Longxian is a traditional Rice-Fish Culture system (RFC) village, located in Qingtian County, Zhejiang Province, China. It spreads over 461 ha and has 50 ha of RFC that represent an ingenious agricultural rice-fish mutuality practiced by farmers over generations. Instead of using pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, fish eat plant hoppers and weeds while providing nutrient for rice. As they swim in the paddies, they soften the soil and bring oxygen in the water. As reciprocity, rice plants provide shades for fish. 
However, RFC is facing threats which are the impact of rapid economic growth, urbanization and the so-called modern agricultural techniques. Longxian is a typical emigration village, where most of the labor force has moved abroad. Local statistics show that over 650 villagers are now working and living abroad. The main source of income for most residents is the remittance from those who emigrated. Since the revenue of farming is less than one tenth of that of non-farming jobs, the village has experienced a decline in the number of farmers, especially of the young labor.
Through the GIAHS Initiatives rice fish practices in China have made a comeback and given hope to small farmers. Since its launch in 2005, an action plan and a supportive institutional framework has been developed for the county involving local, national and international beneficiaries and stakeholders. The local government of Qingtian has internalized the GIAHS concept and has taken steps forward to promote the conservation of their heritage.