Misty Terraces Paint Idyllic Rural Scene in Southern Anhui
Anhui’s mountainous regions are renowned for their serene landscapes and well-preserved rural charm. On May 23, after summer rains, the villages of Baidi Town, Jingde County, Xuancheng, lay nestled amid lush green hills. Terraced fields emerged and vanished gently within a soft sea of clouds, blending harmoniously with traditional rural dwellings to form a tranquil and elegant pastoral scene.
Known as one of China’s Characteristic Towns, Baidi Town enjoys a unique landscape where terraced farming meets dense woodland and frequent mist. The local “cloud terraces” stretch across hillsides, their water-filled levels shimmering like scattered mirrors after rainfall. As clouds drift through the valleys, the terraces and villages appear as if floating above the mountains, creating a landscape often compared to a traditional Chinese ink painting.
Beyond its natural beauty, Baidi Town stands as a gateway to the Huangshan Mountain tourism circle, with a cultural heritage spanning over a millennium. It is home to Jiangcun, an ancient village with 1,400 years of history, and the Jingshe Ancient Road, a 15‑kilometer passage dating back to the Sui Dynasty. These sites, together with the area’s distinctive Xuanslate craftsmanship, form a rich cultural tapestry that complements the natural scenery.
In recent years, Baidi Town has developed integrated cultural and tourism industries, combining sightseeing, rural experiences, and wellness retreats. New facilities include glamping sites, paragliding bases, and experiential workshops for intangible cultural heritage, attracting growing numbers of visitors seeking both natural tranquility and cultural immersion.
As sustainable rural development advances across China, places like Baidi Town exemplify how ecological preservation and cultural heritage can support vibrant local economies. The misty terraces of southern Anhui remain a timeless destination, where visitors can experience the quiet beauty of traditional rural life.
