In Southeastern part of Yunnan province in China lies the spectacular rice-paddy terraces. They cover 16,603-hectares. Part of the area now forms the 45th World Heritage Site in China. Over the past 1,300 years, the Hani people have developed a complex system of channels to bring water from the forested mountaintops to the terraces. They have also created an integrated farming system that involves buffalos, cattle, ducks, fish and eel and supports the production of red rice, the area’s primary crop. The inhabitants worship the sun, moon, mountains, rivers, forests and other natural phenomena including fire. They live in 82 villages situated between the mountaintop forests and the terraces. The villages feature traditional thatched “mushroom” houses. The resilient land management system of the rice terraces demonstrates extraordinary harmony between people and their environment, both visually and ecologically, based on exceptional and long-standing social and religious structures.

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Once a year, the rice terraces are filled with water before the plantation begins.  It makes for an interesting time for photography. This series was shot over a few weeks time, waiting for the right light and the right weather.  This series represents different time of day for the beautiful rice terraces.  The coloring of the rice terraces, reflecting the light during different time of day makes for a beautiful Van Gogh-ist painting.