Rice is a staple food of half of the world's population and has been instrumental in our efforts to prevent potential famines, but that's only part of what makes it such a beautiful plant. The flooded rice fields that stretch across the Far East and other areas that cultivate rice are stunning, lending their beautiful landscapes a unique look that at once structures and blends in with the natural landscape.

Rice technically doesn't have to be flooded, but it does require a lot of water to grow, and flooding makes it harder for weeds to take root and for vermin to eat the precious grains.

Luckily for travel and landscape photography aficionados, these flooded paddies also give them the opportunity to take stunning pictures! Take a look, add your own beautiful photos if you've got them, and vote for your favorites!