Introducing United Terraces
Located in Lianhe Township, Youxi County, Fujian Province, the Lianhe Rice Terraces span 10,000 mu (approximately 10,000 mu) across eight administrative villages: Lianhe, Liandong, Liannan, Lianxi, Dongbian, Yunshan, Xiayun, and Lianyun. They are considered one of China's five most captivating terraced fields, one of the top ten scenic spots for discovering the beauty of Haixi (Taiwan Strait), the most beautiful terraced fields in Fujian, and a major photography destination in Fujian Province.
The United Terraces are large in scale and majestic in appearance. The United Mountain area is full of towering mountains and all the terraces are built on the hillsides. The large terraces are several acres in size, and the small ones are only as big as a winnowing basket. They stretch for dozens of miles and cover an area of tens of thousands of acres. It can be said that they were built in one go and the scenery is endless.
Against the backdrop of winding green hills and bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the boundless expanse of terraced fields, layer upon layer, is a magnificent sight, engulfed in the sunset. The terraces, stacked one upon another, rise like ladders to the heavens; the gleaming terraces, like mirrors set on the hillside, shimmer and gleam.
Climate and best time to travel
Spring and autumn are the best times to photograph the terraced fields. From March to May, the terraced fields are all reclaimed and irrigated with water. From August to September, the rice is half yellow and half green. In September, the color of the rice gradually turns golden yellow, and when you look from a high vantage point, you will see a sea of golden color.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
Tickets
free
Attraction opening hours
All day
Most Popular FAQs for United Terraces
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
The United Terraces are a series of scenic rice terraces in Sanming, Fujian. They showcase traditional agricultural practices and ingenious hillside farming techniques, reflecting the local rural culture and centuries-old heritage of Fujian rice cultivation.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Location: United Terraces are located in the mountainous areas of Sanming, Fujian Province, China.
- By air: Fly into Sanming Shaxian Airport, then hire a taxi or use local bus services to reach the terraces.
- By train: Take a train to Sanming Railway Station, then a bus or taxi to the terraces.
- Walking: Explore the terraces on foot via marked trails and paths.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Best visiting times are spring (March–May) for planting scenery and autumn (September–October) for harvest colors.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Entrance fee is approximately 60–80 RMB per person.
- Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or via Chinese travel booking platforms.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
For weekends and peak seasons, booking 1 week in advance is recommended. On regular weekdays, tickets are generally available on-site.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
Approximately 2–4 hours to walk through the terraces, visit villages, and take photos.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Main panoramic viewpoints overlooking multiple terrace layers.
- Local villages and ancestral halls along the terraces.
- Seasonal planting and harvesting areas, depending on the time of year.
- Water channels and irrigation systems illustrating traditional techniques.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Guided tours are available in Chinese; English-language guides may be arranged through travel agencies. Audio guides are limited.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Terrace ridges at sunrise and sunset for dramatic lighting.
- High vantage points overlooking entire terrace patterns.
- Pathways near water channels for close-up shots of traditional irrigation.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start at the main entrance → follow the marked trail along terraces → visit local villages → reach the highest viewpoints → return via scenic paths.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
Night visits are generally not available; there are no light shows, but special cultural demonstrations may be organized during festivals.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Peak crowding occurs during public holidays and harvest festivals.
- Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Basic public toilets near the main entrance.
- Small restaurants or stalls offering local Fujian snacks.
- Rest areas and benches along main paths.
- Souvenir shops selling handicrafts and local products.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
Accessible for children and elderly, though some steep or uneven paths may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted.
- Cash is recommended as a backup for small vendors.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Local eateries in nearby villages serving traditional Fujian cuisine.
- Small cafes offering tea, coffee, and light snacks.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian options such as stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, and rice are available. Halal options are limited.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Guesthouses and inns in surrounding villages.
- Hotels in Sanming City provide more standard accommodations.
- Some homestays allow overnight stays in terraced villages.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Nearby mountain hiking trails.
- Fujian traditional villages and cultural museums.
- Scenic rivers and rural countryside routes.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Handicrafts made from bamboo and wood.
- Local specialty foods like rice cakes and dried fruits.
- Postcards, miniature terraces, and traditional textiles.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Return to Sanming City by taxi or local bus.
- From Sanming, take trains or buses to nearby Fujian cities.
- Car rentals or guided tours are convenient for exploring surrounding rural areas.
