Terraced fields are strip-shaped plots constructed along contour lines on hillsides or slopes.

They serve as effective measures against soil erosion on sloping land, significantly aiding in water retention, soil preservation, and enhanced agricultural productivity.

With favorable ventilation and light conditions, terraced fields promote crop growth and accumulation of nutrients. They come in various forms, such as horizontal, sloping, and tiered terraces, depending on the gradient of the land.

The width of terraced fields depends on slope steepness, soil depth, farming techniques, labor availability, and economic conditions, often planned in conjunction with irrigation systems and access routes. During construction, preserving topsoil is crucial. Post-construction agricultural practices such as deep plowing, organic fertilization, and planting appropriate pioneer crops accelerate soil maturation and improve fertility.

Terraced fields, altering the landscape, not only provide extensive arable land but also become picturesque landscapes, a testament to the labor and ingenuity of people. Due to variations in geographical conditions, labor force, land use practices, and farming traditions, terraced field construction methods vary, mainly categorized as horizontal, sloping, reverse slope, and compartmentalized terraces.

Horizontal terraces feature flat field surfaces and embankments constructed through a half-cut, half-fill method. They effectively control soil erosion, facilitate irrigation, and are suitable for cultivating rice, field crops, and fruit trees. However, their construction involves substantial earthwork and can lead to soil quality decline when lower layers are exposed, making them more suitable for regions with deep soil layers and better economic conditions.

Sloping terraces, also known as transitional terraces, exhibit longitudinal field surfaces with certain inclines. As continuous plowing and water flow occur, the upper soil layers gradually move downward, altering the slope into a flatter surface resembling horizontal terraces.

These terraces suit dryland crops or fruit trees, requiring contour farming practices. While their construction involves less effort, they have lesser water retention and soil conservation capabilities than horizontal terraces, ideal for regions with thinner soil layers and limited labor.

Reverse slope terraces have field surfaces opposite the direction of the mountain slope, slightly tilting inward with a minimal gradient. They possess strong water retention, soil preservation, and fertilization capabilities but demand more labor, which is suitable for dryland crops and fruit trees.

Compartmentalized terraces retain a certain width of the original mountain slope between adjacent horizontal terraces, serving as a water collection area for the lower-level decks. These can be used for cultivating flat patios and grass planting on the slopes, preventing erosion, collecting water, producing mulch, and facilitating livestock grazing.

Terraced fields have existed since prehistoric times, initially as cleared forests or defensive structures, gradually evolving into an intensive method to utilize mountainous areas efficiently.

Constructed along contour lines, these stepped or undulating agricultural plots alter terrain gradients, control runoff, stabilize soil, and significantly enhance food production per unit area. Mountains provide the framework for terraces, while human agricultural civilization infuses them with vitality, allowing their legacy to endure for centuries.