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"LAYER UPON LAYER TERRACE MEET THE CLOUD AND HEAVEN"
CHINA - YUNNAN PROVINCE The warm air of the valley bottom going up the mountain slopes, hits the evaporation of the water of the ricefields thus forming clouds and thick fog.�Clouds and fog transformed in rainfalls flow into rivers and treams which through a web of artificial drainage channels is carried by the Hani towards the villages, providing the necessary source for their daily lives.� Any excess water ends up in the ricefields below which through an ingenious regulating system drains away from the highest terrace� bringing it to the one in the lowest point.� A Hani proverb says: � �the highest the mountain, the highest the water�.� The canals also allow it to dispose of the excess water during the heavy rains and to maintain the humidity should a drought arise.� The natural land fertility is increased by the wise use of water:� The Hanis are masters of the water more than the masters of the land.�It is calculated that in order to cultivate a chilo of rice around 3000 to 10000 litres of water are needed.�Men and women, together without the aid of any modern machinery, but only with the strength of their arms, create new farming space.�
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