Honghe Hani Rice Terraces

In the deep mountains of Yunnan Province, China There is a miracle called 'Stairway to Heaven'—Yuanyang Terraces. Yuanyang Hani Terraces The Hani people here, for thousands of years, have lived in harmony with nature, following the ancient farming methods, with their hands and wisdom, they have carved terraces between the mountains, like a symphony of nature, each layer carries the hard work and wisdom of the Hani people. The Red River Hani Terraces cover an area of 17 acres, the terraces cultivated by the Hani people are large in scale and have been listed on the World Heritage List. Yuanyang Terraces is the core part of the Hani Terraces. Best time to visit: Every year from November to April During the 'flood season' of the terraces, after the rice is harvested, the fields are filled with water Under the sun, it sparkles and presents different colors with the undulating terrain, colorful, like a palette of the earth🎨 【Transportation】 The scenic area is about 36 kilometers away from Yuanyang County, all the way up the mountain The altitude rises from more than 200 meters to 2000 meters. The road condition is good, but it's all winding mountain roads, it's more convenient to drive or charter a car. Yuanyang Hani Terraces Scenic Area Ticket🎫 70 yuan (valid for three days) includes: Bada, Tiger Mouth, Duoyi Tree Azheke needs to buy a separate ticket, 30 yuan Three core scenic spots: Duoyi Tree, Tiger Mouth, Bada. Must go: Watch the sunrise at Duoyi Tree (around 7 a.m.) Take pictures of the multi-colored terraces at Tiger Mouth, long shots and close-ups, sunset Love spring to take pictures of blue terraces (before 10 a.m.) Watch the sunset at Dawazhe (free) Watch the sunset at Bada (ticket required) 【Tips】 To capture the sunrise and sunset requires luck, the fog in the mountains is heavy, often the clouds are thick in the morning, but the sun comes out during the day. Actually, the terraces seen in normal weather are also spectacular... The temperature on the mountain is much lower than at the foot of the mountain, remember to wear a thick coat. The mountain road has ninety-nine bends, be prepared for motion sickness It's hard to go up the mountain, if you stay, it's recommended to stay near Duoyi Tree, there are many guesthouses, good views, and convenient for dining. Self-driving camping, about 1 kilometer past the visitor center, there is a large parking lot, with charging stations and toilets, many RVs rest here.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Yunnan is one of the famous tourist attractions in China, known for its magnificent terraced landscape. Here is a five-day travel guide to Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Yunnan for reference: Day 1: Arrive at Yuanyang·Honghe After arriving in Yuanyang, you can choose to rest in the city and adapt to the local environment. There are some famous attractions in Yuanyang County, such as Yuanyang Dam and Nanping National Forest Park. You can visit these attractions to understand the natural and cultural characteristics of Yuanyang. Day 2: Go to Yuanyang Hani Terraces Yuanyang Terraces Scenic Area. Yuanyang Terraces is one of the most beautiful terraces in China, with a magnificent natural landscape and unique farming culture. You can visit attractions such as Dongba Village, viewing platforms, and photography treasures to appreciate the beauty of the terraces. In the terraced scenic area, you can also hike or bike to experience the farming culture and local lifestyle. Day 3: Continue to visit other attractions in the Yuanyang Terraces Scenic Area. The Yuanyang Terraces area is very wide, with many famous viewing points, such as Yangchun, Wuzhai, Union, and Yuntree. You can choose to visit one or several of these attractions to deeply understand the formation and cultural background of the terraces. Day 4: Take a car to the surrounding minority villages. There are some minority villages around Yuanyang County, such as the Hani and Yi. You can choose to visit one or several of these villages to understand the traditional culture and customs of the minorities. Day 5: On the last day, you can return to Yuanyang County and visit other attractions in the county or shop and relax in the city. There are some characteristic blocks and shopping centers in Yuanyang County, where you can buy some local handicrafts and souvenirs, such as Hani embroidery and wood carvings. During the trip, please respect the natural environment and local residents, pay attention to the protection of the ecological environment and ethnic culture of the terraces. At the same time, pay attention to your own safety, especially when hiking and cycling, pay attention to safety measures. I hope you have a pleasant time on your trip to Yuanyang Terraces in Yunnan!

Yunnan Yuanyang Rice Terraces are a spectacular wonder of agricultural civilization created over more than 1300 years by generations of the Hani people, utilizing the unique geographical climate. In 2013, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List, with a core area of 170,000 mu, and its scale is extremely large. World Heritage core 𝟯 major scenic areas: ❶ Bada Scenic Area: Includes Qingkou, Quanfuzhuang, Malizhai, and other contiguous 14,000 mu of rice terraces. ❷ Laohuzui Scenic Area: Includes Mengpin, Dongpu, Baoshanzhai, and nearly 6000 mu of rice terraces. ❸ Duoyishu Scenic Area: Includes Duoyishu, Aichun, Dawazhe, and other contiguous tens of thousands of mu of rice terraces.

Picture 1-2 Sailimu Lake In January, Sailimu Lake is more tranquil without the hustle and bustle of the peak tourist season. The movement of ice blocks makes the ice bubbles rise and fall. It is known as the last tear of the Atlantic, with very clear water. When the lake is completely frozen, it will stage a blue ice scene that is no less than Lake Baikal. Picture 3-4 Changbai Mountain In January, Changbai Mountain seems to be in a fairy tale world, covered in silver and beautiful. You can enjoy the excitement and fun brought by snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding; you can also appreciate the magical rime landscape and feel the magic and grandeur of nature. Picture 5-6 Yunnan · Yuanyang Terraces Every year in December, the water is filled, and by January of the following year, it is the most beautiful time. Climbing to the top of the terraces, you can see the changing sea of clouds, the half-mountain villages that are looming, and the majestic view of the terraces. The scenery will change with the ethereal light and fog at any time, forming a beautiful landscape of mountains and fields.

The Hani Rice Terraces are a spectacle of terraces created over 1300 years by the Hani people and other ethnic groups, utilizing special geographical conditions, and the Yuanyang Rice Terraces are the core scenic area of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. The most "practical" guide 🌾 Yuanyang Rice Terraces 'contract' the high mountains and deep valleys of the Ailao Mountains, and it is recommended to visit for 2-3 days, with self-driving being the most convenient. 🌾 The best viewing area for the terraces is from November to April of the following year, because of the water season; starting from April, the transplanting period is not as picturesque. 🌾 The terraces are most beautiful at sunrise and sunset, and during the day, most of the terraces are not very attractive. 🌾 There are three areas in the Yuanyang Rice Terraces scenic area: Bada, Tiger Mouth, and Duoyishu, but there are four areas in terms of distance: Jingkou Hani Town is very close to the entrance of the scenic area, the terraces are not large, but you can watch the sunrise, and the colors are rich during the day. The Hani town has a better environment for food and lodging. Bada scenic area is large, and the sunset is more beautiful, but it is difficult to appreciate during the day. There is a coffee shop on the No. 2 viewing platform, which opens after 12 o'clock. Tiger Mouth scenic area has two viewing platforms, upper and lower, with beautiful scenery at the bottom, but it is very tiring to go up and down. You can spend 10 yuan to enter the local people's terraces, which are not crowded and have a good position. There is a coffee shop halfway up the mountain, which opens in the afternoon. Duoyishu scenic area has the most beautiful sunrise and also beautiful colors during the day, a must-visit!! The scenic area also includes Aichun, Dawazhe, and other roadside more primitive terraces, which are generally ordinary. Dawazhe is also a place to watch the sunset, with an open space beside the mountain road, no fences, and a lot of garbage. 🌾 The most worthwhile village to visit in the scenic area is the ancient Hani village of Azheke, which requires an additional ticket, 30 yuan/adult. 🌾 The best hotel to watch the sunrise is the Duoyishu Mid-Mountain Resort Hotel, which is located on the viewing platform and has its own viewing platform, but it is pricey and hard to book. Alternatively, you can choose the same owner's Yunshang Mid-Mountain Resort Hotel, located at the entrance of the scenic area, and for an additional 20 yuan, you can go to Duoyishu Mid-Mountain for breakfast. Both hotels offer free tickets to the rice terraces scenic area. Tickets: 70 yuan/adult (multiple entries to various terraces scenic areas within 72 hours) 🌾 Around 6:30 on weekends, Duoyishu is not yet congested, but the nearby mountain roads are narrow and there is always roadside parking, which may cause congestion. 🌾 The best spot in Duoyishu is a matter of opinion, but the place with three layers inside and three layers outside in the old mage should be the best. However, I personally think the hotel side has a good position. 🌾 The free parking lots in each scenic area are not large, and if you park on the villagers' land, you may be charged 10-20 yuan. 🌾 Fire pit chicken (the kind cooked around a stove), dipping chicken, roasted tofu, and various wild vegetables all taste pretty good.

Yuanyang Terraces are located in the Ailao Mountains at an altitude of 1000-2000 meters. The babbling streams in the forest pass through the mountains, nourishing the terraces layer by layer. Through the sunlight at different seasons, heights, and angles, it reflects different colors with the surrounding crops, weeds, shrubs, and algae. Originally, I was hoping to shoot the effect of the golden red water reflection of the sunlit terraces, but when I got to the scene, I realized how difficult it was. In addition to the need for the sun to come out red, there must also be a sea of clouds, but the cloud layer cannot be too thick or too thin, this is the rhythm of fighting with the sky. However, just this giant painting screen like a carving, its momentum is so magnificent that it is enough to make people stop and admire.

The beauty of the terraces' layers and curves is so impressive because of their unique shape and structure. The terraces are built along the mountain contours, layer upon layer, creating a strong sense of three-dimensionality. Each level of the terrace seems like a staircase of the earth, extending all the way to the horizon, making one feel the natural wonder of creation. The layered terraces are like the fingerprints of the earth, shimmering with enchanting light under the sun. 🚉 Travel Tips: The terraces are on the mountains of Yuanyang County. After reaching Yuanyang County by expressway, you need to take a winding mountain road from an altitude of 1000km to 1700km. The road up the mountain can be divided into two sections, the first is from the expressway to the entrance of the scenic area, which is a national highway with two lanes and is relatively easy to travel. The second section is from the entrance of the scenic area to the viewing platform, which is a genuine mountain road. ✨ Highlights of the Visit Watch the sunrise at Duoyishu Rice Terraces Get up early and head to the Duoyishu scenic area to wait for a stunning sunrise feast. The golden sunlight spills over the layered terraces, and at that moment, it's as if time stands still. Enjoy the sunset glow at Tiger Mouth Rice Terraces In the evening, the Tiger Mouth Rice Terraces will put on a spectacular light and shadow show, with the terraces under the sunset glow looking like a poetic painting. View the sea of clouds at Bada Rice Terraces When the mist lingers, the Bada Rice Terraces seem to be in a fairyland, with clouds, terraces, and villages composing a dreamy pastoral landscape painting. Experience Hani culture in Azheke Village Step into the ancient Azheke Village to experience the original lifestyle and traditional culture of the Hani people, visit the mushroom houses, and understand the agricultural wisdom of the Hani. Terrace Viewing Period: From November to March of the following year, the water-filled terraces reflect like mirrors. From April to May is the rice planting season. From June to July, the breeze blows through the rice waves, and everything is green. From late September to October is the autumn harvest, with golden rice fields. 📝 Tips to Note: The best season to view the Yuanyang Rice Terraces is from November to April of the following year, when the terraces are full of water and the light and shadow effects are at their best. The appearance of sunrise, sunset, and the sea of clouds depends on the weather. Respect local customs and maintain environmental cleanliness, do not enter areas that are not open to the public.

| Must be included in the travel list (Full Guide). The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are simply too beautiful, worthy of being the largest and most beautiful terraces in China, very spectacular, under the sun it is a natural palette, colorful, breathtakingly beautiful, today let's follow Xi Rong to take a look, if you like it, save it ➤Introduction Yuanyang Rice Terraces are a major feature of Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, listed as a World Cultural Heritage site, it is a landscape of mountains and fields that the Hani people have 'carved' tirelessly for more than 1300 years, on a grand scale, with great momentum, known as 'the harmony of man and nature'. Yuanyang Rice Terraces have three major scenic areas: Bada Scenic Area, Tiger Mouth Scenic Area and Duoyi Tree Scenic Area, each with its unique charm, Yuanyang Rice Terraces are the core area of Honghe Hani Terraces, known as one of the most beautiful terraces in the world ➤Reasons for Recommendation The terraces have a large area of water, clear weather, strong sunlight and strong reflection, with the undulating terrain, each terrace presents a different color, under the glow of the morning and evening sun, the mountains are golden, it is the best time to shoot the sea of clouds, terraces, sunrise and mountain village, also the most beautiful terrace photography spot in China ➤Recommended Scenic Spots Eagle Beak Terraces, Qingkou Terraces, Azheke, Duoyi Tree, Tiger Mouth and Bada, etc. ➤Brief Introduction of Scenic Spots ❶Yuanyang Terraces The Yuanyang Terraces in the early morning, at first glance, are stunning, undulating, under the reflection of the water, like a fairyland ❷Duoyi Tree A great place to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds, with changing scenery ❸Eagle Beak You can see the sea of clouds, colorful terraces and sunset ❹Tiger Mouth There is a large area of red algae in the terraces, the red terraces are exceptionally beautiful ❺Bada Mandarin Duck Terrace is the best sunset observation point, with more than 3700 terraces, the sunset scene is spectacular ❻Azheke Village The most original Hani village in Yuanyang, with mushroom-shaped architecture, unique charm, it is recommended to eat in it, there are local special dishes ❼Rural Market Go to Xinjie and Sheng Village Market, taste local special snacks ➤Best Travel Time: November ~ April of the following year During this time, the fields will be filled with water, terraces layer upon layer, silver waves rippling, a myriad of weather, the water reflection period reflects the color and light of the sky, very wonderful and gorgeous, more recommended from December to January of the following year, there are red duckweed and other plants floating in the water fields, you can also shoot a very unique red terraces ➤Four Unique Features of the Scenic Area ❶Large Area: Each terrace covers an area of up to thousands of acres ❷Steep Terrain: There are terraces with slopes of 15~75 degrees ❸Many Levels: Up to more than 3000 levels of terraces ❹High Altitude: Extending from the valley to the mountains more than 2000 meters high ➤Recommended Itinerary D1 Yuanyang→Bada Terrace Sunset Make sure to arrange your time and arrive before sunset D2 Duoyi Tree Sunrise→Aichun→Azheke→Huangcaoling→Quanfuzhuang→Tiger Mouth/Malizhai Sunset→Yuanyang D3 Shoot the sunrise of Qingkou Terraces in the early morning, then leave Yuanyang ➤Recommended Hiking Routes Quanfuzhuang→Sheng Village route or Duoyi Tree→Aichun route, can be completed in half a day, the whole hiking route has similar signs, there will be no lost, for those who like hiking ➤Location: Honghe Hani Terraces in Yunnan Province, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, spread over Yuanyang, Honghe, Jinping, Lvchun four counties ➤Accommodation There are many accommodations to choose from within the Yuanyang Scenic Area, but staying in Duoyi Tree is the most convenient, it's not far to drive anywhere, and you don't have to get up too early to watch the sunrise ➤Transportation ❶Depart from Kunming, take a bus or charter a car to Yuanyang Terraces. There are direct buses to Yuanyang County from Kunming East Bus Station, the journey takes about 4 hours ❷It is recommended to drive/charter a car or join a group tour, the mountain roads in the scenic area are rugged and wide, the road to Yuanyang Terraces is a difficult mountain road, beginners need to choose carefully, unique perspective still needs local guide ➤Tips ❶Protect the environment, do not pick plants or damage the structure of the terraces at will ❷Respect the local residents and the customs of the Hani people ❸The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, prepare windproof and warm clothing ❹Sun protection and moisturizing measures should be in place ❺If possible, bring a drone, the aerial photography is really superior, the natural wonders are undoubtedly highlighted ❻You can wear ethnic costumes for photos, which is unique ❼It is recommended to buy tickets when you see good weather at the viewing platform, the weather in Yuanyang is changeable, if the clouds are thick the next day, you may not be able to see what the terraces look like from the viewing platform ❣️I hope this guide is useful to you, I am Xi Rong, follow me, unlock more wonderful

Yuanyang Terraces in Yunnan are a spectacular sight of terraced farming civilization created by the Hani people over more than 1300 years, generation after generation, using special geographical climate. Selected as a World Heritage Site in 2013, the core area is 170,000 mu, and the scale is extremely large. Two major scenic areas of the World Heritage Core: 1. Bada Scenic Area: Includes Qinkou, Quanfu Village, Malizhai and other contiguous 14,000 mu terraces. 2. Tiger Mouth Scenic Area: Includes Mengpin, Dongpu, Baoshanzhai and nearly 6,000 mu terraces. Best season: Water-filling season from November to March of the following year. Must-see photography points: - Sunrise: Duoyi Tree (main push), Huangcaoling. Duoyi Tree Terrace is famous for its sunrise, with an altitude of 1900 meters. The keywords here are morning glow, sea of clouds, terraces, villages, and morning fog. The upper part of this terrace is as gentle as a vast bay, and the lower part is as steep as a leaning building, which is very expressive when shooting. Duoyi Tree viewing platform only needs to check tickets in the morning, and can be freely accessed in the afternoon. - 8-10 am: Aichun (Blue Terrace). The reason why Aichun Terrace is the Blue Terrace is not because the water is blue, but because the terraces here easily reflect the blue of the sky, especially after the clear sky after the rain. The blue terrace appears mostly between 8~10 in the morning. Aichun is 5 kilometers away from Duoyi Tree, and you can go immediately after watching the sunrise. - Sunset: Tiger Mouth (main push), Bada, Dawazhe. Tiger Mouth Terrace is the best place to watch the sunset. The mountain is the most dangerous, the momentum is the most magnificent, and the large area is frequently out. Standing on the viewing platform and looking down, the terraces under your feet are like surging waves, and they are like thousands of magic mirrors lined up. The sunset reflection in the field is like a dream. The Tiger Mouth viewing platform has been closed since 2018 due to a landslide, but you can pay for the villagers to lead the way to find alternative photography positions. Bada Terrace has the largest drop in Yuanyang, from the 900-meter-high river valley up the mountain, extending all the way to the top of the mountain more than 2000 meters, more than 3700 terraces are like layers of sky ladder.

✅✅✅Yunnan Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yuanyang Terraces ✅✅✅The core area of the Honghe Hani Terraces, where the people of various ethnic groups, mainly the Hani, have created a spectacular terraced farming civilization with the special geographical climate, with a large scale and a majestic momentum. ✅✅✅The Hani people have been 'carving' this beautiful landscape of pastoral scenery for more than 1300 years. ✅✅✅Xinguangping viewing platform, beautiful at sunset and during the day, colorful and diverse like a knocked over palette. ✅✅✅Duoyi Tree is mainly for watching the sunrise, but unfortunately the weather is not very supportive, and the sunlight is too strong and there is no cloud and fog. ✅✅✅Compared to Duoyi Tree, Bada and other famous spots, there are fewer people and the view is open and spacious ✅✅✅Countless terraces, the breeze blowing the seedlings, endless terraces, the soil hides the answer ✅✅✅The Azheke terraces are large in area, and there are original Hani villages, and the terraces and mushroom houses are perfectly integrated. ✅✅✅About 1 kilometer away from the Hani Terraces toll station, you can go down from the small road of the Cloud Terrace Hotel.

In the remote southwest of China, in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, lies a breathtaking natural wonder—the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. This is not just a landscape; it is a flowing pastoral painting, a testament to the wisdom of the Hani people and their harmonious coexistence with nature over generations. On this land, listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, every shutter click is a deep tribute to the beauty of the earth. Attraction Introduction: A Scroll of Ink Painting on the Horizon The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are famous for their clear layers, smooth lines, and vibrant colors. With the change of seasons, the terraces present different vistas: in spring, the fields are full of water, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds like mirrors; in summer, the green rice grows vigorously; in autumn, the fields turn golden with the joy of harvest; and in winter, the terraces are shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland. Among them, the four major viewing platforms—Duoyishu, Tiger Mouth, Qingkou, and Bada—are the best spots to watch the sunrise and sunset over the terraces, each moment worth lingering over. Itinerary: A Journey into the Light and Shadow of the Terraces Day 1: Departure and First Encounter • Morning: Depart from Kunming, take a long-distance bus or drive to Yuanyang (about 6 hours), enjoying the scenery along the way. • Afternoon: Upon arrival, head directly to Qingkou Hani Folk Culture Village to learn about the history and culture of the Hani people, and wait for the sunset over the Qingkou terraces in the evening. Day 2: Chasing Light and Shadow • Early Morning: Get up early and head to Duoyishu viewing platform to welcome the first rays of sunlight illuminating the magnificent terraces. • Morning to Afternoon: Visit Bada terraces, one of the best spots to capture the panoramic view of the terraces, and enjoy Hani specialty dishes for lunch. • Evening: Move to Tiger Mouth, the prime location to watch the golden terraces under the setting sun. Day 3: In-depth Experience and Return • Morning: Participate in a local Hani village trek to closely experience the daily life of the terraces and villagers. • Afternoon: Return to Kunming, concluding this spiritual and visual journey. Food Recommendations: Hani Flavors on the Tip of the Tongue • Five-Color Rice: Glutinous rice dyed with different plant juices, colorful and symbolizing a bountiful harvest. • Bamboo Tube Rice: Rice and ingredients such as meat and beans are cooked in fresh bamboo tubes, exuding a delicious aroma. • Chicken Tofu: A unique traditional Hani dish with a delicate texture and delicious taste. Transportation Tips: • External Transportation: Kunming is the most convenient transit point to Yuanyang, with options of long-distance buses or car rentals. Kunming Changshui International Airport offers flights to major cities within China. • Internal Transportation: In Yuanyang, it is recommended to rent a car or use local charter services, as the viewing platforms are far apart and the mountain roads are winding, making self-driving more flexible and convenient. Every journey to the Yuanyang Rice Terraces is a profound dialogue with nature and culture. Here, every inch of land tells a story, and every ray of light whispers of time. Prepare your camera and soul, and let us find that original shock and emotion on this ancient and magical land together!

Every year from November to April of the following year is the irrigation period for the Yuanyang terraces, and Yuanyang is truly a fairyland during this time. Where is a good place to stay when coming to Yuanyang to admire the terraces? Accommodation choices: 1. Hani Town, where there are hotels of all grades, from high to low, with relatively complete facilities and convenient living. However, it is some distance from the viewing platforms. It takes 15 minutes by car to reach the Bada sunset viewing spot and 30 minutes to the Duoyishu sunrise viewing platform. 2. Duoyishu I especially recommend staying in Duoyishu, because it is an excellent location for watching the sunrise. The accommodations here are mainly high-end scenic inns, especially the row of scenic room inns at the foot of Huangcaoling Village, which offer absolutely stunning views of the sunrise. The only downside here is the price; the cheaper places are all along the road in Duoyishu Village, and it takes more than ten minutes of walking on mountain roads to reach the viewing platform. We stayed in a scenic room guesthouse in Huangcaoling Village, Duoyishu, when we went to Yuanyang. Since the guesthouse is some distance from the road, the staff specially arranged for someone to help us carry our luggage to the accommodation. The view of the terraces from the guesthouse is particularly good, with fixed phone holders on the balcony and rooftop platform for guests to take photos. In addition, the guesthouse also has a private viewing platform open to guests.