(TITC) – Nestled amid the majestic Ngoc Linh Forest, Mang Ri Commune in Quang Ngai Province unfolds like a breathtaking natural painting. Its terraced fields, winding elegantly around the mountainsides, embody generations of farming knowledge and the soul of the Xe Dang people – a living testament to a unique wet rice cultural heritage in the Central Highlands.
A Masterpiece Crafted by Mountain Hands
For centuries, the Xe Dang people have ingeniously harnessed the terrain, using rainwater and mountain streams to cultivate rice. Their terraced fields, layered meticulously along the slopes, reflect not only hard labor but also intelligence, resilience, and deep respect for the land. Each terrace is a vivid proof of humanity’s ability to harmonize with nature.
When the rice ripens, the fields transform into a golden silk ribbon across the mountainside. Swaying in the wind, the rice appears as a shimmering sea of gold amidst the forest. From above, Mang Ri resembles a living ink painting, blending yellow rice, verdant mountains, and the wisps of smoke rising from rustic stilt house rooftops.
The Golden Season – Heaven and Earth’s Festival
The period from late September to early October marks Mang Ri’s most brilliant phase. Early morning mist still clings to the peaks of Ngoc Linh – dubbed the “roof of the Central region” – as autumn sunlight bathes the valley in a warm glow. Gentle winds stir the heavy grains, releasing the fragrant aroma of ripening rice, mingling with the subtle scent of kitchen smoke, creating a serene and welcoming harvest atmosphere.
For the Xe Dang, harvest season is more than a time of reaping crops; it is a sacred community festival. The new rice celebration honors heaven and earth, praying for favorable weather and abundant harvests. Amid the sound of gongs, villagers dressed in colorful brocade sing, dance, and enjoy bamboo rice and rice wine by the fireside. The vibrant celebrations capture the richness and enduring spirit of Xe Dang culture.
A Captivating Destination in Ngoc Linh
Beyond its agricultural and cultural value, Mang Ri’s terraced fields offer a unique tourism experience in Quang Ngai’s western mountains. Visitors come not only to witness the golden landscape but also to immerse themselves in the simplicity of mountain life.
Amid shimmering golden fields, stilt houses nestle on misty slopes, while in the distance rises the majestic Ngoc Linh peak, a place where the essence of heaven and earth converges. Each scene invites photographers to capture the enchanting “golden season of Mang Ri.”
The journey also offers hands-on experiences of indigenous culture: exploring brocade weaving villages, bamboo instrument making, and basket weaving – each craft reflecting the soul of the mountains. Local cuisine adds another layer to the experience, from grilled chicken with bamboo rice to leaf soup and salted basil, offering rustic flavors infused with highland warmth.
Preserving and Promoting Heritage
With the growing appeal of community tourism, local authorities and the Xe Dang are balancing heritage preservation with sustainable tourism development. Organized programs allow visitors to participate in harvests, learn about Xe Dang traditions, and explore the terraced landscape responsibly.
Today, Mang Ri is more than a land of rice and gongs – it symbolizes the harmony between heritage and modern development. Amid the hum of everyday life, the echoes of harvest gongs, the scent of golden rice, and the warm smiles of the Xe Dang continue to shine across the mountainsides of Ngoc Linh.
Tourism Information Technology Center
