Description
In Huan Tan Town, Suixian County, thousands of acres of tea-oil gardens were cultivated through terraced farming. Here, the beauty of the landscape derives not only from nature’s craftsmanship but also from the marks of human activity. Contemporary rural beauty is no longer merely pastoral poetry; amidst mountains and rivers, there are also various robust infrastructural megastructures: the lines of terraces, the contours of water reservoirs, and the upright forms of transmission towers.These elements serve as tools for production and life, yet they also emerge as new landscape symbols. In their simplicity, they reveal a sense of utility and strength, showcasing the authenticity of human interaction with nature. Today, the lookout tower has evolved into an essential communal space for the tea mountains. With seating, lighting, and an open square, tea farmers from near and far gather here, their lively conversations and the crisp sounds of tea fruits drying filling the air day and night. The fire lookout tower has transformed from a distant “eye” into a bustling gathering place, not only anchoring the site physically but also forging deeper connections between people and the land.