Discover the Magical Rice Terraces of China and Indonesia! 🌾✨

Have you ever seen fields that look like giant steps climbing up a mountain? 🏔️ Welcome to the amazing rice terraces of China and Indonesia! These incredible landscapes show how people and nature can work together to create something truly beautiful.

Honghe Hani Rice Terraces in China 🇨🇳

In the mountains of Honghe, in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, you’ll find rice terraces that are over 1,000 years old! 😲 They were started during the Sui and Tang dynasties and stretch from the foot of the mountains all the way up to the tops, which are over 2,000 meters high.

The local Hani people built these terraces to grow rice on steep mountain slopes. 🌱 Their villages are nestled halfway up the mountains, with water channels flowing right through them. The terraces, villages, forests, and water systems all work together in harmony. It’s like nature’s own jigsaw puzzle! 🧩

In 2013, the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That means they’re protected so people can enjoy them for years to come! 🏆

Bali’s Subak System in Indonesia 🇮🇩

Over on Indonesia’s Bali Island, famous for its beautiful beaches, there’s another spectacular sight: the rice terraces irrigated by the Subak system. 🌾 This system isn’t just about watering crops; it’s a philosophy called “Tri Hita Karana,” which means harmony between humans, nature, and the spirit world. 🧘‍♂️

The Subak system dates back to the 9th century and is still used today! It includes canals, dams, and even temples. Together, they create a unique landscape that attracts visitors from all over the world. 🌍

In 2012, the Cultural Landscape of Bali Province was also named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Isn’t it cool how these ancient systems are still important today? 😄

Why Are These Terraces Important?

These rice terraces show us how people can adapt to their environment in smart ways. By building terraces, they can grow crops on steep mountainsides. Plus, they look absolutely stunning! 📸

Next time you’re thinking about nature and history, remember the amazing rice terraces of China and Indonesia. Maybe one day, you’ll get to visit them too! ✈️

Reference(s):

Traditional irrigation landscapes draw visitors in China and Indonesia

cgtn.com