Restoration reclaims Yunhe's ancient ridges

Zhejiang province's 1,000-year-old rice terraces flourish once more after decade-long campaign

Editor's note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

On a clear morning, the Yunhe rice terraces emerge from the mist like green staircases climbing toward the clouds. Water shimmers in thousands of stepped paddies, their stone walls traced along the contours of the mountains of Yunhe county in Eastern China's Zhejiang province.