The highlands of western Guangdong are now tinged with the colors of autumn. In Maoming’s Xiashuiwei Village, 450 acres of terraced fields cascade down the mountainsides like golden veils, creating a spectacular display that has attracted crowds of tourists and photographers.

Nestled among rolling hills, the village’s terraced fields spiral from the valley floor up to 800 meters above sea level. These meticulously carved tiers, resembling the growth rings of an ancient tree, showcase generations of farming wisdom. During the harvest season, golden rice paddies blend with winding paths and distant misty peaks, creating a breathtaking panorama often described as the earth’s fingerprints.

This is the terraces’ most glorious moment of the year — not just a visual feast but an economic boon for villagers. Harvested only once annually, the traditional rice has become a sought-after specialty, while fresh local vegetables and river fish are equally popular. Visitors consistently praise how the agricultural products grown in such a pollution-free natural environment are exceptionally sweet and delicious.