Longsheng

A short hike through Ping'An to the summit takes about 2 hours to complete, depending on fitness. JinKeng is slightly larger so may take more time. It is possible to hike between Ping'An and DaZhai (JinKeng) in about 3 hours, enquire about guides once at either of the villages. Longer hikes spanning more than one day are possible and will allow you to access more beautiful and less touristy areas of the mountain.

Longsheng is home to four minority nationalities: Miao, Yao, Dong and Zhuang. The Yao and Zhuang nationalities live in Longji. The Yao have distinctive clothing and hair styles which set them apart from other ethnic groups. Yao women are famous for having the longest hair in the world. They never cut their hair. Instead they wrap the hair in a bun on top of their head in a style resembling an Indian turban.

built largely from timber, the houses are typically rectangular and three stories high, though in Ping'An many are four stories and relatively large. Each ascending floor is a little larger than the lower. The shingles, windows and beams are typical of other Chinese building styles. In DaZhai, there are small dwellings that use the thick bark of trees as roof shingles.

A naturally hot spring and spa. It is recommended that you visit in winter or spring.

There is some fabulous hiking to be done around the rice terraces, though finding your way when outside the signposted areas can be tricky at times; a local guide can lead the way for a small fee.

There is a well sign-posted walk around Ping'An that takes you through Ping'An town, and up to both viewpoints - Viewpoint 1 (called Nine Dragons and Five Tigers) and Viewpoint 2 (Seven Stars with Moon), both of which have spectacular views of the town and surrounding terraces. The route is well sign-posted (look for the stone-engraved maps about the place) with good paths; completing the full circuit takes about 1-1½ hrs. The hike is easier if you head through the village up to Viewpoint 2 then across the hills to Viewpoint 1 and back down steeply to Ping'An.

It's a quieter and more rural village then Ping'An. No cars in the village. There are 3 peaks to hike and also some small villages around. In the village is also a library building where they sometimes dancing and music events and also a school building where you can watch the pupils through the windows. No ATM in Dazhai - but you can change in Wisdom Inn money, also with credit card.

The walk from Ping'An to Zhongliu takes approx 2 hours, from where it is another 2 hours to Dazhai. To Zhongliu Start by heading out from Ping'An up the hill to Viewpoint 1, then continue over the back and along a dirt road. This will take you past a lake and through a lovely valley. (more instructions needed!)