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Yuanyang's beauty is difficult to describe in words. Visitors often say it's indescribable. This, of course, also stumps photographers, who exhaust their imagination and ingenuity, seemingly finding endless angles and interplay of light and shadow. Here, the weather can be completely different just a few miles away at the same moment, and the weather can be completely different just five minutes from now in the same place. The temperature difference between morning and night is enormous. The most stunning sight here is the sea of clouds, and the sunrise is a must-see.
Yuanyang's terraced fields are a must-see for photographers. The sunrise over Duoyishu, the sunset over Bada, and the spectacular Tiger Mouth Terraces are all classic photographic moments. Other popular locations include Longshuba, Aichun, and Quanfu Village.
Yuanyang's village architecture is unique, especially the Hani mushroom houses, which, from a distance, resemble giant mushrooms, blending seamlessly with nature and creating a charming and romantic atmosphere. These houses can be found throughout the countryside, with a particular concentration around Jingkou and Niujiaozhai. Many of Yuanyang's ethnic minority villages are nestled in the mountains, so if you're looking to visit one of the villages, you can ask one of the locals who sell food on the roadside for directions.
The Long Street Banquet, held annually on the 12th day of the 12th lunar month, is a traditional Hani custom. It's a spectacular spectacle, rich in ethnic flavor, and a perfect photo opportunity. While held in every Hani village, Habo Village is the largest and most famous.
Hani costumes and customs are also excellent subjects for photography. Especially when the weather is less than ideal, take your camera and stroll through the streets of the townships. On market day, the bustling crowds and vibrant colors will make your visit worthwhile, even if you don't capture the terraced rice paddies. For photos of people and ethnic costumes, the jewelry stalls are the best spots. Near the tobacco stalls, you can snap photos of elderly people smoking water pipes from large bamboo tubes. Lao Meng holds a Sunday market, showcasing the rich culture of the Dai, Miao, Hani, Yi, and Yao ethnic groups. The colorful clothing of the ethnic minorities is a must-see. It's recommended to arrive early so you can enjoy the market and explore the surrounding villages.
If you are not a photography enthusiast and just want to take a look, there is no need to rush to the crowds to join the photo shooting spots. You can experience the tranquility and beauty of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces by choosing any place.
If you are going to Yuanyang specifically for photography, it is best to bring a wide-angle lens (such as a 28-70 wide-angle lens) or a medium-to-telephoto lens (such as around 300mm), a tripod (otherwise you won’t be able to take pictures of sunrise or sunset), and a lens hood.
Yuanyang is often cloudy and foggy in winter, so you should take measures to protect your camera from moisture and dehumidification.