Adebo Rice Terraces of Jinping County in Honghe Prefecture

Adebo Rice Terraces in Jinping County (金平县阿得博梯田)

Jinping County (金平县), located in Honghe Prefecture (红河州), is home to over 20,000 acres of Hani (哈尼) rice terrace landscapes, which hold significant cultural and ecological importance. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hani Rice Terraces (红河哈尼梯田), the Adebo (阿得博) area in northern Jinping County is renowned for its stunning and well-preserved terraces. The region emphasizes sustainable development, preserving the heritage of the terraces, and ensuring both ecological conservation and agricultural prosperity.

1. Cultural and Ecological Conservation in Jinping County

Since the successful inclusion of the Hani Rice Terraces on the UNESCO World Heritage list a decade ago, Jinping County (金平县) has prioritized ecological and cultural preservation. Yang Yaoxun (杨耀勋), Director of the Jinping County Hani Terraces Management Bureau (金平县哈尼梯田管理局), explains, "We have adhered to President Xi Jinping's (习近平) ecological civilization thoughts, focusing on protecting the forest, villages, terraces, and water systems—this 'four-element unified' ecological system. We are committed to maintaining the balance between conservation and sustainable use, enhancing agricultural incomes, and integrating agriculture, culture, and tourism for overall development."

Jinping County (金平县) has effectively combined its Hani terraces with other prominent features, such as being a "China’s Longevity Town" (中国长寿之乡), "China's Natural Oxygen Bar" (中国天然氧吧), and "Honghe Butterfly Valley" (红河蝴蝶谷). The county is actively developing a "green economy" and promoting eco-tourism to ensure that villages benefit from both beautiful landscapes and strong economic opportunities.

2. Adebo Hani Terraces: A Scenic Marvel

The Adebo Hani Terraces (阿得博哈尼梯田), located in the northern part of Jinping County (金平县), are one of the most impressive sections of the Hani Rice Terraces. With an area of approximately 22,000 acres, these terraces are well-preserved, and their dramatic landscape offers breathtaking views. Visitors to Adebo (阿得博) can enjoy the stunning mountains, sea of clouds, and intricately designed terraces, which together create one of the most picturesque scenes in the region.

3. Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Eco-Tourism Integration

To promote sustainable farming practices, Jinping County (金平县) has developed the "Jinping County Hani Terraces Protection and Development Plan (2023-2035)" (金平县哈尼梯田保护与发展规划 2023—2035). This plan focuses on enhancing watershed protection, preserving terrace water systems, improving rural infrastructure, and safeguarding traditional Hani architecture. Additionally, it aims to strengthen the "four-element unified" ecological system and protect the region's unique cultural heritage.

The county has also launched the "Adebo Ecological Demonstration Base" (阿得博生态示范基地) for rice-fish-duck farming, which integrates agriculture with eco-tourism. In this base, 1,000 acres of high-quality red rice (优质红米) are grown, while 75 acres are dedicated to the "rice-fish-duck" model, which combines aquaculture and agriculture. According to Cao Derui (曹德瑞), Party Secretary of Adebo Township (阿得博乡), this base serves as a demonstration for the entire township, with plans to expand successful practices across the region.

4. A Landscape of Beauty and Serenity

In the summer, after rainfall, the terraces take on a magical quality. The lush, vibrant terraces seem to flow across the mountainsides, with the soft scent of rice flowers filling the air. The terraces create an intricate, spiraling pattern that stands out under the sunlight, offering one of nature's most magnificent landscapes. This place truly embodies the beauty of the natural world.

5. Future Development and Rural Revitalization

In collaboration with local authorities and agricultural agencies, Jinping County (金平县) has established its first "Integrated Agricultural Complex" (综合农业园区) in Kunyi Mi (昆一迷). This project combines ecological farming practices, such as rice, fish, and duck cultivation, with the preservation of the terraces. The goal is to balance agricultural growth, environmental protection, and eco-tourism, benefiting the local community and the ecosystem.

This initiative plays a critical role in the ongoing development of the region, contributing to rural revitalization and economic growth. The integration of agriculture, cultural preservation, and eco-tourism will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the Hani Rice Terraces and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.