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The Jiabang Rice Terraces, located northeast of Jiabang Township in the heart of Yueliang Mountain in western Congjiang County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, 80 kilometers from the county seat, are among China's finest terraced fields. Dotted among the terraces are the unique stilt houses of the Miao people. They are a masterpiece passed down through generations by the Miao people, who traditionally rely on rice and fish soup.
The Jiabang Rice Terraces are a masterpiece of the local Miao people. Developed along the mountainside, they present a variety of beautiful lines, reflecting the changing terrain. Not only are they magnificent in scale and imposing, but they are also graceful in form. Overall, the Jiabang Rice Terraces embody the essence of terraced fields worldwide.
Subtropical monsoon climate; in mid-to-late May every year, water is released into the terraced fields, and the waterscape is at its most beautiful at this time. In the sunlight, it reflects light like a mirror, beautiful and dazzling; in October every year, half a month after the rice matures, the golden color twists and stretches all over the mountains. If you like photography, you can't miss it.
The mountain villages and small villages nestled among the terraces complement each other, blending seamlessly into nature and embodying the harmonious beauty of humanity and nature. The Jiabang Rice Terraces begin flooding between April and May each year, and early October is the perfect time for photography, with the golden rice fields intertwined with the silvery waters, creating a truly stunning scene.
free
All day
Jiabang Terraces (Jiabang Rice Terraces) lie in Jiabang Township, Congjiang County, Guizhou. They are carved by the Miao ethnic people over generations to adapt to steep terrain, combining agriculture, mountain landscape, and folk culture.
The standard ticket price is ¥80. There is a shuttle bus fee (≈ ¥40) inside. Tickets are sold at the entrance or via travel platforms.
Advance booking is not strictly required in low season, but recommended during weekends, golden season, or holidays to avoid queuing. (No explicit advanced booking window in sources.)
A full visit to major viewing platforms and some walks will take about half a day (3–5 hours). To capture sunrise, sunset, and deeper exploration, plan 1 overnight stay.
Guided tours are offered via local agencies in Mandarin. English tours might be available through international operators, but not commonly noted. Audio guides are not clearly mentioned in available sources.
Enter via main gate → shuttle to initial viewing platform → walk/take shuttle to successive platforms (1 → 3 → 5 → 6) → descend through villages (Jiache, Dangniu) → return via alternate path or shuttle. Overnight stay to capture sunrise.
Night visiting of terraces is unusual. Though the scenic area claims opening until 22:00, light shows are not widely advertised. Evening ambience and star views may be experienced from homestays.
The terraces attract many visitors especially autumn and weekends. The least crowded times are weekdays, early mornings, and off-peak seasons (spring, late autumn) before or after peak.
Cash is helpful in villages and small shops. Major ticketing and guesthouses often accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay / Alipay). (Common in Chinese scenic zones; not explicitly cited)
Homestays and village eateries serve local Miao cuisine (sour soup, rice flower fish, local meats). Some tea houses or small cafés in scenic villages.
Vegetarian options (vegetable dishes, rice) are generally available. Vegan or halal choices may be limited—ask locally. (No explicit source)
Souvenirs include Miao embroidery, silver ornaments, local handicrafts, textile goods, rice products. (Typical in Miao villages)
