Across Maoming, South China's Guangdong Province, rice terraces are turning gold as the autumn harvest approaches. Fields follow the contours of the hills in Xinyi and Gaozhou, creating patterns of green and yellow that will soon give way to harvest.

Xinyi: Rice terraces winding through the mountains

In Qiufenggen Village, more than 700 mu (about 47 hectares) of rice terraces wind across the hillsides. Morning mist often hangs over the fields before the rising sun reveals the changing colors of the rice.

Rice terraces in Qiufenggen Village, Xinyi, Maoming City, South China's Guangdong Province

In Wushengmi Village, the rice is beginning to ripen, with yellow spreading gradually across the green fields. The terraces are expected to turn fully golden in about a week.

Rice terraces in Wushengmi Village, Xinyi, Maoming City, South China's Guangdong Province

In Sihe town, terraced fields wind through the mountains around traditional villages, where mist and sunlight transform the landscape throughout the day.

Rice terraces in Sihe town, Xinyi, Maoming City, South China's Guangdong Province

Gaozhou: Golden fields at higher elevations

In Xiashuiwei Village, at more than 800 meters above sea level, the terraces form bands of green and gold across the hills. Harvesting is expected to begin around October 27.

Rice terraces in Xiashuiwei Village, Gaozhou, Maoming City, South China's Guangdong Province

In Baihe Village lies what is described as the largest expanse of natural rice terraces in western Guangdong. Surrounded by green hills, the terraces follow the contours of the valley, glowing in the warm light of the setting sun.

Rice terraces in Baihe Village, Gaozhou, Maoming City, South China's Guangdong Province

Other places to see the seasonal colors include Taosha Village in Xinyi, Zhoukeng Village, Wangsha Village and Shiwu Village in Gaozhou, as well as Zengxian Village in Huazhou.

Huangjiang Village, Dianbai, Maoming City, South China's Guangdong Province

The harvest is expected to continue into early or mid-November. Visitors should take care on winding mountain roads and stick to paths around the fields to avoid damaging crops.

Author | Liu Xiaodi

Photos | Maoming Daily, Maoming Fabu