As the golden hues of autumn spread across east China’s Zhejiang Province, the Yunhe Terraces awaken with the bustle of harvest. With a history spanning over a millennium, these terraces cover 51 square kilometers and rise more than 1,200 meters, gracefully draping across mountains, hills, and valleys. They stand as the largest terraced fields in east China, a testament to the enduring ingenuity of generations of farmers.
In the crisp morning air, local farmers can be seen tending to the ripe rice fields, their hands skilled from years of cultivating the land. The rhythmic motion of harvesting fills the landscape, creating a picturesque scene that bridges the past and present.
This year, the local cultural and tourism department has introduced a unique study tour during the harvest season. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in traditional farming practices\u2014cutting and threshing rice, and crafting delicate handicrafts from rice stalks. It’s an opportunity not only to witness but to participate in the age-old customs that have shaped the region’s identity.
Meanwhile, in the city of Yiwu, known affectionately as the “hometown of brown sugar,” the harvest season signals the start of sugarcane gathering. Farmers busy themselves in the fields, cutting tall stalks of sugarcane that will soon be transformed into rich, sweet brown sugar using traditional methods passed down through generations.
The harvest in Zhejiang is more than an agricultural event; it’s a cultural experience that offers insights into the harmonious relationship between the people and the land. For travelers and cultural enthusiasts, the season provides a vivid tapestry of sights, sounds, and tastes that capture the essence of rural China.
Reference(s):
Live: Experience the countryside harvest scene in E China's Zhejiang
cgtn.com
