龙脊梯田 英文导游词

Longji Rice Terraces

Good morning, everyone, our bus is heading for a significant scenic spot——Longji Rice Terraces that have a long history in China. As we all know, rice terraces are slopes claimed from nature for cultivation in hilly or mountainous areas. Longji Rice Terraces are the most famous terraces in China which is well-known not only because of its agricultural sight but also the folk-customs and local life.

The Longji Rice Terraces are located in Heping District, Longsheng County about two hours’drive from Guilin so they are also called Longsheng Rice Terraces. They are at an altitude of 330–1,110 meters. The highest rice terraces located at 880 meters above sea level while the lowest of it is about 380 meters. Their wonderful scenery attracts numerous photographers every year.

Work on the terraces began in the Yuan Dynasty (1271~1368) and completed in the Qing Dynasty (1644~1911) by the Zhuang and Yao people. Well, the reason for Chinese people to cultivate rice in such difficult places is that they have no choice. China has too many hills in Guilin which is not suitable for the development of agriculture. “A large population but not enough arable land" is Chinese basic national condition so when farmers could not find the plain to grow rice they tend to the terraced field to get what they want. All those stepped fields were built without aid of machinery and people still use the method of slash-and-burn cultivation. What’s more, water is the lifeblood of the terraces and the terraces are lifeless without water. The water is diverted from nearby rivers and mountain streams and it flows continuously down through the successive rice fields. Therefore, there is no doubt that The Longji Rice Terraces are embodiment of the wisdom and diligence of the working people.

Here, we’ll be absorbed in attractive culture and customs. Longji Rice Terraces are home to many ethnic people and there are numerous Zhuang and

Yao and Dong villages among the terraces. They built unique wooden houses here and woman there all wear their ethnic clothes. The women like to wear embroidered headwear and an apron covered with exquisite handwork. Zhuang ladies will also wear intricate handmade silver earrings, bracelets and necklaces. For their homes, those are old black gray houses on stilts; the ground floor is used for storage of the raising of animals, while upper floor with rooms and a fire pit is the living area. Those ethnic cultures and customs are also attracting features to visitors. Visitors can experience the Zhuang people’s original lifestyle and enjoy their traditional dances and special food. They may have an impression of entering another wonderful land. Among the traditional Zhuang-style house, there are excellent guest houses that can cater to all your practical needs. From a distance, the terraces look like contour lines on a topographical map, texturing the ridges, mountainsides and valleys.

Additionally, the observation deck is the best spot to appreciate the beauty of Longji Rice Terraces. It is said that over the centuries, there has been an unwritten rule that every village has to volunteer for three days work repairing the road every year. Therefore we have well-paved road here today.

The fantastic scenery of Longji Terraced Fields is gorgeous and worthy visiting in different seasons. In spring, the fields are irrigated and looks like silvery mirror; in summer, the terraces become green and invigorating with fantastic green waves; in autumn, the terraces turn to be golden as it is the harvest season; and in winter, if you are lucky enough to see the snow, then those magnificent scenery will be one of your most unforgettable memories. What’s more, The Rice Terraces are much more attracting after the rain as the rain has cleaned the mountains and the morning fog disperses.

After a brief introduction, you may grasp information about this spectacular landscape, once arriving at the destination, you had best