Once barren and saline, the banks of the Yellow River in Dongying City, east China's Shandong Province, now bloom with vibrant, colorful rice-field art—large-scale slogans and patterns created by planting different rice varieties—blending ecological renewal with autumn romance.
Visitors can ride sightseeing carts through the fields, take in the rolling rice waves, or climb the viewing tower for photos. This year, the area has also introduced activities such as rice field fishing and treasure hunts.
From October to December each year, flocks of migratory birds stop at the Yellow River estuary wetlands, marking the start of birdwatching season in Dongying's Kenli District. Local authorities have kicked off the autumn birdwatching season with rice-field art.
The land where the rice field art is displayed was once left idle due to high salinity and alkalization. In recent years, local authorities have improved the soil through land leveling and better irrigation infrastructure, and partnered with research institutions to develop salt-tolerant rice varieties. The result is a productive, eco-friendly field that doubles as a massive canvas for landscape art.
"We specially breed colorful ornamental rice based on the design, then carry out precise surveying and manual transplanting. By mid-June, all the rice is planted, and by mid-July, the outlines of the artwork start to emerge," said Shao Lichen, a staff member at the rice field art scenic area.
The rice field art is expected to remain on view until mid-November. After the autumn harvest, the rice straw will be recycled and combined with straw art installations to create winter landscapes, filling the gap in the winter season and ensuring scenery and activities year-round.
Saline land transformed into giant rice-field art in Shandong
