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Samaba, located in southern Honghe County, is known as the "mountains beyond mountains, heavens beyond heavens; if you haven't been to Samaba, you won't know the vastness of its terraced fields." Hailed as the world's largest, the Samaba 10,000-acre terraced fields are located in Baohua Township, 38 kilometers from the county seat. The terraces cover a total area of over 14,000 mu, with over 4,300 steps, ranging from a minimum elevation of 600 meters to a maximum elevation of 1,880 meters. According to historical records, the terraced fields within Honghe County were originally Hani terraces cultivated by Wu Bangpo, the first Luokong Tusi of Baohua Township, and boast a history of over 700 years.
The first record of Hani Terraces in Chinese history dates back to the Ming Dynasty. According to the "Five Tusi Books" compiled in 1934, during the Hongwu period (1382-1398), the Hani chieftain Wu Bangpo led the people to split mountains and open up fields. He was elected as the leader and achieved outstanding results. He was appointed as the first local Tusi official by the court and was allowed to inherit the position. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, mountains were opened up and fields were reclaimed continuously. First of all, this place has a long history and is the earliest reclaimed land recorded in history books in the entire Red River Hani Terraces.
This is a truly magnificent and precious example of Hani terraced fields culture, recorded over thousands of years in Chinese history. Tusi official Wu was the present-day Gata Zuoneng Tusi of Baohua County in Honghe County. The earliest written record of the Hani terraced fields outside the Yangtze River that surpasses this one has yet to be discovered in Chinese history.
The subtropical monsoon climate is like spring all year round, with plenty of sunshine, no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Visit the 10,000-acre Samaba Rice Terraces. Combining forests, villages, terraced fields, and water, the Samaba Rice Terraces perfectly showcase the harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity. The terraces offer a unique scenery throughout the year, from the emerald green of spring to the golden rice paddies of autumn. In winter, the terraces transform into mirror-like ravines, rising like colorful silk threads to the sky. Watching the sunrise over a sea of clouds is a breathtaking spectacle, a breathtaking spectacle.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
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Samaba is a scenic destination in the Red River region of Yunnan, known for its well-preserved terraced fields, ethnic culture, and lush landscapes. The area has cultural significance, particularly to the indigenous Yi people, and is a symbol of sustainable agricultural practices passed down through generations.
Samaba is located in the Red River region of Yunnan, near the city of Ximeng. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from Ximeng. The closest major city is Kunming, from where you can reach Samaba by bus or train. Public transportation is available, but taxis and private cars are often the most convenient option.
Samaba is an open-air destination with no set opening hours. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant and the terraces are particularly picturesque. It’s ideal to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the Samaba terraces, as it is an open natural area. However, some local tours or guided activities may require a fee. These can be booked on-site or through local travel agencies.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not necessary unless you plan to join a guided tour, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you choose to go on a guided tour, booking at least a few days in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
It typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to explore Samaba, especially if you’re walking through the terraces, visiting local villages, and taking in the views. If you’re on a guided tour, the visit may take longer.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available, but it’s best to check in advance. Audio guides in multiple languages may also be offered depending on the tour operator.
A recommended route is to first explore the main terraced fields, followed by a visit to the nearby village. Afterward, take a short hike to one of the high viewpoints for a wider perspective of the area. Finish the visit by walking through the surrounding nature and enjoying the quiet environment.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Samaba. However, the area can be especially beautiful at sunset, making the late afternoon a great time for a visit.
Samaba is not generally crowded, but it can get busy during the peak tourist seasons, such as Chinese holidays. Weekdays, especially in the early mornings, tend to be the least crowded times to visit.
The area around the terraced fields may involve some uphill walking, so it may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, the village and surrounding areas are relatively flat and accessible for children and families.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also commonly used in the area. It’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases, especially in more remote areas.
There are a few local restaurants offering traditional Yunnan dishes, such as rice noodles and grilled meats. These are typically located near the village or the park entrance.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local restaurants, with many vegetable-based dishes. Halal food may be more limited, but some restaurants in the area may offer it.
Yes, there are small souvenir shops in the village, selling local handicrafts such as woven baskets, ethnic jewelry, and traditional Yi textiles.
