Jinzhu Zhuang Village (金竹壮寨), located in Longji Town, Longsheng County of Guilin, is renowned as the “First Village” among the thirteen villages of Longji. Named after a grove of golden bamboo at its entrance, Jinzhu Zhuang Village is home to 98 households and a population of over 430 people. This village is a quintessential example of a traditional Zhuang ethnic community and has earned the title “The First Zhuang Village in the North.” The village’s architecture, particularly its stilted houses, showcases the unique Zhuang style, and it has been recognized for its cultural significance by various organizations. In 1992, UNESCO praised it as a model Zhuang village, and in 2007, it was named one of China’s first “Landscape Villages.” In 2014, it was designated a “Village with Distinct Ethnic Characteristics” by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, and in 2015, it was listed among China’s “Traditional Villages” by the Expert Committee on Traditional Village Protection and Development.
The history of Jinzhu Zhuang Village dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620) when it was established by the descendants of Liao Zhai, grandson of Liao Dengren, who settled in Longji. The village is built on the steep slopes of the Longji Rice Terraces, creating a stunning “ladder house” effect. The wooden houses are spacious and dry, and the village is well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing. Notable features include ancient stone gates, stone wells, centuries-old maple and Chinese fir trees, a cultural museum, and a traditional song and dance field. The statue of Mo Yi, a hero in Zhuang folklore, stands as a guardian figure among the ancient trees, watching over the village. Jinzhu Zhuang Village covers an area of 50,000 square meters, with a building area of about 3,500 square meters.
The residents of Jinzhu Zhuang Village drink mountain spring water, which is channeled through bamboo pipes and stone troughs, and the wells are lined with stone slabs. Visitors to the village can enter the traditional wooden stilt houses and enjoy specialties such as Longji tea, a royal tribute during the Qing Dynasty, and Longji rice wine, known in the West as the “Oriental Magic Water.” They can also taste the Zhuang people’s five-colored glutinous rice.
The local cuisine includes bamboo-tube steamed chicken, bamboo-tube glutinous rice, and all the tableware, including cups and bowls, are made from bamboo, adding a rustic charm to the dining experience. The traditional Zhuang songs and dances are equally captivating. The grass skirt dance, performed by girls wearing masks and grass skirts, is an ancient coming-of-age ritual. The harvest celebration pole dance, known for its rapid and joyful rhythm, has been likened to the Brazilian Samba by visitors. The gourd dance, which thanks ancestors for the invention and transmission of wine-making techniques, uses graceful body language to interpret wine songs. Visitors can also witness other traditional performances such as the “Shigong Dance,” “Pole Dance,” and “Bench Dragon Dance,” along with unique customs like the welcoming ceremony, the playful “Throwing Embroidered Ball,” and the mysterious “Maiden Stone.”
Jinzhu Zhuang Village offers a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in the traditional lifestyles and customs of the Zhuang people.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Included in the ticket for Longji Rice Terraces |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0773-7583188 0086-0773-7583088 |
Location and Transportation
Jinzhu Zhuang Village is located within the Longji Scenic Area in Longji Town, Longsheng County, Guilin City, Guangxi Province. To get there, head to Guilin North Bus Station. Take a bus bound for Longsheng County. Upon reaching Longsheng, transfer to a bus heading to the Longji Rice Terraces.
