Mysterious Jiabang Rice Terraces are a winter delight

Green oilseed rape on Jiabang Terrace. [Photo/xinhuaent.com]

Of all the rice terraces in China, Jiabang Rice Terraces in Guizhou province is perhaps the most mysterious. Persistent wet weather shrouds the terraces with a blanket of cloud and mist on most mornings.

Golden terraces filled with luscious rice crops can be seen from September through October After that, crops are harvested and the terraces are transformed into a photogenic mirror-like landscape when farmers irrigate the land.

Flooding the land and retaining the water by building risers protected by fodder grasses allows the soil to soften in preparation for the next planting season.

The approximately 10,000 mu (666.67 hectares) farmland would be glitters as the terraces are irrigated during bright winter days. Oil residue from the rapeseed crops of the autumn harvest reflects an array of colors, creating an attractive spot for visitors and photographers.

Jiabang Terrace is located on the Moon mount in the Qiandongnan Miao and Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture. It is a protected area of agricultural heritage and famed as being one of the most beautiful rice terraces in the country.