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The Eagle's Beak Rice Terraces offer stunning landscapes and a glimpse into local agricultural traditions. Recommended activities include:
The Eagle's Mouth Rice Terraces, located near Mali Village in Yuanyang County, are known for their vibrant colors. From afar, they resemble flowing ribbons, with the blood-red terraces particularly striking. Unlike the Tiger's Mouth and Duoyishu scenic areas, there are no dedicated viewing platforms, so visitors can only carefully choose a spot atop the cliffs for aerial photography.
Climbing up to Eagle's Beak, overlooking the clear scenery from the cliff, there is water, like a mirror, like jade, thousands of terraced fields, layer upon layer, misty and hazy, dazzling the eyes, the skylight and the sun's shadows, swaying the colorful pools, changing in an instant, like a dream, like an illusion. This is truly a paradise on earth.
The subtropical monsoon climate has a relatively uniform seasonal pattern, with rainy and cool summers and warm winters. All seasons are suitable for travel.
Waiting for sunset at the Eagle's Beak Rice Terraces, as a ray of light casts its shadow across the earth, the terraces reveal their mysterious face, as transparent as pieces of glass. Standing on the cliff, I gaze at the changing shapes of the terraces beneath Eagle's Beak, reflecting the light and shadows of the sky and clouds. This is simply to show how the same scene appears differently under different weather and lighting conditions.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
The Eagle's Beak Rice Terraces are a remarkable feat of ancient agricultural engineering, built by local ethnic minorities over centuries. They are not only a functional landscape for farming but also a symbol of the harmony between humans and nature in this region.
The Eagle's Beak Rice Terraces are located in the Red River region of Yunnan Province, China. You can reach the area by taking a bus or taxi from the nearby city of Yuanyang. Walking may be required once you arrive, depending on your specific destination within the terraces.
The terraces are open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the planting season in April-May and harvest season in September-October when the terraces are at their most vibrant. The terraces also look spectacular at sunrise and sunset, so early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended.
The entrance fee to the Eagle's Beak Rice Terraces is approximately ¥60-100. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the terraces. It is not necessary to book online, though some third-party platforms may offer tickets in advance during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically necessary unless you are visiting during the busy tourist season (such as Chinese holidays). If you are traveling during peak times, it is recommended to book a few days in advance.
To fully explore the Eagle's Beak Rice Terraces and enjoy the surrounding scenery, you will need around 2 to 3 hours. If you plan to hike around and interact with the local community, you might spend up to half a day.
The main highlight is the panoramic view of the rice terraces from the "Eagle's Beak" viewpoint, which offers stunning vistas of the layered rice paddies. Other must-see spots include local villages where you can experience ethnic traditions and farming practices.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some local guides may offer tours in English during peak seasons. Audio guides are not typically offered, but guides are available to share the history and significance of the terraces.
The best viewpoints are from the "Eagle's Beak" area and the surrounding hills, where you can get sweeping views of the terraces. Sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting for photography, with the reflections in the water creating dramatic shots.
The recommended route is to start at the main viewpoint, take in the expansive views of the terraces, and then descend into the lower levels to explore the rice fields more closely. If you have time, visit nearby villages to learn about local farming methods.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Eagle's Beak Rice Terraces. However, if you are in the area during a local festival, special cultural tours may be available, offering insight into the traditions of the ethnic minority communities.
The terraces can be crowded during holidays and peak seasons (April-May, September-October). To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays in the off-season or early in the morning.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available, but there are few shops or food vendors within the terraces themselves. It is advisable to bring water and snacks. Nearby villages may offer local food and drinks.
The terrain of the rice terraces can be steep and uneven, which may pose difficulties for elderly or disabled visitors. Children should be supervised while exploring the area. Some parts of the terraces may require walking on narrow pathways, so it's important to be prepared for some physical activity.
Cash is commonly used in the area, especially in the villages. However, mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted in some places, especially in the nearby towns.
There are no restaurants inside the rice terraces, but nearby villages offer small local eateries serving traditional Yunnan food. You can find basic snacks, noodles, and local dishes such as rice cakes and steamed buns.
Vegetarian food options are available, especially in the local restaurants where vegetables and rice are staple ingredients. Halal food may be more difficult to find in rural areas, but some larger towns or cities nearby may offer Muslim-friendly options.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in the nearby towns of Yuanyang, which is a short drive from the terraces. Accommodations range from budget options to mid-range hotels. Some local homestays offer a more immersive experience with local culture.
Nearby attractions include the Yuanyang Rice Terraces (a UNESCO World Heritage site), local ethnic villages, and Mount Ailao, which offers scenic hiking opportunities. These can all be easily combined into a day trip from the terraces.
Souvenir shops are available in nearby towns and villages, where you can find handmade crafts such as woven baskets, ethnic clothing, and traditional jewelry. Local rice and snacks are also popular souvenirs.
The best way to continue your trip is by taking a taxi or local bus from the terraces back to Yuanyang or to other nearby towns. From there, you can catch buses or taxis to nearby destinations in Yunnan.
