Ailao Mountain Hiking Adventure: Yuanyang Terraces 2 Days 1 Night Weekend Hiking Guide

Yuanyang’s core attractions are very close to each other. Duoyishu to Bada is only 8 kilometers, and Duoyishu to Laohuzui is 17 kilometers. A 2-day, 1-night weekend trip is enough to check in at the key scenic spots and experience Hani culture. The following compact and photogenic itinerary balances spectacular light and shadow scenes with authentic local customs, making it perfect for a short weekend trip: Concentrating on the three signature light and shadow highlights of Duoyishu sunrise, Aichun Blue Terraces, and Bada sunset, combined with the cultural experience at Azheke ancient village. The schedule is relaxed, allowing time for photography and immersion at each spot, plus tasting all the Hani flavors. Detailed Itinerary Chasing Light and Shadow · Capturing the Stunning Terraces 1. Morning to Afternoon: Head to Ailao Mountain It’s recommended to depart early from Jianshui or Kunming. From Jianshui, take a 2.5-hour bus; from Kunming, about 4 hours to Yuanyang Nansha Town. Then take a 1-hour taxi to Duoyishu Scenic Area. Check into a pre-booked scenic guesthouse, drop off your luggage, and start your journey. 2. Afternoon: Encounter the Mirror of the Sky Head straight to Aichun Blue Terraces. On sunny days between 9 and 11 a.m., the water reflects the deep blue sky like a spread of Tiffany blue silk. Pay 5 yuan to enter the fields and shoot atmospheric photos of people reflected in the mirror-like water. Afterwards, visit the nearby Pugao Old Village for free to see the staggered mushroom houses framed with terraces. 3. Evening: Await the Sunset over Ten Thousand Acres Arrive at Bada viewing platform an hour early to secure a spot. The terrace lines here are the densest. Under the setting sun, the vast fields gradually shift from pale gold to orange-red, then deep purple, with cooking smoke and distant mountains as the backdrop. Every shot is a moody masterpiece. 4. Night: Taste Hani Flavors Dine at a farmhouse restaurant near Duoyishu. Must-try dishes include Hani dipping water chicken and braised terrace fish, paired with a bowl of bitter herb soup to clear heat and grease. After dinner, relax on the guesthouse terrace; if lucky, you might see stars dotting the night sky. Prioritize staying at a scenic guesthouse in Duoyishu, such as Yunshangju, where the terraces are visible right outside your window, convenient for next-day sunrise viewing. Cultural Exploration · Return with Memories 1. Early Morning: Capture the Sunrise and Sea of Clouds Climb to the Duoyishu viewing platform before 6 a.m., set up your phone or camera for time-lapse shots. Morning mist wraps around the terraces, and when the first sunlight falls, the water glows golden. Occasionally, farmers lead cattle along the ridges, instantly bringing the scene to life. If you want to avoid the crowded paid platform, you can go to the small path at Huangcaoling, which offers a wide view and fewer people. 2. Morning: Step into the Millennium Ancient Village After sunrise, visit Azheke Village, a filming location for "Forever Young." Sixty mushroom houses are hidden in the mountains. You can tour inside the mushroom houses and try simple farming activities like tofu grinding and hemp weaving. Chat with the village elders at the entrance to experience authentic Hani life. Have lunch in the village with bamboo tube rice and fish cooked with fermented black beans, made over a wood fire stove with a rich aroma. 3. Afternoon: Return Home Stroll through the small market at the village entrance, buy some red rice and wild mushrooms as souvenirs. Then take a taxi to Nansha Bus Station and catch a bus back to your starting point, concluding your weekend trip. Food and Accommodation Tips 1. Specialty Foods: Besides main dishes, try red rice, wild vegetable cakes, grilled tofu, and a glass of mild Hani rice wine, which is sweet and sour to refresh the palate. 2. Accommodation Suggestions: Prioritize scenic guesthouses in Duoyishu, such as Tianchi Tianyuan Inn, where some rooms overlook the terraces and pets are allowed. For a higher budget, choose Yunqi Yuanyang Villa, which has a terrace for tea brewing around a stove and star gazing at night. 3. Practical Reminders: The mountain area has a large temperature difference between day and night; mornings can be as low as 5°C, so bring a thick jacket. The ridges are muddy, so wear non-slip shoes. December to March is the irrigation period, which is the best time to visit for scenery.