Alan Barrett Images | The Bigger Picture | Yuanyang rice terraces


The Yuanyang rice terraces in Yunnan province of southern China have recently been accorded UNESCO World Heritage Status, in recognition of the distinctive indigenous culture of the Hani people who till them.

To the photographer, the terraces offer endless opportunities with mist a frequent addition to the compositional challenge. In winter, the terraces are flooded and the still waters reflect the colours in the sky, whilst some terraces are naturally coloured by duckweed, planted to give protection to the resident fish.