Today is a long scenic drive in the minibus and I am looking forward to seeing lots of the Guanxi countryside and up into the mountains. I say a sad goodbye to the Li River Retreat and head away from the towns to get a small peek into rural and minority life in China. We are heading for 'Dragon's Backbone', a region where the rice paddies have been set amongst steep mountains.
There has been a landslide in the main road due to the recent rain, and we are diverted to an alternative route. There are 5 villages, but the minibus is not able to negotiate the last few miles and we decamp to a tourist coach that is purpose-designed. And even that is unable to get up to the village of Ping An, so the last 40 minutes is an uphill climb by foot. I am extremely hot and bothered, but the view makes up for my aches and pains. The terraces are like green ribbons flapping gently in the breeze across the mountainside as far as the eye can see. I get my first close up of an ear of rice, and other crops are planted in-between: ginger, bananas, chillies, tarot and sweetcorn. Its all peasant farming and I've never seen the like before. Richard, Ian and myself stop at a little house where the farmer is supplementing his income with some hospitality. Louise makes it to the very top. The locals are referred to as ethnic minorities and are extended some special privileges e.g. they are not bound by the one child policy. Once again, I'm very pleased that we have taken the time to visit this part of China.
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| Rice terraces with village in the background |
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| An ear of rice |
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| The long, hot walk up to the village |
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| Chilli and washing drying in the garden |
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| Classic Image of China or what! |
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