An aerial view of the "Chinese rice bowl", a colorful rice pattern in the shape of two hands holding a bowl of rice. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

A paddy field featuring a design of two hands holding a bowl was recently seen in Yugongqiao village, Yuhang district, Hangzhou.

According to Mo Honghua, a staff of the agricultural producer, the pattern, named "Chinese rice bowl", was designed by Zhejiang University and inspired by the famous saying, "Chinese should hold their rice bowls firmly in their own hands at all times".

"The colorful rice paddy was planted in early June, with purple, yellow, red and white rice growing in the center and ordinary rice surrounding it," Mo said.

The pattern represents the hopes of local residents to have good harvests every year and also calls for people to stop food wastage, become more aware of food security issues, and work together to foster thriftiness.

The Chinese government has recently urged the nation to step up efforts to prevent food wastage.