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The ancient town of Yisa is located in Honghe County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is situated on a ridge on the south bank of the Red River at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters. In Yi language, it means "a dry and water-scarce place."
This area was once the core hub of southern Yunnan's horse caravan culture. From the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China, local caravans pioneered 11 transnational trade routes over a century, penetrating into Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, and other regions, bringing back vast wealth and Western culture, creating a legendary history of "plenty of gold, many widows, and many traveling men." With its prosperity comparable to Hong Kong, it's known as "Little Hong Kong Beyond the Yangtze River" and is one of Yunnan's three major overseas Chinese hometowns.
Suitable season for visiting:
November to April (dry season): The weather is clear, the terraces enter the irrigation period, and the light and shadow effects are excellent, especially after the Spring Festival when there are fewer tourists.
Avoid the rainy season (June-September): mountain roads are slippery, and the terraced landscape is mainly green rice fields, so the photography effect is slightly inferior.
Recommended places to visit:
1. Dongmen Mabang Ancient Buildings
East Gate Tower: Built in 1947, it serves as the eastern entrance to the ancient town. From the summit, visitors can overlook the Red River Canyon, creating a fairyland-like experience when shrouded in mist.
Yao Chuji's Former Residence: A former residence of a wealthy caravan merchant, its bluestone walls, European-style arcades, and Chinese-style wood carvings combine to create a masterpiece worthy of being called "the pinnacle of southern Yunnan architecture."
The Maze Courtyard (Qian Erguan's Residence): Its maze of alleyways and walls riddled with embrasures bear witness to the defensive wisdom of merchants in troubled times.
2. Samaba Terraces
The world's largest contiguous rice terraces: 14,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) of terraced fields, with 4,300 steps cascading like a ladder to heaven, rise from 600 meters above sea level to 1,880 meters, offering breathtaking views.
Viewing locations: The scenic area's observation deck (toward Baohua Township). At sunrise, the area is shrouded in mist, creating a fairyland-like scene, while at sunset, a golden glow bathes the vast expanse of the landscape.
3. Jiayin Terraces and Tasa Terraces
The Jiayin Rice Terraces are known for their graceful lines and mirror-like water, offering a more pristine appearance than the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. The Tasa Rice Terraces, dotted with palm trees and Hani mushroom houses, are ideal for a short hike.
A recommended hidden gem: the E'di Reservoir in the back mountain, where terraced fields embrace emerald waters and a suspension bridge offers stunning photos of the rice fields in harmony.
Terrace Hiking Routes (Level of Intensity)
(1) Lightweight (1 hour): From the starting point of the Samaba Plank Road loop
, go down to the ridge of the field, then to the Hani village, and then back to the plank road. The slope is steep but the path is clear, so non-slip shoes are required.
(2) In-depth (3-4 hours): Jiayin-Tasa: Cross
Jiayin Township → Tiangeng Road → Tasa Village → Edi Reservoir. Pass through forests, villages, and mirror-like terraces along the way.
Yisa Ancient Town is a historic settlement of the Yi ethnic group in Yunnan. It preserves traditional Yi architecture, customs, and culture, providing insight into the ethnic heritage and historical lifestyle of the region.
The town is located in Red River Prefecture, Yunnan. Visitors typically reach it by car or taxi from nearby cities such as Honghe or Kunming. Public buses are limited, so hiring a private vehicle is recommended.
Open daily, generally from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for visiting.
Entrance is usually free, though certain cultural sites or exhibitions may charge a small fee, payable at the site. Online ticketing is rarely needed.
Advance booking is not required for general admission. For cultural performances or guided tours, booking a few days in advance is recommended.
2–4 hours is sufficient to explore the main streets, temples, and local markets.
Guided tours are occasionally available in Chinese; English-speaking guides are rare and may need to be arranged in advance.
Photograph the main street, Yi-style architecture, temple courtyards, and scenic hills surrounding the town.
Start at the main entrance, walk through the central street, visit temples and markets, then explore side alleys and scenic viewpoints.
Night visits are limited. Special cultural performances may be available during festivals.
Weekdays and non-festival periods are least crowded. Festivals and weekends attract more tourists.
Basic facilities including restrooms, small eateries, water vendors, and souvenir shops are available. Rest areas are limited.
Some areas have uneven paths; elderly and children should exercise caution. Wheelchair access is limited.
Cash is preferred for small purchases; mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at larger shops.
Local eateries serve traditional Yi cuisine and snacks; small cafes may offer tea and light refreshments.
Vegetarian options are limited but available in local eateries; halal options are rare.
Small guesthouses and inns are available in Yisa Town; larger hotels are located in nearby towns or cities.
Souvenirs include Yi handicrafts, embroidered textiles, traditional jewelry, and small artworks.
Private car, taxi, or local buses can connect visitors to nearby towns or Red River scenic areas for further exploration.
