"Into the Miao Terraced Fields: Merging Yourself with the Curves of Green Mountains and Clear Waters"

Miao Terraced Fields Journey: Understanding Millennia of Farming Wisdom Amidst the Clouds and Mist It is often said, "To see terraced fields, go to Longji; to taste the soul of terraced fields, visit the Miao." Taking advantage of the beautiful autumn, I ventured into the Miao terraced fields of Southeast Guizhou. Here, there are no noisy crowds, only layers of terraced ridges, mist-shrouded mountains, and rustic Miao villages. The two-day trip felt like a deep dialogue with nature and history. 1. Quick Overview: The "Core Highlights" of the Miao Terraced Fields The Miao terraced fields are famous for their "curved beauty" and "cultural integration," with the core areas concentrated around Leishan and Congjiang counties in Southeast Guizhou. The three most worthwhile spots to visit are: • Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village Terraces: Coexisting with the Qianhu Miao Village, the terraces wind from the foot to the top of the mountain. In the early morning, mist drifts over the terraces and stilted buildings, creating a fairyland. • Jiabang Terraces: Known as "one of China's most beautiful terraced fields," these terraces have large elevation differences and dynamic curves. Along the way, small Miao villages are scattered, exuding a strong original ecological atmosphere. • Tang’an Terraces: A lesser-known secret spot connected to Tang’an Dong Village (a place where Miao and Dong cultures blend), preserving the oldest farming irrigation system called "wood-carved water distribution." 2. Travel Tips: Practical Guide to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Transportation • Public Transport: Take the high-speed train from Guiyang to Kaili South Station (40 minutes), then transfer to a tourist bus to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village (1.5 hours, 35 RMB). To reach Jiabang Terraces, take a bus from Kaili to Congjiang (2.5 hours), then transfer to a local minivan (1 hour, carpool 20 RMB/person). • Self-driving Advice: Mountain roads are winding and some sections narrow; novice drivers should be cautious. Jiabang Terraces have multiple viewing platforms along the way, allowing you to stop and take photos anytime. 2. Tickets and Routes • Tickets: Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village including terrace sightseeing costs 45 RMB/person; Jiabang Terraces are free (some viewing platforms charge a 10 RMB cleaning fee); Tang’an Terraces are free. • Classic Route: Day 1 Guiyang → Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, spend the afternoon exploring the village and climbing the viewing platform to watch the terrace sunset; Day 2 Xijiang → Jiabang Terraces, stop at Dangniu Village and Jiache Village terraces along the way, stay overnight at a Miao homestay; Day 3 Jiabang Terraces → Tang’an Terraces, hike the ancient farming trail before returning. 3. Accommodation and Food • Accommodation: In Xijiang Miao Village, you can choose stilted house homestays (average 200-400 RMB/night) with terrace views from the window; for Jiabang Terraces, it is recommended to stay at Jiache Village homestays (150-250 RMB/night) to see the sea of clouds over the terraces in the early morning. • Food: Must-try dishes include sour soup fish (Miao special sour soup with local paddy fish), bamboo tube rice (glutinous rice mixed with cured meat and shiitake mushrooms), and pickled fish and meat (Miao specialty cured flavors). Authentic flavors can be enjoyed for about 60 RMB per person. 3. Experience Reviews: Moments Worth Cherishing • Xijiang Terrace Sunset: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Climb the highest viewing platform in the Miao village; at dusk, the sunset dyes the terraces golden red, the curves of the ridges resemble flowing musical staves, and smoke curls from the stilted houses. Every shot is a "healing" masterpiece. • Jiabang Terraces Hiking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hike along the ridges from Dangniu Village to Jiache Village (about 3 km). Below are water-filled terraces, beside you are hardworking Miao farmers, and occasionally you can hear their Miao songs. The original ecological experience far exceeds expectations. Note the ridges are narrow; wear non-slip shoes and be cautious in rain. • Tang’an "Wood-Carved Water Distribution": ⭐⭐⭐⭐ An irrigation wisdom invented by Miao and Dong ancestors—using grooved wooden pieces to allocate water, ensuring every terrace receives irrigation. Local elders enthusiastically explain the principle, inspiring awe at ancient wisdom. • Miao Village Bonfire Party: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ At night, the village organizes bonfire parties where villagers and tourists dance the lusheng dance and sing Miao songs, also enjoying free rice wine and sticky rice cakes, quickly immersing you in Miao cultural atmosphere. 4. History and Culture: The "Millennial Code" in the Terraces The Miao terraced fields are not naturally formed landscapes but miracles "carved" by the sweat of the Miao people over thousands of years. Historical records show that Miao ancestors migrated to the mountainous areas of Southeast Guizhou due to wars. To survive, they cultivated terraces on steep slopes, following the concept of "relying on mountains and water, adapting to the terrain," creating a farming system where "the height of the mountain, water, and fields are all matched." These terraces are not just farmland but contain a complete cultural chain: from the irrigation wisdom of "wood-carved water distribution," to the ecological agriculture of "rice-fish-duck" symbiosis (raising fish and ducks in rice paddies to form a natural cycle), to Miao songs and sacrificial rituals related to the terraces (such as the "Opening Seedling Gate" praying for a good harvest). Every inch of ridge carries the Miao’s survival philosophy and cultural genes. 5. Travel Impressions: Encountering the Most Genuine Beauty by the Terraces One morning at Jiabang Terraces, I followed the homestay owner to experience rice planting in the fields. Bending down, I could see the reflection of clouds and myself in the water. The Miao auntie taught me the technique while speaking in imperfect Mandarin, saying, "This field was passed down from ancestors; we must protect it well." At that moment, I suddenly understood the meaning of the terraces—they are not just "scenery" for viewing but the "roots" passed down through generations of the Miao. Compared to the fast pace of the city, life in the Miao terraced fields is slow: waking up to rooster calls, watching clouds roll by on the ridges in the afternoon, and gathering around the fire pit at night listening to elders tell stories. There are no crowded internet-famous spots here, only the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture, making you want to stay longer and immerse your body and soul in this layered greenery.