Terraced fields are strip-shaped, step-like, or undulating areas built along contour lines on hilly slopes, effectively controlling soil erosion on sloping land significantly enhancing water retention, soil preservation, and crop yield.

With favorable ventilation and light conditions, terraced fields facilitate crop growth and accumulation of nutrients. Depending on the slope gradient, they come in various forms, such as horizontal, sloping, and compound terraces.

The width of terraces is determined by slope steepness, soil depth, cultivation methods, labor, and economic conditions, requiring unified planning with irrigation and drainage systems and access roads. Retaining topsoil during construction and employing agricultural practices like deep tillage, organic fertilizer application, and planting suitable pioneer crops after terracing accelerates soil maturation and improves fertility.

Due to varying natural and geographical conditions, levels of land management, labor, land use practices, and farming habits, the forms of terraced fields differ, with various classification methods briefly outlined as follows:

1. Horizontal Terraces transform gentle slopes (generally less than 15°) into horizontal stepped fields to maintain soil and grow crops or trees.

2. Intermittent Terraces: Where horizontal terraces and natural slopes are aligned, maintaining a certain width of the original pitch between upper and lower decks.

The slope area can serve as a collection area for the next level of horizontal terraces, cultivating crops on the flat terraces and grass or water collection on the slopes. The width ratio between flat terraces and slopes is typically 1:1.

3. Reverse-Slope Terraces: These terraces have higher external slopes and lower internal slopes after leveling, varying degrees of steepness depending on the original mountain slope. Ranging from 1.5-3 meters wide and adjusted in length based on terrain fragmentation, reverse-slope terraces improve site conditions, conserve water, and are suitable for dry areas, heavy erosion, and relatively flat mountain slopes, though their construction requires substantial labor.

4. Compound Terraces: These involve multiple terraces, like horizontal, sloping, and intermittent terraces, adapted to the land's topography through comprehensive planning. Coupled with necessary measures such as horizontal ditches, they enhance erosion resistance and water retention on sloped fields, optimizing land utilization, saving construction investment, and enhancing soil conservation benefits.

Terraced fields exist worldwide, a crucial agricultural land utilization method in human history. Crops grown on terraces vary due to environmental factors. While European balconies mainly cultivate grapes and olive trees, Asian patios predominantly grow rice.

The Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," display lush green terraces on high mountains. Visitors can enjoy specially crafted cocktails, tribal dances, and the soothing sound of irrigated fields.

Although the viewing experience here may not match other terraced landscapes worldwide, combined with its higher altitude causing the sun to reach its zenith when shining on the terraces, capturing picturesque views becomes a challenge.

Consequently, foreign tourists, mainly European and American backpackers, prefer immersing themselves in local customs, riding jeepneys to view the terraces, enjoying sunsets in small groups along terrace edges, and leisurely wandering through ancient tribal villages. The serene, green seedlings of the decks create an ideal space for people to pause, experience the unique mountain scenery, and savor indigenous cultures.

The terraced paths, ascending amid rice fields and cliffs, create a unique "mountaineering" experience that leaves a lasting impression. This fusion of sacred traditional culture and fantastic landscape viewpoints forms a beautiful scene, reflecting the integration between humans and the environment. It represents a living cultural landscape, showcasing unparalleled beauty and cultural heritage.