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The Tiger Mouth Terraces are a stunning agricultural marvel. Visitors can walk along the terraces, marvel at the intricate rice paddy designs, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It's a great spot for hiking, photography, and experiencing the local ethnic culture. Don't miss the chance to interact with the local farmers and learn about the traditional farming techniques that have sustained the area for centuries.
The Laohuzui Rice Terraces are located in Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture. They consist of more than 6,900 acres of terraces in Mengpin, Dongpu, Baoshanzhai and Amengkong. From the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain, the altitude difference between the terraces is more than 1,200 meters. Therefore, during the autumn harvest season, the millet is threshed at the foot of the mountain, and the rice on the top of the mountain has just begun to ear.
The Tiger Mouth Rice Terraces are the most precipitous, majestic, and spectacular of all the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. They were hailed by French media as one of the world's seven newly discovered cultural landscapes in 1993. The Tiger Mouth Rice Terraces are situated between two mountains, each with a slope exceeding 70 degrees. On either side, verdant hills, flowing water, and lush villages surround the terraces.
Below the village, terraced fields cascade down to the river valley. Looking up from the valley, the ridges, crisscrossed by gullies and ridges, are covered with terraces of varying widths, lengths, lengths, straights, and curves. They rise gently from the valley to the hillsides on either side, each terrace like a step, and the entire mountain like a ladder ascending to the sky.
The subtropical plateau monsoon climate is characterized by cool summers and warm, relatively humid winters, with little noticeable seasonal difference. All seasons are suitable for travel.
At the Tiger Mouth Rice Terraces, you'll witness an ever-changing landscape, changing with time and space, day by day, minute by minute, season by season. Sometimes, a wisp of white mist lingers, revealing the myriad terraces in all their forms, a wonder and wonder, like a fairyland on earth; sometimes, a dazzling riot of color; sometimes, like mirrors of varying sizes, inlaid across the hillside, shimmering like an endless, three-dimensional ocean under the sun. Here, layer upon layer of terraces, lush mountains, white clouds, clear waters and blue skies, and scattered village villages create this wondrous landscape, a scene so captivating that a poet once said, "Fish swim in the clouds, clouds drift in the water."
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
65 yuan/person
Open all day
The Tiger Mouth Terraces, located in the Red River region of Yunnan, are known for their dramatic landscape and centuries-old rice terraces. The terraces were carved into the steep mountain slopes by local ethnic groups, primarily the Hani people, over 1,300 years ago. They are a testament to the harmony between humans and nature, and the agricultural practices here are considered a living cultural heritage.
The Tiger Mouth Terraces are located in the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces Scenic Area, in the Red River region of Yunnan Province, China. The easiest way to get there is by taking a taxi or private car from the nearest town or city, such as Jianshui or Kunming. Public transportation options are limited, so a private car or guided tour is recommended for convenience.
The Tiger Mouth Terraces are open year-round, with no specific opening hours. However, the best time to visit is between March and May or September and November when the weather is mild, and the terraces are lush and green. The rainy season in the summer months can make travel difficult, while the winter months may be cold and less visually appealing.
The entrance fee for the Tiger Mouth Terraces is around 100 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, and currently, there are no online booking options. It's recommended to buy tickets directly at the venue to avoid any inconvenience.
Advance booking is not necessary for the Tiger Mouth Terraces. You can purchase tickets upon arrival. However, during peak tourist seasons, it may be helpful to arrive early to avoid crowds.
You can fully explore the Tiger Mouth Terraces in about 2 to 3 hours. This allows time to walk along the terraces, take photographs, and enjoy the surrounding nature. If you're interested in learning more about the local farming methods or interacting with the local people, you may want to plan for a longer visit.
The main highlights include the terraces themselves, particularly the iconic "Tiger Mouth" formation, which resembles the open mouth of a tiger. The view from the top of the terraces, overlooking the lush green fields, is another must-see. You can also visit the nearby traditional villages to experience local Hani culture.
Guided tours are available at the Tiger Mouth Terraces, and some guides offer services in English, although availability may vary. It's recommended to arrange for a guide in advance if you're not fluent in Chinese, as most tours are conducted in Mandarin.
The best viewpoints are located at the top of the terraces, where you can capture the expansive landscape and the intricate patterns of the rice paddies. Sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting for photography, offering dramatic shots of the terraces in golden light.
Start your visit at the main entrance and head up to the viewpoints. Take your time walking through the terraces, stopping to take in the views and photograph the surrounding landscapes. You can then visit the nearby village to learn about the Hani people's farming techniques before returning to the entrance.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at the Tiger Mouth Terraces. The site is primarily a daytime attraction, with the best experiences occurring during daylight hours.
The Tiger Mouth Terraces can get crowded during national holidays and weekends. To avoid the crowds, it's best to visit on weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when fewer tourists are around.
Basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas, are available at the site. However, there are limited food options, so it's advisable to bring your own water and snacks. There are small shops selling local products and souvenirs.
The terrain at the Tiger Mouth Terraces is uneven and steep, making it challenging for elderly, children, or disabled visitors. The site may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues, so it's important to assess the accessibility before planning a visit.
Cash is accepted at the entrance, and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. Credit cards may not be accepted, so it's best to bring cash or use mobile payment methods.
There are a few local restaurants and eateries near the entrance of the Tiger Mouth Terraces offering traditional Yunnan dishes. For more options, you can head to nearby towns like Jianshui, where there are more dining choices.
Vegetarian options are available in some of the local restaurants near the terraces. However, vegan and halal food options may be limited in this rural area, so it’s best to check with the restaurants in advance.
There are several guesthouses and hotels near the Tiger Mouth Terraces, offering budget-friendly options for visitors. For more upscale accommodations, you can stay in nearby towns like Jianshui, which has a wider range of hotels.
Nearby attractions include the historic town of Jianshui, known for its ancient architecture and cultural sites. You can also visit the Tuanshan Village, a traditional Hani village with beautiful architecture and scenic views.
There are small souvenir shops near the terraces where you can purchase local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs such as traditional Hani hats, handwoven baskets, and locally made pottery.
After visiting the Tiger Mouth Terraces, taxis or private cars are the best options for continuing your trip. If you're traveling to Jianshui or Kunming, you can catch a bus or hire a private car for convenience.
