Archaeologists discovered that the first rice species were cultivated in the Jangtse River area in China over 7,000 years ago. The climate allowed rice plants to be grown, so agriculture is deemed to be a silver bullet of China. The agricultural way of life has had a strong influence on the ideological, economic, social, and political developmentе of China which is why the Chinese culture is often referred to as the 'rice culture.'
The variety of rice in China is enormous: green rice, Arborio, brown rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, Japanese rice, sweet rice, and much more. China grows around 28% of the world's total rice production on the land area of 299 million acres. The rice is grown from seed in exceptionally safe shoal water. The crops are usually planted out in April and harvested in September. In the southern areas, where the weather is warm enough to raise two harvests a year, it is brought up from March to June and then again from June to November. After nearly 40 days the seedlings are planted out in the paddy field.
The best time to witness rice harvest in China is autumn, as northern regions harvest crops from September to October, and the double-crop rice harvest occurs from October to November. China has several most picturesque rice terraces, such as the Longji Rice Terraces, the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, the Jiabang Rice Terraces, the Ziquejie Rice Terraces, the Yunhe Rice Terraces, the Jiangling Rice Terrace, and the Youxi Rice Terrace.
All in all, rice is easy to store and cook. Moreover, together with soybeans rice provides basic but affordable nutrition for most of the Chinese population.
Practical info
When is the best time to witness rice harvest in China?
Autumn marks the prime time to witness rice harvest in China with the northern regions harvesting crops from September to October and double-crop rice from October to November. The season also provides the perfect opportunity to see famous picturesque rice terraces like Longji Rice Terraces, Yuanyang Rice Terraces, and several others. Show more
Which regions are renowned for the most picturesque rice terraces in China?
An unforgettable experience awaits those who visit China's picturesque rice terrace regions. Longji Rice Terraces, Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Jiabang Rice Terraces, Ziquejie Rice Terraces, Yunhe Rice Terraces, Jiangling Rice Terrace, and Youxi Rice Terrace are a few must-visit destinations. Each offers unique characteristics, striking landscapes, and ample photo opportunities for visitors to capture unforgettable memories. Show more
How did rice cultivation shape the economic, social, and political development in China?
The rice culture played a vital role in shaping China's economic, social, and political development. Rice was a significant crop and food source that sustained the large population. It created an agricultural way of life, leading to changes in the state's development. Agriculture-based society led to the creation of an intricate social and political system, primarily focusing on kingdoms that thrived, banking on useful agriculture to power their growth. Show more
What are the different varieties of rice that China produces, other than the popular jasmine and basmati rice?
China's rice production offers an array of varieties beyond ultra-popular Jasmine and Basmati rice. Japonica, glutinous, fragrant, and round-grained rice are among the high-yielding hybrids unique to China. Moreover, green rice, Arborio, brown rice, Japanese rice, and sweet rice provide travellers with other varieties to discover. These can be paired with different dishes to create a delicious and satisfying meal! Show more
How is the rice grown in China, and what is the significance of the shoal water in the process?
Shoal water, approximately seven inches or less deep, plays a crucial role in the process of rice cultivation in China. Shoal water promotes seed growth and development in seedlings, providing nutrients from drowned soil. Crops are planted in April and ready for harvest by September in the north. However, southern regions with two harvests usually have crops planted from March to June, later harvesting from June to November. This farming method significantly contributes to China's staple food production, ensuring that it maintains its place as a leading food source. Show more
