Live Your Best Lives
Yuanyang, nestled in the southern Ailao Mountains, boasts 170,000 mu (approximately 170,000 mu) of terraced fields stretching across the Red River, a masterpiece passed down through generations of Hani people. Even the most eloquent words pale in comparison to the land of Yuanyang; even the greatest photographers find their minds stagnant upon this land. Someone once said, "If you're a hiker who doesn't visit Yuanyang, Yuanyang will feel sorry for you; if you're a photographer who doesn't visit Yuanyang, God will feel sorry for you." In late winter and early spring, the vibrant sea of clouds above the terraces sometimes resembles a gentle maiden, resting quietly on the mountainside, her bosom exposed, and sometimes like a raging tide, surging and surging endlessly. Peaks, trees, and houses dot the terraces, creating a fairyland-like scene, a truly captivating experience.
Yuanyang starts with rice planting in May and harvesting in September. The best time to photograph the terraced fields is from November to April. The scenery is most beautiful from January to February, with seas of clouds often appearing around the Spring Festival. Around the Lantern Festival, wild cherry blossoms, kapok flowers, peach blossoms, and pear blossoms bloom in a dazzling array of colors, creating a truly spectacular sight.
Yuanyang is located on the Tropic of Cancer and has a very good climate. The midday sun is intense, so be sure to wear sunscreen. Yuanyang's average annual temperature is 16.4°C, with significant temperature swings between day and night. Light clothing is recommended, and a warm jacket or windbreaker is essential. If visiting Yuanyang between January and February, be mindful of the cold, especially if you're planning to get up early to capture the sunrise. Yuanyang is surrounded by numerous villages, many of which are inaccessible by road. The roads are mostly mountainous, requiring hiking, so flat shoes are recommended.
Yuanyang's cost of living is quite low, and food and accommodation are very affordable. You can stay in the best hotels in Yuanyang for around 300 yuan, and you can usually get a good meal for 30-40 yuan. Many small restaurants also offer boxed lunches, which usually cost no more than 10 yuan.
Experience the magnificent sunrise and sunset of the terraced fields amidst the rosy clouds
