Hong River Suffering is Over, Really Not Recommended to Visit in August Because...

Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture is located in the southeastern part of Yunnan Province, renowned for its spectacular terraces, rich ethnic culture, warm climate, and unique border charm. Here’s a travel guide to Honghe to help you plan an unforgettable trip:

1. **Must-Visit Attractions**:
- **Yuanyang Hani Terraces**:
- **Highlights**: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring stunning terrace clusters like Duoyishu, Bada, and Laohuzui, with breathtaking sea of clouds and sunrise/sunset views.
- **Best Season**: November to April (best mirror-like effects during irrigation, especially beautiful in February when cherry blossoms bloom).
- **Tips**: Stay in nearby homestays and hike or hire a car to viewpoints at dawn.

- **Jianshui Ancient Town**:
- **Highlights**: A millennia-old town with well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, including the Confucian Temple, Zhu Family Garden, and Chaoyang Tower (mini Tiananmen).
- **Experiences**: Ride the narrow-gauge train (Lin'an Station to Shuanglong Bridge to Tuanshan Village) and try Jianshui grilled tofu and steam-pot chicken.

- **Mile**:
- **Dongfengyun Art Town**: Red-brick buildings like the Kaleidoscope Art Museum, perfect for photography.
- **Huquan Ecological Park**: A hot spring resort ideal for relaxation.

- **Mengzi**:
- **Bisezhai Station**: A historic Yunnan-Vietnam Railway station featured in the movie *Youth*, with strong French colonial charm.
- **Origin of Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles**: Try "Qiaoxiangyuan" or "Huoshao Fangzi" for authentic versions.

- **Hekou**:
- **China-Vietnam Border Port**: Experience Vietnamese culture and cross-border travel (check visa policies in advance).

- **Shiping Ancient Town**:
- **Hidden Gem**: Well-preserved Ming and Qing houses, famous for Shiping tofu and cycling around Yilong Lake.

2. **Unique Experiences**:
- **Hani Long Street Banquet** (Yuanyang/Honghe County): Held during the "Zhalete Festival" (10th lunar month), showcasing ethnic hospitality.
- **Yi Torch Festival** (July-August): Grand celebrations in Mile and Shiping.
- **Farm Picking**: Mile grapes and Mengzi pomegranates (ripe August-October).

3. **Transport Guide**:
- **Major Transport**:
- High-speed train from Kunming to Jianshui (~2h) or Mengzi (~3h), or fly to Mile (near Kunming).
- No high-speed train to Yuanyang; hire a car or take a bus from Kunming/Jianshui to Xinjie Town.
- **Local Transport**:
- Hire a car for terraces (~300-500 CNY/day); rent e-bikes in Jianshui/Mengzi.

4. **Food Recommendations**:
- **Jianshui**: Grilled tofu, rice noodles with grass shoots, steam-pot chicken, Zitao Street night market.
- **Mengzi**: Cross-bridge rice noodles, pomegranate juice.
- **Yuanyang**: Hani dipping chicken, red rice, dried beef.
- **Mile**: Braised chicken rice noodles, wine (visit Yunnan Red Winery).

5. **Accommodation Tips**:
- **Yuanyang**: Homestays near Duoyishu (e.g., "Flower Nest," "Cloud Heaven") for sunrise views.
- **Jianshui**: Boutique guesthouses in the ancient town (near Zhu Family Garden).
- **Mile**: Huquan Hotel (hot spring) or Dongfengyun MGallery Art Hotel.

6. **Sample Itinerary (5-7 Days)**:
- **D1-D2**: Kunming → Jianshui (ancient town + train) → Stay in Jianshui.
- **D3**: Jianshui → Yuanyang Terraces (Bada sunset) → Stay in Duoyishu.
- **D4**: Yuanyang (Duoyishu sunrise + Azheke Village) → Mengzi → Stay in Mengzi.
- **D5**: Mengzi (Bisezhai) → Mile → Stay in Mile.
- **D6**: Mile (Dongfengyun + hot springs) → Return.

7. **Notes**:
- Yuanyang terraces have winding roads; drive carefully. Pack windproof jackets for winter temperature swings.
- Respect ethnic customs; ask permission before photographing locals.
- Strong UV protection and hydration are essential.

Honghe offers both natural wonders and cultural depth, perfect for slow-paced exploration. Adjust your itinerary by season to fully appreciate its diverse charm!