A quaint, traditional village set on the step-like rice fields of the Dragon's Back Rice Terraces, Ping An is one of the hidden gems of China. The rice terraces are a series of gracefully tiered platforms, which become progressively narrower the higher they are, giving them the appearance of a huge snail when seen from afar. This area is home to a number of ethnic minorities, predominantly the Zhuang, heirs to a distinct culture and long history, and who number approximately 16 million across China.
The best time to visit is between March and October, when the fields are at their most verdant.
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Take a leisurely tour of the terraces on horseback. Pass through Yao and Zhuang villages, where you can stop to talk with the locals and watch them prepare their agricultural products. Visit a local market and shop for simple souvenirs like chopsticks, textiles and pottery.
Sample the local cuisine, including rice dishes, as well as a local blueberry tea. Shallots, mushrooms, spinach, corn, chillies and tofu are grown in this area. Besides using its shoots for food, bamboo is used as a building material, as well as to weave together baskets for ferrying around goods and tools.
Hike your way through winding paths that snake up along the rice terraces. Take in the wide, lovely views, breathe in the fresh air, and savor your time in this comfortable, idyllic village, whose pace of life is much slower and peaceful.
Ping An is home to a small population of Yao, an ethnicity who are renowned for their elaborate dress and fascinating rituals; one such practice is that of their hair, which Yao women cut only twice in their lives: once as teenagers, and once after they marry. Spend some time at Xiaozhai, where the villagers will greet you with a traditional singing ceremony, and, if you wish, have tea with the villagers and learn more about their lives.
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Multi-Country Specialists
Remote Lands
Choose somewhere you’d like to visit, something you’re interested in, and when you’re planning to travel and we’ll suggest sample itineraries to inspire your bespoke journey.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands – a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
I had the chance to visit with the Red Yao in person. Most tourists know of a place called Guilin, but have you heard about the area of Longsheng about three and a half hours north?
The 137 Pillars in Chiang Mai is a chance to get away from it all without missing out on the pleasures of the city. It’s quiet, it’s quaint, and it’s brimming with luxury
I have been fortunate enough to have seen a lot of picturesque scenery in my life all over the world, but few places can compare with the breathtaking Longsheng rice terraces north of Guilin…
Here is a small selection of the kind words our guests have said about us, as well as features by journalists and travel writers.
From the moment I happened upon the REMOTE LANDS website over a year ago, browsed the options, I knew that this would be well worth it. The entire staff is nothing less than professional with service that made us feel like royals.
This was truly the trip of a lifetime. Magical destinations, the most luxurious hotels in the world, and the most wonderful travel companions we could’ve wished for. We were treated like family everywhere we went and we have 14 new best friends.
We have used some of the top rated travel specialists all over the world and, without question, Catherine Heald and Remote Lands are at the very top of the list!
