When summer comes, ricefields are growing ripe and are ready to be harvested.

In June, Huanghua Island in Zhongxian County, Chongqing, is bathed in greenness. When you look around, you will see green rice plants on the terraces that stretch upward along field paths, presenting a magnificent idyllic view.

The observation platform is a perfect spot to enjoy a commanding view of the terraces. With the terraces stretching up on the mountainsides, the mountains look like a chain of green pagodas or, if you look closer, necklaces on the necks of pretty girls. When there is a breeze, the rice plants will swing back and forth elegantly with some egrets brushing past them now and then, which presents the most beautiful dance of nature.

Located in the center of the "Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Bonsai on the Yangtze River" scenic area, it is a naturally occurring heart-shaped island caused by the return water of the Yangtze River, hence the nickname of "Celestial Island in the Yangtze River" and "Heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area." Known for a unique wetland landscape of its kind, Huanghua Island boasts beautiful wetlands, lush forests, and fertile fields; all these have created a fantastic ecology.

Unlike those grown in other places, rice plants on Huanghua Island grow on an island located in the middle of the Yangtze River. Because of a unique environment and a small planting area, rice produced here is particularly precious. Moreover, Huanghua Island, located in the middle of the Yangtze River, is often half-hidden in the morning mist, making it look like a playful fairyland. Hence, locals also call it "Celestial Island" and call rice grown on it "Celestial Rice" (the two words "island" and "rice" have similar Chinese pronunciations).

Last year, Huanghua Island started growing rice after land reclamation, and about four hectares of fields produced tens of thousands of kilograms of rice. This year, green rice plants are thriving. When autumn comes, there will be a bumper harvest.

As time goes by, the old city has been here for nearly 800 years. In history, Huanghua Island was also known as Huanghua City. As an emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty ever lived here before he ascended to the throne, the character of "Huang (meaning imperial in English)" was added to its name. Also because of this, Huanghua Island was recorded in history books.

Since 2016, Chongqing Municipal Research Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology has carried out the archaeological investigation, exploration, trial excavation, excavation, and other work on Huanghua Island. In addition to porcelain, ironware, copper coins, eaves tiles, and other objects of the Song Dynasty, rice was also found. It indicates that Huanghua Island has a long history of growing rice.