, reflecting the sky, and also when they turn golden in autumn. But I’m not sure if early April is a good time to visit.
Will the terraces be scenic at that time of year, or should I adjust my plans? Appreciate any advice!
— Mike, USA
Hey Mike,
Great to hear you’re planning a trip to Longji! But if I’m being honest, early April isn’t the best time to visit the rice terraces. At that point, the fields haven’t been irrigated yet, so they look kind of dry and plain—not the breathtaking landscapes you’ve probably seen in photos.
If you can, try to push your visit to late April or May. That’s when the terraces are filled with water for spring planting, and they reflect the mountains and sky like giant mirrors. Sunrise and sunset views are absolutely unreal!
Late April to mid-June: The terraces are filled with water in preparation for spring planting. The water reflects the mountains and sky, creating stunning mirror-like views. It's a fantastic time for sunrise and sunset photography.
If you prefer lush, green landscapes, plan for July to mid-September when the rice is in full growth. Or, if you want to see the terraces at their most stunning, go between mid-September and mid-October when the rice turns golden. The whole place looks like rolling waves of gold—super photogenic!
So yeah, early April? Not the best. Late April? Way better. Hope that helps, and let me know if you need more tips!