Written by Veronica |
The rice culture of China has more than 20,000 years of history. Paddies of rice are rooted in mountains, plains, deserts, and swamps. Theyāre the means through which the great civilization has been able to thrive till this day. Unlike the Great WallĀ or the Forbidden Palace, rice terraces in China are wisdom of the people.
Farmers of countless generations have used the most primitive tools to build the paddies up the steep slopes like staircases to heaven. Today, rice terraces in China have become popular destinations for hikers and photographers. To witness these otherworldly sights, here are the top 7 most beautiful rice terraces in China to see on your China tour.
1. Yuanyang Terraced Rice Fields in Yunnan
One of the best places to see rice terraces in China is in the southern Yunnan province. Hidden in the Ailao Mountains, about 308 kilometers (190 miles) from Kunming, Yuanyang Terraced Rice Fields is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The local Hani people have developed a complex system to bring water from the mountaintops to the terraces. After over 1,300 years of hard work, the Yuanyang Terraced Rice Fields now covers an area of about 114 square kilometers (44 square miles), with a single slope containing as many as 3,000 layers.
Visiting these rice terraces is one of the best things to do on a Yunnan tour. From January to March, after the harvest and the terraces are filled with water, the fields reflect the sky and clouds like pieces of mirrors. They are especially stunning during sunrise and sunset, taking on the golden hue of the sky. In early spring, late February to March, the lush sea of green is dotted with flowers, rustling in the breeze.
Location: Qingkou Village, Xinjie Town, Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Recommended Tours:
2. Longji Rice TerracesĀ in Guangxi
Longji Rice Terraces, or Longsheng Rice Terraces are known as the Dragonās Backbone because the fields sprawl along the hillsides like the moving back of a dragon. It has been ranked the best rice terrace in China and the world. Itās situated in Guangxi province, about 75 kilometers away from Guilin, one of the most popular destinations in China.
Longji Rice Terraces were first built in Yuan Dynasty, stretch across three villages, Dazhai village, Pingāan village, and Longji ancient village. It is also home to Yao and Zhuang ethnic minority villages. Generations of villagers have dedicated their lives to cultivating their land. They share a deep connection with it, carving patterns onto the hillsides.
The fields change with the seasons. In the summer, the terraces are a lush carpet of green, as the rice plants flourish under the warm sun. In the fall, itās a sea of gold as far as the eye can see. And even in the winter, the terraces are beautiful covered in a thin, white layer of snow.
Related reading: 15+ Fascinating Facts About Guangxi
- Location: Longsheng Ethnic Autonomous County, Guilin City, Guangxi
- Best Time to Visit: April to next February
Recommended Tours:
- One Day Longji Terrace Field Bus Tour
- 3 Days Guilin Tour with Li River Cruise & Longji Terrace
- 5 Days Guilin, Yangshuo & Terrace Field Photography Tour
3. Jiabang Rice Terraces in Guizhou
Hidden in the remote mountains of Guizhou province is another one of the most stunning rice terraces in China, Jiabang Rice Terraces. It spreads across 10,000 acres, is home to a number of villages. Local Miao and Dong people have used their limited resources and wisdom to adapt their agriculture to the mountain topography. You can see paddies of different shapes and sizes lie across the mountain sides.
If you want to experience ethnic minority culture and lifestyle when you travel to China, Jiabang Rice Terraces is a good destination. Youāll see unique Miao-style wooden houses (Diaojiaolou) and villagers dressed in their cultural outfit. Every morning, youāll see clouds and mist slowly rise above the fields, a phenomenon unique to the area.
- Location: Jiabang Village, Congjiang County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou
- Best Time to Visit: April to June & September to October
4. Ziquejie Rice Terrace in Hunan
Ziquejie Rice Terrace in the Hunan province has been named the āKingdom of Terraces.ā With over 2000 yearsĀ of history, Ziquejie Rice Terrace was first cultivated in Qin Dynasty. It is the oldest rice terrace in China. This land isĀ theĀ masterpiece of Miao, Yao, Dong,Ā and Han people.
The most marvelous thing about it is that it was built entirely with natural resources. Against the tall mountains, following the water, the terraces rely on a natural irrigation system, with no pond or reservoir.
Ziquejie Rice Terrace is still relatively less known to tourists than other rice terraces in China. It is about 285 kilometers (177 miles) west of Changsha, the capital city of Hunan. You can also visit ZhangjiajieĀ on the same trip, one of the best places in China for natural landscapes.
- Location: Shuiche Town, Xinhua County, Loudi City, Hunan Province
- Best Time to Visit: April to July & September to October
5. Yunhe Terraced Fields in Zhejiang
Yunhe Terraced Fields are about 3 hours from Hangzhou. It is the largest rice terrace in eastern China. With over 1,000 years of history since the early Tang Dynasty, it is the masterpiece and home of She people, a minority with a small population in China. The terraces channel water from mountain streams to irrigate the crops.
Yunhe Terraced Fields are best known for the sea of clouds. With as many as 700 layers of paddies, the altitude gets higher. The water from the fields evaporates and becomes clouds in the valley. The environment is made magical and surreal.
- Location: Chongtou Town, Yunhe County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province
- Best Time to Visit: May to late June & October
6. Youxi Rice Terrace in Fujian
Youxi Rice Terrace in Fujian province is another gorgeous rice terrace in China. It is about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian. The local Hakka people have been working on these terraces since Song Dynasty. Aside from rice, youāll also find a massive tea plantation in the endless fields.
Youxi Rice Terrace is built like stairs. It makes you feel as if you can climb up the ladder, and youāll eventually ascend into heaven. Itās the perfect place for a hike on your Fujian tour. As you stand on top of the mountain, youāll see houses dotted upon the vast fields, villagers going about their daily life. Itās a great escape from the bustling city life.
- Location: Dongbian Village, Lianhe Town, Youxi County, Sanming City, Fujian
- Best Time to Visit: March to May & September to October
7. Jiangling Rice Terrace in Jiangxi
The last but not least rice terrace in China on our list is Jiangling Rice Terrace in Jiangxi province. It is situated in Wuyuan County, āThe most beautiful countryside in China.ā It has such a reputation because of its countless rape flowers. When they all bloom in spring against the green terraced mountains, itās an extraordinary sight to behold.
The local Hakka community live in Hui-style folk houses with white walls and black tiles. They share a deep bond with their land. They have festivals that celebrate harvests and the resources nature bestowed upon them.
- Location: Xitou Township, Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, Jiangxi
- Best Time to Visit: March to May
- Recommended Tour: 2 Days China Autumn Tour to Wuyuan & Jingdezhen
