A complete guide to exploring the core sights and cuisines of Red River

I. Recommended Key Scenic Spots
1. Terraced Fields: Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces
Best Viewpoints: Duoyishu (Morning Mist and Sea of Clouds), Laohuzui (Sunset Melting Gold), Bada (Mirror Terraces)
Secret Activities: Overnight at the Mushroom House B&B in Azheke Village and Participate in the Hani Long Street Banquet (Red Rice with Rice Flower Fish)
Seasonal Tips: The terraces are lush and green in August, and the mirror-like effect gradually emerges as they begin flooding in October.
2. Time Capsule: Jianshui Ancient City
Cultural Highlights: Carved Doors and Windows at Zhu Family Garden, Sunset at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge of Shuanglong Bridge, and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience on Purple Pottery Street
Must-See Night Views: Ximen Shaofu with Sweet Soy Sauce, and a Ride on the Century-Old Meter-Gauge Train Through the Fields
3. French Romance - Bisezhai & Mile
Bisezhai: Retro photoshoot with yellow walls and green trains, shoot early in the morning to avoid the crowds
Miler East Wind Charm: Red brick "kaleidoscope" buildings and lavender fields, recommended for evening photography
II. A Taste of the Red River
Recommended Locations
Staple Dishes: Grass Bud Rice Noodles, Steamed Chicken, Hani Red Rice
Jianshui Lin'an Hotel
Snacks: Ximen Braised Tofu, Bird's Nest Crisps, Glutinous Rice with Lotus Root
Ethnic Banquet Outside the West Gate of Jianshui Ancient City: Sour Soup Fish, Long Street Banquet, Bamboo Tube Chicken
Yuanyang Hani Village
III. Recommended Accommodations
Terraced Rice Terraces View: Yuanyang Duoyishu Yunshang Terraced Rice B&B (window views, breakfast included)
Ancient City Experience: Jianshui Tingziyun Resort Hotel (renovated Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyard house)
Hot Spring Therapy: Mile Lake Spring Half Mountain Hot Spring Hotel (ideal for driving relief)
IV. Classic Route Planning
📍 Compact 3-Day Highlights
D1: Kunming → Mile East Wind Charm (2 hours) → Overnight at Lake Spring Hot Springs
D2: Mile → Yuanyang Rice Terraces Sunset (3.5 hours) → Accommodation at Duoyishu B&B
D3: Terraces Sunrise → Jianshui Ancient Town → Return
🌿 In-Depth 5-Day Unconventional Tour
D1-2: Pingbian Dawei Mountain Hike + Dishui Miao Town (Forest Photography)
D3: Mengzi Nanhu Park → Bisezhai Republican-era Photo Gallery
D4-5: Jianshui Pottery Experience → Cycling at Yilong Lake in Shiping
V. Practical Tips
Transportation: Kunming to Honghe High-Speed Rail: 1.5 hours. Chartering a car is recommended for the rice terraces area (the mountain roads are rugged).
Gear: Sun protection clothing (strong UV rays), folding stool (for waiting at the observation deck), non-slip shoes
Pitfalls to Avoid: Be cautious when buying bamboo rice in the scenic area; prefer freshly made food stalls.