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Dragon Ridge Terraced Fields
Rising and falling as if on a Dragon Ridge
In the area of Heping township, in the south-eastern part of Long Sheng county, Guangxi province, there is a range of magnificent terraced fields, the highest 2887 ft (880m) above sea level and the lowest 1247 ft (380m). They wind from the foot of the mountain to the top, a perpendicular difference of 1805 ft (550m). This area is known as "The World's Best Terraced fields."
Dragon Ridge Terraced Fields spread over a large area between the general elevations of 984 ft (300m) and 3609 ft (1100m). They have a variety of gradients, generally between 26 and 35 degrees, but the steepest slopes are up to 50 degrees. Although there are terraced fields to be seen all over the southern part of the country, such intense concentration as may be seen here is particularly rare. From the precipitous valleys to the white clouds that encircle the mountain tops, by the dense forests and by the steep precipices - wherever there is earth - there are the terraced fields to be found. They seem to rise and fall as if part of an attempt to put a ladder up to the heavens.
The reclamation of the land to make the terraced fields began in the Yuan dynasty, and was completed in the early Qing dynasty. The efforts of the farmers to increase the amount of land available lasted for a period of more than six hundred years. Those ancestors who toiled on the mountain slopes could never have imagined what it would become. Their great achievements embody the strong will, the intelligence, and the strength of mankind.
The terraced fields present spectacular views all through the year. When spring comes, the terraced fields are full of water and look like silver necklaces hanging between the mountains. Summer presents a joyous picture, with green waves of plants swelling and pouring from heaven. During fall, entire mountains become golden towers, promising a good harvest. And in winter they offer a crystallized world of white ribbons circling the peaks, winding and overlapping. It is said that the best time of year to appreciate the Dragon Ridge Terraced Fields is at some point in spring or in mid-fall. During the busy spring ploughing season, you can see the thin clouds moving slowly between the hanging fields, the peasants in brightly coloured clothes at work, and the cattle feeding in the mirror-like green fields. It is interesting that in the expansive world of the terraced fields, the biggest individual fields are of very little account by themselves, and most of the fields are fit only for one or two rows of plants.
The scenery of Seven Stars accompanying the Moon refers to the seven highest points of the terraced land, while Nine Dragon and Five Tigers are the terraced ridges soaring to the sky. They are at their most spectacular when they are full of water and in spring, when the peasants transplant the rice seedlings.
Here, you can appreciate the original, authentic, and refined local arts such as the Dragon Ridge Copper Drum Dance, the Master Dance, and the Shoulder Pole Dance - and taste the flagrant Dragon Ridge tea and wine, and other local delights. The ancient and primitive Zhuang construction methods remain unchanged. The Zhuang people set up their houses along the mountains and they keep the surroundings clean. The lifestyle here is easy and simple. Push open the back window, and see a girl combing her long hair on the veranda, women carrying babies in their arms, old men walking slowly with hoes on their shoulders, and grandmothers ever embroidering at the front doors. You cannot but be aware of the intoxicating simplicity of life here.
The Yao are usually related to the Red Yao, mainly living around the Heping township area. Women of the Red Yao maintain the tradition of having their hair long. Lingering on the terraced fields, sometimes you will catch sight of a woman with her hair hanging down to her feet. And once a Guinness World Record was created here by 60 women who all had 4 ft 7 in (1.4m) long hair!
Standing on the viewing platform, which overlooks the beautifully as well as convolutedly curving terraced fields, you can spot the display of the Red Yao women's long hair. What a pleasant experience to have!
Location
Dragon Ridge Terraced Fields are located in Ping’an village at Ping township in Longsheng country, 14 miles (22.5km) from Longsheng and 64 miles (103km) from Guilin city.
Climate
Dragon Ridge has a moderate and humid climate. Owing to the fact that the terraced fields are located at a high elevation, between 980 ft (300m) and 3600 ft (1100m), there is a big temperature difference between night and day.
Of Special Interest
The landscape varies with the four seasons. In spring, summer, and fall, it is a series of colour engraving. In winter, it is a stark woodcut in black and white.
Main Attractions
The Zhuang and Yao live here. You will be able to appreciate their special clothes and individual dances, as well as their ancient folk songs.
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