Terraces on top of the world

However, it's a slow process and 73 other villages in the scenic area have yet to embrace change. Once the rice is planted safely in early June, the workers travel far and wide to earn additional income, only returning for the harvest in late September.

In the past, roughly one-third of Dayutang's labor force migrated to cities, such as the prefecture capital, Mengzi, for temporary work, a common practice in rural areas. In 2012, the annual per capita net income for farmers in Yuanyang was 3,600 yuan. Although that's an increase of more than 100 percent from 2007, the figure is still just half the national average.

"The most important thing for the Hani terraces is to keep the farmers on the land. Only in this way can the legacy be upheld and the culture displayed," said Zhang.

Lu of the tourism authority said the "treasure" would have been ruined if the farmers had left their homes to seek work in other areas.

To that end, the bureau initiated the "Beautiful Homes Project" to help residents provide food and accommodation for visitors. By 2020, every household in the terraces' scenic area will serve food and have at least one bed for visitors.

Yuanyang government said the scenic area will receive around 10,000 visitors a day and more accommodation will be required. At present, centers such as the townships of Xinjie and Nansha have just 5,000 beds. Houses will be rebuilt in 73 villages, including Xiaolinggang. Li Zhiguang, the village head, said the 51 households were each given a stipend of 30,000 yuan and the residents are looking forward to seeing the new accommodation and welcoming visitors into their homes.

Li Zhengfu is confident tourism will benefit the area and is determined to emulate his ancestors by staying on the terraces and protecting his heritage. "We will try our best to maintain the terraces, but who knows what will happen if too many visitors arrive?" he mused.