Recently, in the remote mountainous area southwest of Jingning County, Lishui City in Zhejiang Province, high-altitude terraced fields at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level are celebrating a bountiful harvest. As the autumn breeze sweeps across the landscape, waves of golden rice undulate, creating a breathtaking sea of gold. This success marks the culmination of over a decade of efforts to restore these terraced fields.
In Yeqiao Village, located in the Shawan Town of Jingning County, villagers are actively harvesting mature rice, threshing it, and packing it into bags for transportation down the mountain via a rail system. This bustling scene of abundance stands in stark contrast to a decade ago, when the area faced water shortages and an exodus of workers, leading to widespread abandonment of the land.
The degradation of farmland and soil erosion had severely disrupted the local ecosystem. Similar issues plagued Huchu Village and the terraced fields of Fenghuang Zhai, where the combined area exceeds 10,000 acres.
With the ongoing promotion of ecological civilization, Jingning County has initiated a comprehensive restoration of the terraced wetland ecosystem. The local government has facilitated land transfers from the villagers to collective groups, which in turn, lease to major grain producers. Simultaneously, efforts to cultivate previously abandoned fields and improve water conservation infrastructure have been undertaken. This combination of integrated planning and careful management has spurred more than ten years of dedicated restoration work.
Throughout this process, the community has prioritized conservation, opting to employ manual labor over heavy machinery to prevent damage to the fields. The restored irrigation and drainage systems create a beneficial cycle, where the forests nurture the water supply, sustaining the fields and preserving the soil.
As of now, over 4,000 acres of the 10,000-acre terraces have been successfully restored. In 2024, grain producers are experiencing record harvests, with rice yields reaching as high as 1,000 pounds per acre. With government support, these farmers have also implemented a rail system in the fields, significantly reducing transportation costs.
One prominent grain farmer, Wu Huajin, shared that he has integrated fish farming into his rice paddies, which not only promotes a healthier ecosystem but has also increased his income. In 2024 alone, his earnings from rice and fish exceeded 150,000 yuan.
Fenghuang Zhai Village stands at the heart of this transformation. Once home to fewer than 100 residents, the village is now bustling again with both returning locals and workers from neighboring areas. Chen Xianqing, the Party branch secretary of Fenghuang Zhai, emphasized that cultivating such a large area requires substantial manpower, effectively addressing local unemployment. Many villagers who had previously left are now coming back, revitalizing the community.
With over 3,500 acres of arable land, Fenghuang Zhai once faced abandonment on three-quarters of its fields. Today, more than 2,000 acres have been rehabilitated through ecological management, with efforts continuing on the remaining neglected land.
In addition to agricultural advancements, the terraced fields of Fenghuang Zhai have evolved into a unique scenic attraction. Nestled among lush mountains, the terraces undulate gracefully, offering a picturesque landscape that captivates visitors. During holidays, tourists flock to the area to admire its rustic beauty and stroll through the terraced fields.
The effective restoration of the terraced wetland ecosystem is also paving the way for greater economic opportunities in the region. The influx of visitors supports local bed-and-breakfasts and farmhouse dining experiences. The town is actively working on revitalizing unused agricultural housing to develop tourism, leisure, and hands-on farming experiences.
