Yuanyang Rice Terraces

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Yuanyang Terraces are located in the southern part of Ailao Mountain in Yuanyang County (元阳县), Honghe Prefecture (红河州), Yunnan Province (云南省). They are the core area of the Honghe Hani Terraces (红河哈尼梯田) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The terraces stretch from the foot of the mountains to the peaks at over 2,000 meters above sea level, with the highest number of steps reaching over 3,700 levels. The total area of the terraces is about 170,000 acres. With a heritage zone covering 166.03 square kilometers, it is China’s first World Heritage Site themed on agricultural civilization.

Historical and Cultural Background

The history of the terraces in Yuanyang can be traced back to the Sui and Tang dynasties, with a history of over 1,300 years. The Hani people, with their wisdom and understanding of nature, created this amazing rice-growing system, showcasing a beautiful picture of harmony between humans and nature.

Climate

Yuanyang Terraces are located in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, characterized by the saying “one mountain has four seasons, and the weather differs every few miles.” The low-altitude river valley areas have an average annual temperature of 25°C, with a maximum temperature of 42°C. The high-altitude upland areas have an average annual temperature of 11.6°C. During the summer, influenced by the southwest monsoon from the Indian Ocean, the area receives an annual rainfall of about 1,300 millimeters. It is a dry-hot river valley zone with a large annual evaporation rate. The water vapor rises and meets cold air masses, easily forming fog and precipitation.

Best Time to Visit

From November to April of the following year is the best time to visit Yuanyang Terraces. Between December and January, red duckweed and other plants grow in the water fields, creating unique red terraces. From January to March, it is the irrigation period when the layers of terraces reflect the sky, making it the golden period for photography.

Unique Scenery

Spectacular Terraces

The Yuanyang Terraces are distributed along the mountains, layer upon layer, resembling the fingerprints of the earth and recording the passage of time and the hard work of the people. The color of the terraces changes with the seasons and weather, such as the tender green in spring, emerald green in summer, golden yellow in autumn, and silver white in winter.

Sunrise and Sunset

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset views at Yuanyang Terraces. When the sun rises or sets, the sunlight casts a golden glow on the terraces, creating a spectacular scene.

Sea of Clouds

The terraces are often shrouded in mist, forming a magnificent sea of clouds. The fog swirls among the terraces, giving a dreamlike and magical feeling.

Scenic Spots

Duoyishu Scenic Area (多依树景区)

This area includes over 10,000 acres of terraces in Duoyishu (多依树), Aichun (爱春), and Dawazhe (大瓦遮). Duoyishu Terraces are the best spots for sunrise viewing, with the optimal shooting time between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., often featuring breathtaking scenes of rosy clouds. The Aichun Blue Terraces can reflect the blue sky before 10 a.m. when the sunlight is in the right direction.

Laomaozui Scenic Area (老虎嘴景区)

This area includes nearly 6,000 acres of terraces in Mengpin (勐品) and Baoshanzhai (保山寨). With its steep mountains and majestic scenery, it is an ideal place for watching sunsets.

Bada Scenic Area (坝达景区)

This area includes over 14,000 acres of terraces in Jingkou (箐口), Quanfu Village (全福庄), and Malizhai (麻栗寨). It features the largest elevation difference among the terraces and is suitable for viewing sunsets and sea of clouds. The best shooting time is between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Other Attractions

Azheke Ancient Village (阿者科古村): It is the best-preserved Hani village.
Jingkou Folk Village (箐口民俗村): It is filled with a strong sense of primitive rural atmosphere.
Pugao Old Village (普高老寨): Visitors can see the Hani mushroom houses and the panoramic view of the terraces.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation

By Bus: Take a bus from Kunming South Bus Station to Yuanyang. The ticket costs about 139 yuan per person, and the journey takes 5-6 hours.
Transfer Option: Take a bus from Kunming to Jianshui (建水) or Gejiu (个旧), and then transfer to a bus to Yuanyang.

Internal Transportation

Minibus: There are minibuses available within the scenic area, with fares ranging from 5 to 10 yuan. It is more convenient to charter a car or drive by yourself. The cost for a day tour of the terraces from the old county town is about 300 yuan. A trip to Laomaozui costs about 100 yuan, and a half-day trip to Duoyishu for sunrise viewing is about 150-200 yuan.

Food Recommendations

Lemongrass Grilled Fish (香茅草烤鱼): Fresh small fish are grilled with lemongrass, resulting in tender fish meat and a fragrant aroma.
Sour Bamboo Shoot Chicken (酸笋鸡): Local free-range chicken is stewed with sour bamboo shoots, creating a spicy and sour flavor.
Wild Mushroom Hotpot (野生菌火锅): The soup base is delicious, and it is paired with various wild mushrooms, making it nutritious.
Hani Dipping Chicken (哈尼蘸水鸡): The chicken is tender, and the dipping sauce has a unique flavor.
Brown Sugar Cake (红糖发糕): It has a soft and glutinous texture, sweet but not greasy.
Red Rice Noodles (红米线): A local specialty with a unique taste.

Shopping Recommendations

Terrace Red Rice (梯田红米): A special type of red rice from Yuanyang Terraces, with a fragrant taste and rich nutrition.
Menguo Wine (闷锅酒): A local specialty wine, brewed using traditional methods.
Beef Products (牛肉制品): The beef in Yuanyang is tender and delicious. You can buy beef jerky and other beef products.
Ethnic Handicrafts (民族手工艺品): Such as Hani and Yi embroidery and silverware, which have unique ethnic styles.

Tourist Tips

Safety

The terraces have steep terrain. Be cautious while walking and follow the regulations to prevent falls and slips.

Warmth and Cold Protection

The scenic area is at a high altitude with significant temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, you need to prepare warm clothing, such as down jackets and sweaters.

Respect for Local Customs

Respect the cultural customs of the local Hani and Yi ethnic groups. Do not enter villagers’ homes without permission, and do not disturb their daily lives when taking photos.