Rural China from Above - Aerial View of iconic villages and landscapes (Longsheng, Tulou, Yangshuo)

Beautiful aerial view of some of China's most unique and picturesque villages.

Rice is the quintessential staple dish in most Asian countries and China is no exception. Rice fields are found across the country, from the plain waterways of Zhejiang province to the mountainous regions in Guangxi, boasting some of the most stunning terraced paddy fields in the world.

Guangxi is where Longji (Dragon's Backbone) rice terraces are located. The area has been a crucial part of the agricultural sector in the region, and is now also becoming a popular tourist attraction. With an altitude ranging from 300 to 1100 meters, the rice terraces dominate the surrounding hills. Several small towns (such as Dazhai) are linked via small pathways, although development is underway for several narrow roads.

A little further in the video you will find shots of the so called 'Fujian tulou'. These are traditional Chinese rural dwellings, built by the Hakka people between the 12th and 20th centuries. The structure itself is a large enclosed and fortified earthen building, mostly round or rectangular in shape. Tulou vary in size, the largest have over 100 separate rooms. Many of the buildings were also constructed as an effective stronghold for defense against armed bandits that roamed the region in previous centuries.

These clips were shot on the DJI Phantom 4 earlier this year, mostly in the Guilin, Yangshuo, and Dazhai region in Guangxi, as well as around Yongding county in Fujian province.

Music: 'Days are long' from Youtube royalty free audio library.

Copyright of all footage: Hoffer Media