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The terraces cultivated by the Hani people in Yuanyang follow the terrain of the mountains and are adapted to local conditions. Large fields are cultivated on gentle slopes and small fields are cultivated on steep slopes. Fields are even cultivated in the crevices of rocks at the edges of ditches. Therefore, the largest terraces are several acres, and the smallest are only as big as a winnowing basket. Often, there are tens of thousands of acres on a single slope.
The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are large in scale and majestic in appearance, stretching across the entire Honghe, Yuanyang, Luchun and Jinping counties on the south bank of the Red River. There are 170,000 mu of terraces in Yuanyang County alone, which is the core area of the Red River Hani Rice Terraces.
January to February is the most beautiful winter.
Winter is a low-peak season for visiting Yuanyang to see the terraced fields. However, even in winter, the average temperature can reach up to 12 degrees. In winter, the sunrise and sunset of Yuanyang Terraces are magnificent, and the fairyland created by the sea of clouds is even more irresistible.
Duoyishu Terraces
The Duoyishu Scenic Area encompasses tens of thousands of acres of terraced fields, including those in Duoyishu, Aichun, and Dawazha. In many photos taken of Yuanyang, Duoyishu is the most common feature. The terraces here resemble a printmaking, their vibrant colors awe-inspiring and breathtaking. Especially at sunrise, the ever-changing colors on the water are breathtaking, and against the backdrop of the Duoyishu village, looming beneath the mist, one feels like entering a fairyland.
Tiger Mouth Terraces
The Laohuzui Scenic Area encompasses nearly 12,000 mu (approximately 16,000 hectares) of terraced fields, including Mengpin, Dongpu, Amengkong, and Baoshanzhai. It is the most precipitous, magnificent, and spectacularly laid out of all the Yuanyang rice terraces. Its distinctive features include a strong sense of three-dimensionality, vibrant layers of color, and a vibrant array of colors, reminiscent of an oil painting. The slopes of the terraces surrounding Laohuzui are relatively steep, and the snail fields near Panzhihua are also famous and a favorite among photography enthusiasts. The sunsets at Laohuzui are also spectacular and well worth a visit.
Bada Scenic Area
The sunset in Bada is breathtaking, making it the perfect spot for photographing the sunset. Because the Bada Rice Terraces face east and west, they are a sunset spot. That is, the best time to view them is in the evening, when the sun sets and the sky is filled with crimson clouds. Some photographers call it the "Evening Glow of the Sunset."
Longshuba Terraces
The Longshuba Rice Terraces, located west of Xinjie Town in Honghe Prefecture, attract numerous photographers and tourists daily because of the red duckweed that grows within them. The vibrant colors of duckweed, predominantly red, green, and yellow, create a vibrant atmosphere when photographed at sunset. The Longshuba Rice Terraces boast a different oxygen content than other terraced fields, resulting in a vibrant display of duckweed, primarily in red, green, and yellow.
100 yuan
All day
The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site, created over 1,300 years by the Hani ethnic group. The terraces are a testament to the ingenuity of the Hani people in adapting to the mountainous terrain for agricultural purposes. The landscape is also a vital part of the Hani people's cultural heritage and traditional farming practices.
The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are located in the Red River Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in southern Yunnan Province, China. The closest major city is Kunming, from which you can take a bus or drive to Yuanyang (about 5-6 hours). Local taxis and buses are available for getting around the terraces once there.
The rice terraces are open year-round. However, the best time to visit is from November to March, especially during the winter months when the terraces are filled with water, creating a spectacular reflection. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best photography opportunities with softer light.
The entrance fee to the Yuanyang Rice Terraces is typically around 100 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local travel agencies or ticket platforms.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn). For off-peak visits, tickets can often be bought on-site without any issue.
It typically takes 1-2 days to explore the main areas of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. To fully appreciate the beauty of the terraces and surrounding areas, a 2-day visit is recommended, especially if you wish to take photographs at different times of the day.
Guided tours are available and can be arranged through local agencies or at your accommodation. Most guides speak Mandarin, but English-speaking guides are also available in popular tourist seasons.
Night visits are not typical for the rice terraces, as they are best visited during the day, especially at sunrise or sunset. However, some local hotels may offer cultural performances or events in the evening.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces can be crowded during major Chinese holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year) and peak seasons (spring and autumn). The least crowded times are during weekdays in the off-peak months (November to February), especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
There are basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and rest areas in the main scenic areas. Shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs can be found near popular viewpoints and the entrance areas.
While the rice terraces are accessible for most visitors, some areas can be difficult to navigate due to steep paths. It may not be fully accessible for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues. Children and able-bodied visitors should have no trouble exploring, but it is best to wear sturdy footwear.
While cash is accepted, mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely used in the area. Credit cards may be accepted in larger hotels or shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions or remote locations.
There are several local restaurants near the Yuanyang Rice Terraces serving Yunnan specialties such as rice noodles, grilled fish, and stir-fried vegetables. A few cafes are available near the viewpoints offering refreshments and snacks.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many local restaurants, especially dishes made with rice and vegetables. Halal food options are more limited but may be available in some restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are numerous souvenir shops selling locally made handicrafts, textiles, ethnic jewelry, and traditional Hani items such as rice-based products and herbal teas.
