Arabfields, Farah Benali, Economic Correspondent, China — As the autumn harvest gets underway in northern China, farmers in She County are turning their rice fields into more than a source of agricultural production, using landscape design, cultural tourism and digital sales to create new opportunities for rural communities.
Across approximately 120 hectares of farmland in the mountainous county of Handan, rice fields transformed into large-scale agricultural artwork have reached maturity, with farmers taking advantage of favourable weather conditions to gather this year’s crop.
The 2026 harvest is expected to reach around 300 metric tons of paddy rice, equivalent to approximately 175 tons after milling. This represents an estimated average production of 2.5 tons per hectare, highlighting the agricultural contribution of the project alongside its growing tourism appeal.
For local farming households, however, the initiative offers benefits beyond the traditional harvest. By combining agricultural production with visitor attractions, the county is seeking to create additional sources of income in an area where mountainous terrain and limited industrial development have historically shaped economic opportunities.
Each year, the rice fields are redesigned around a different artistic theme, attracting visitors interested in rural landscapes, agricultural culture and local traditions. The approach has gradually turned farmland into a tourism destination while maintaining its primary role in food production.
The harvested rice will be dried, processed, packaged and sold through several commercial channels, including tourist-area outlets, retail businesses and livestreaming platforms. This distribution model allows farmers and local businesses to reach consumers beyond the immediate region, while benefiting from the commercial activity generated by tourism.
The strategy also reflects a broader transformation in China’s rural economy, where local authorities are increasingly seeking to connect agricultural production with cultural heritage and service-sector development.
She County, located at the intersection of Hebei, Shanxi and Henan provinces, has several attractions supporting this approach. Its historical landmarks, including the Wahuang Palace, traditional stone-terrace agricultural landscapes and revolutionary heritage sites, provide a foundation for attracting domestic visitors.
Investment in rural roads, tourism facilities, homestays and educational farming programmes has further strengthened the county’s efforts to develop its visitor economy. These activities create opportunities not only for farmers but also for accommodation providers, food vendors, transport operators and small businesses.
The economic potential of the project is particularly significant when considering the relationship between agricultural output and local tourism. With 300 tons of paddy rice expected from 120 hectares, the county has a measurable production base that can support the development of branded local products.
The estimated 175 tons of milled rice also provide an opportunity to increase the value of the harvest through packaging, marketing and direct sales. If the current production level is maintained, the agricultural project could continue supplying local retail channels while benefiting from the additional exposure generated by tourism.
Looking ahead, the outlook will depend on the county’s ability to maintain agricultural productivity, attract visitors beyond the autumn season and expand its online distribution network. Maintaining the current cultivated area and production performance could preserve annual output at around 300 tons, although future harvests will remain subject to weather conditions, farming costs and market demand.
For residents, the longer-term objective is to ensure that tourism generates sustainable economic benefits rather than temporary seasonal activity. Greater demand for local rice, rural accommodation and traditional products could help strengthen household incomes and encourage younger generations to remain involved in the local economy.
She County’s experience illustrates how agricultural landscapes can become economic assets when farming is connected to tourism, culture and digital commerce. While the scale of production remains relatively modest, the model offers a practical example of how rural communities can diversify their income without abandoning their agricultural foundations.
