Cedric Zhe Wang
Gallery
Longji Terraced Fields, Longsheng, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Longji, or Dragon's Back, is located to the northwest of Guilin City. The terraced fields are distributed on the slopes on both sides of a ten-mile-long valley. The Zhuang and Yao people have lived here for generations and are engaged in rice cultivation. This area was developed as a scenic area after 2000, and is now a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) site.
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My visits to Longji were in July 2016 and July 2018. All four major villages in Longji were investigated. Tourism development has been mature in this area. Zhuang people live in Ping An and Guzhuang village. The Zhuang live in Dazhai and Xiaozhai.
Some photos that I took in the field are shown in this gallery.
Ping An village 平安寨
New hotels and hostels expanded the area of this village after the starting of tourism in 2006. Visitors preferred to live here for its proximity to the viewing platform of watching sunrise. Over half of the houses have been used for hospitality.
About half of the hotels were run by outsiders, who rented the entire house from local Hani people. Land renting is prohibited according to the homestead policy in rural China. House-leasing was an important livelihood for Pugaolaozhai villagers.
Garbage were randomly pulled to the road side. Hygiene remains a major problem in the village due to lack of facilities and management.
New hotels and hostels expanded the area of this village after the starting of tourism in 2006. Visitors preferred to live here for its proximity to the viewing platform of watching sunrise. Over half of the houses have been used for hospitality.
Guzhuang village 古壮寨
Not all terraces are paddy fields. On the steep slopes and land near the village, "dry" terraces are planted with trees, corn and vegetables.
A local villager built and ran this hotel. It has a mix of architectural styles: western Roman Columns and the mushroom house-like façade. Yellow façade color is a mandatory color for new buildings overseen by the Terraces Authority (the government office responsible for heritage management).
Solid waste becomes a problem when the flood comes.
Not all terraces are paddy fields. On the steep slopes and land near the village, "dry" terraces are planted with trees, corn and vegetables.
Dazhai village 大寨
The terraced fields are usually located on the downhill slopes of the village. Above is the forest. Water, a central Hani worship, is stored in the forest soil, flows through the village for daily use, and fills the terraced fields. The forests are believed as places where the gods live.
"Beautiful Countryside" has been listed as a national policy in rural China to improve infrastructure. Duoyishu has been chosen as a pilot village. Funds were allocated to repair roads and villagers' houses.
Student helpers were interviewing a mom in Duoyishu. As in other villages, women and children stay in their hometown.
The terraced fields are usually located on the downhill slopes of the village. Above is the forest. Water, a central Hani worship, is stored in the forest soil, flows through the village for daily use, and fills the terraced fields. The forests are believed as places where the gods live.
Xiaozhai village 小寨
When play Moqiu, two people ride on or hold each end of a wooden post, repeatedly rise, fall, and rotate.
Hotels near Aicun Village are all on the roadside, but most of them are empty. The village is famous for its blue rice terraces that only appear around 9-10am. Few tourists stay longer.
In order to protect the zhai shen lin forest from being demolished and develop tourism, the villagers clashed with the tourism company. Now, these woodlands are fenced and protected.
When play Moqiu, two people ride on or hold each end of a wooden post, repeatedly rise, fall, and rotate.