Gillick's World Explores China: Hunan, Guangdong and Guanxi | Page 39

After the cultural performance, we sampled local rice wine, before heading to the famous rice terraces and Jinzhu Village, home to members of the Zhuang minority. While the majority of tourists (thankfully) headed to the cable cars to get an aerial view of the terraces, we took the road less travelled—actually a walking trail that slowly curves up the mountain, offering spectacular views of the terraces, up close and personal. th The Longji rice terraces were first cultivated in the 13 century as an efficient means of growing rice on a mountain. Terraces decrease soil erosion while increasing opportunities for irrigation. The nickname, Dragons Backbone Rice Terraces, refers to a mythological vision of nine dragons meeting five fierce tigers on the mountain slope. The terraces look like the dragons’ scales while the mountain ridge resembles the backbone. On misty days, it is said that the dragons can be seen galloping in the clouds over the mountain. The spectacular scenery changes with the seasons, so this is an ideal destination for travellers seeking to unplug, to contemplate, daydream or simply to stare sheer beauty in the face. As we continued walking, the clucking chickens, crowing roosters, nosey dogs and curious children seemed to announce our arrival in Longji Ancient Zhuang Village. The Village museum provides an excellent overview of Zhuang culture, including “the four treasures of Longji”, all of which are products of the high mountains and cold climate: 1) Cloud and Mist Tea 2) rice wine 3) glutinous rice and 4) red hot chili peppers.