Longji Rice Terraces, Rice terraces in Longsheng County, China
The Longji Rice Terraces are paddy fields carved into mountain slopes ranging from 300 to 1100 meters in elevation, with an intricate system of flat cultivation areas connected by water channels. Thousands of stepped layers climb the hillsides, each one shaped to maximize water flow and prevent erosion across the landscape.
Farmers from Zhuang and Yao communities built these terraces starting in the Ming Dynasty, completing the extensive work during the early Qing Dynasty period. The construction techniques were refined over time to create a sustainable irrigation system that could support agriculture on steep mountain slopes.
Multiple ethnic communities including Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong maintain farming traditions across these slopes that reflect their connection to the land and seasonal cycles. As you walk through, you notice how local farmers work the fields and preserve methods passed down through generations.
The terraces show different colors throughout the year: water-filled fields in spring, green shoots in summer, golden rice in autumn, and white frost in winter. Plan your visit based on which season appeals to you, as each brings its own visual experience and different conditions for walking the paths.
Roughly 480 streams flow through the terraced landscape, creating an intricate water distribution network that resembles dragon scales when viewed from above. This hidden engineering allows water to reach every level while following the natural slope of the mountains.
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