Gaokan Rice Terraces

Gaokan Rice Terraces

Located at the border between Gong County and Junlian County in Yibin City, there are nearly 100,000 mu of rice terraces. Because this area lies between the two counties and is quite remote, these vast terraces are little known to outsiders. The journey from Luobiao Town to Gaokan Township is about ten kilometers, but within just a few kilometers, you can already see terraces covering the mountainsides. The entire route is an upward slope, with the terraces situated to the east of the road. For photography, early mornings with backlighting offer the best effects. These terraces span a large area, winding along the mountain ridges and interwoven with dense forests and residential buildings, allowing for vivid shots of rising smoke and layered paddies. Thanks to the undulating ridgelines, when mist rises, you may feel as if you've stepped into a fairyland.

Gaokan Township is located in the southeastern part of Junlian County, about 56 kilometers from the county seat. Thousands of acres of magical and magnificent high-altitude rice terraces are distributed across mountains at elevations of 650 to 960 meters, standing in rows that seem to touch the sky. In spring, thin mists linger around; in summer, green waves ripple; in autumn, golden hues dominate; and in winter, shimmering light dances on the water. With breathtaking scenery all year round, it has attracted many photography enthusiasts from both within and outside the province.

The Gaokan Rice Terraces have been rated as one of the “100 Most Scenic Spots and Photo Locations in Sichuan.”

Gaokan Township: I. Administrative History

During the Qing Dynasty, it was part of Shangwujia under Anning Township in Gao County. In the Republican era, it was initially a sub-district, then part of Luomurou District. In the 18th year (1929), Gaoshi Township was established. In the 24th year (1935), it was called Shangshi Joint Defense Area, under the Fourth District (based in Luomurou). In the 29th year (1940), it was again named Gaoshi Township. In the 34th year (1945), in June, it came under the jurisdiction of the Muhuai Administrative Bureau (and in the 37th year, under Muhuai County). In 1950, it was incorporated into Junlian County. In 1956, a part of Pingdeng Township was merged into Luomurou District (formerly the Fifth District). In 1958, it became Jianshe People’s Commune. In 1984, it was renamed Gaokan Township after the establishment of Gaoshikang, and has retained that name to this day. In 2001, it administered Wuxing, Hongqi, Dadi, Shunhe, … More detailed information about Gaokan Township ++