Mountains are as dark as ink, and clouds and mist drift like veils. At the National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction—Miyi Lisu Terraced Fields Scenic Area—layer upon layer of rice waves spread along the contours of the mountains. Viewed from above, they wind upward like the fingerprints of the earth, presenting a spectacular sight.

These Miyi Lisu terraced fields, located at an altitude of 1,600 to over 2,000 meters, are hailed as a "living fossil" of agricultural culture. They grow Miyi Terraced Field Red Rice, with a planting history of over a hundred years to date. Thanks to natural farming methods and a long growth cycle, the red rice not only has a unique taste but also exceptional nutritional value, earning it the title of "one of the Top Ten Excellent Crop Germplasm Resources in China."

"The red rice in the terraces is growing well currently, in the heading stage, and will enter the flowering and pollination stage next. It is expected to mature successively from September to October," introduced He Hui, a staff member of Xinshan Lisu Ethnic Township. Looking around, rice plants surge like waves in the wind; newly emerged rice ears, like brushes dipped in paint, outline a charming landscape painting in the gentle breeze.

Beautiful scenery attracts visitors, who get so immersed that they are reluctant to leave. Tourists from all over the country are enchanted and keep praising it. "It's my first time in Miyi, and it feels like stepping into a 'paradise on earth'—it's so beautiful!" said Luo Ye, a tour guide who brought 28 tourists from Chengde, Hebei Province. The cool climate and fresh air made everyone exclaim that the trip was well worth it. "The terraced fields amidst the misty clouds are like a landscape painting. Walking on the plank road, I really feel like 'walking in a painting,'" smiled tourist Chen Siwen.

Today, in Xinshan Lisu Ethnic Township, layers of rice waves surge, nurturing the hope of a bumper harvest; cups of coffee are infused with the fragrance of rice; laughter comes from every homestay; curling smoke rises from each restaurant... Leveraging its natural resource advantages, Xinshan Lisu Ethnic Township continues to upgrade infrastructure and enrich new business forms, enabling these beautiful terraced fields to constantly radiate new vitality through the integrated development of agriculture, culture, tourism and health. (Text/Photos by Xia Yujiang)