PingAn Village in Longsheng County, Guilin

PingAn Zhuang Ethnic Village (平安壮寨) is nestled in the Longji Scenic Area (龙脊景区) of Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County (龙胜各族自治县), Guilin City (桂林市), Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区). The village is a vital part of the Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田), renowned for its stunning terraced fields and traditional Zhuang culture. This ethnic village was established during the late Qing Dynasty (清末) and early Republican period and remains one of the most historically preserved Zhuang settlements in the region.

The rice terraces of PingAn have been cultivated for over 650 years, starting in the early Yuan Dynasty (元朝). The village today is a vibrant example of Zhuang (壮族) ethnic traditions, offering visitors a chance to experience both natural beauty and authentic local culture.

Cultural Heritage and Ethnic Composition

PingAn Zhuang Village is predominantly inhabited by the Zhuang ethnic group, which constitutes about 98% of the population. The Zhuang people are known for their vibrant culture, including distinctive traditional clothing made from handwoven textiles, and for their rich cultural practices such as singing mountain songs (山歌) and creating beautiful embroidered garments. The village is famous for its festivals, including its unique food traditions like five-color sticky rice (五色糯米饭) and sticky rice cakes (粽粑).

The ethnic diversity of the village offers travelers a deep dive into the local customs and traditions. Besides the Zhuang, there are also some Yao (瑶族) and other ethnic groups living in the surrounding areas, contributing to the rich cultural fabric of PingAn.

Tourism Development and Modern Growth

PingAn Zhuang Village has undergone significant transformation since the 1990s. The village officially became a tourist destination in 1990, and its recognition grew when it was listed as one of the first "Chinese Ethnic Minority Villages with Distinctive Characteristics" (中国少数民族特色村寨) by the Chinese government in 2014. The tourism model revolves around a “homestay + rice field sightseeing” (民宿+梯田观光) approach, which has contributed to its success.

As of 2023, there are more than 80 homestays in PingAn, and tourism revenue now constitutes over 90% of the village’s total income. This shift to tourism has been driven by the increasing number of domestic and international visitors seeking an authentic rural experience and a connection to nature and ethnic culture.

Historical Context

PingAn Zhuang Village’s rich agricultural history dates back over 650 years. The terraced rice fields here, which are among the most impressive in the region, were initially developed in the early Yuan Dynasty (14th century). Over time, the terraces were expanded and refined to the impressive scale seen today. PingAn became part of the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area (龙脊梯田景区), one of the most iconic landscapes in southern China. In 2021, the village's county received the National Demonstration Area for Ethnic Unity and Progress award (全国民族团结进步示范区).

Geography and Architecture

Located between 300 and 1,100 meters above sea level, PingAn is surrounded by steep mountain ranges and lush terraced fields. The area’s stunning natural beauty is complemented by its traditional architecture, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The village’s stilt houses (吊脚楼) are a hallmark of Zhuang construction, built using local timber and stone pillars to resist moisture. These wooden structures are typically three stories high, with the ground level used for storage, while the upper levels are homes for the residents.

The architecture is designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, and the village's paths are paved with traditional stone slabs. In recent years, the area has seen new constructions in brick and wood, particularly since 2013, but more than 90% of the traditional wooden houses remain intact, showcasing the village’s deep connection to its roots.

The Terraced Rice Fields: Seasonal Splendor

The Longji Rice Terraces, including the ones in PingAn, are a spectacular sight throughout the year. The terraces change dramatically with the seasons, creating unique landscapes that attract photographers and nature lovers.

Spring (March - May): During the spring months, the rice terraces are flooded with water, creating stunning reflective surfaces that mirror the sky, clouds, and the surrounding mountains. This period, when farmers irrigate the fields, is also the start of the planting season, making it an excellent time to witness the terraced fields' shimmering beauty.

Summer (June - July): The rice terraces turn a lush green as the crops begin to grow. The sight of endless waves of green rice paddies stretching across the hillsides, especially under the warm sunlight, is breathtaking.

Autumn (September - October): The harvest season is the most popular time to visit PingAn, as the terraces turn golden with ripened rice. The fields resemble a giant golden carpet, and the village is alive with the activity of the harvest. This is a great time for visitors to experience traditional harvest festivals and celebrations.

Winter (December - February): If you're lucky enough to visit during the winter, the terraces may be blanketed with snow, creating a serene and magical winter wonderland. Though winter sees fewer tourists, it offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere for those seeking solitude.

Major Attractions in PingAn

Nine Dragons and Five Tigers (九龙五虎): This iconic viewpoint, which includes nine mountain ridges and five prominent peaks, can be accessed by a 20-minute cable car ride. From here, visitors can appreciate the vast scale of the terraced fields.

Seven Stars Around the Moon (七星伴月): A spectacular landscape where seven small hills form a circle around a central water pool, creating a visually stunning arrangement best seen from the viewing platform. To reach this point, visitors must walk for about 40 minutes.

Cultural Experiences

PingAn offers a wealth of opportunities to experience the traditions and culture of the Zhuang people:

Traditional Clothing and Handicrafts: The Zhuang women are skilled in embroidery and weaving, and visitors can purchase handwoven clothing and souvenirs. The bright colors and intricate patterns reflect the ethnic group’s rich artistic traditions.

Folk Songs: The Zhuang are known for their mountain songs (山歌), which are sung at festivals and gatherings. Travelers can often hear these beautiful songs during cultural performances.

Agricultural Culture: Visitors can engage with locals and learn about traditional rice farming techniques, including how the rice is cultivated using ancient methods passed down through generations.

Tourism Development Phases

PingAn Zhuang’s journey into tourism has occurred in three stages:

1988 - 2005: Initially, there were only 8 homestays in the village, and tourism was in its early stages.

2006 - 2012: The village saw growth, expanding to 43 homestays and increasing visitor numbers.

2013 - Present: Over 90% of the village’s accommodation is now provided by homestays, with an average cost of 150-300 RMB per night.

Social and Economic Impact

Tourism has become a significant part of the local economy, contributing over 90% of the village’s income. The village’s distinctive products, known as the Longji Four Treasures (龙脊四宝), are essential to its economic success:

Longji Chili (龙脊辣椒): A geographically protected product with a unique flavor.

Longji Fragrant Rice (龙脊香糯): Known for its fragrance and taste.

Longji Cloud Tea (龙脊云雾茶): A premium tea grown in the misty mountains.

Longji Water Wine (龙脊水酒): A traditional alcoholic beverage produced locally.

Challenges and Sustainability

Despite its growing success, PingAn faces several challenges, including:

Over-commercialization: The rapid rise in tourism has led to the replacement of traditional buildings with modern constructions.

Ecological Pressure: The influx of visitors puts a strain on local resources and the environment.

In response, recent studies recommend focusing on the development of agricultural experience programs and protecting local cultural heritage, especially the traditional hearth culture (火塘文化).

Practical Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (March - June): The terraces are flooded, and the reflections are beautiful.

• Autumn (September - October): The harvest season offers the most spectacular views.

• Summer: Lush and green, ideal for photography.

• Winter: If you’re lucky, you might witness a snow-covered landscape, though it’s a quieter time for tourists.

Transportation:

• From Guilin: Buses run between Guilin Station (桂林站), Guilin North Station (桂林北站), and PingAn Village. Alternatively, self-driving is an option, though the winding roads require caution.

• In PingAn: Electric cars are available to take visitors to the Nine Dragons and Five Tigers viewpoint for 30 RMB. There are also hiking paths to the Seven Stars Around the Moon viewpoint.

Accommodation: Homestays in the village provide an authentic Zhuang experience. It’s advisable to book ahead, especially during peak seasons.

What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a camera (with a telephoto lens for capturing distant views of the rice terraces).

Traveling to PingAn Zhuang Ethnic Village offers not only a visual feast of the spectacular rice terraces but also an immersive cultural experience that celebrates the traditional way of life of the Zhuang people.