Lishui Yunhe Terraces｜6 AM Sea of Clouds Sunrise, Healing a Whole Year's Fatigue

Lishui Yunhe Terraces｜6 AM Sea of Clouds Sunrise, Healing a Whole Year's Fatigue

If you yearn for a romantic encounter with nature and want to capture the “aerial secret realm” light and shadow before the city wakes up, this original Lishui Yunhe Terraces guide will help you precisely unlock the autumn-exclusive healing scenery.

1. Must-See Before the Trip: Key Conditions to Catch the “Sea of Clouds Sunrise”

Whether you can encounter breathtaking scenery depends on two core factors: “weather” and “time,” both indispensable.

- Weather Check: Use a weather app one day in advance to check that around 5:30 AM the next morning it should be sunny or partly cloudy, and the cloud height must be below 1000 meters—meeting these two conditions means a high chance to see the sea of clouds winding around the terraces.
- Accommodation Suggestion: Stay directly in a guesthouse near the scenic area to save time on long travel the next day and to get real-time weather updates from locals immediately.
- Time Planning: Sunrise is around 6:07 AM. It’s recommended to drive up the mountain between 4:30 and 5:00 AM (the scenic area officially opens at 5:00 AM), leaving at least 30 minutes to find a shooting spot and set up equipment to avoid missing the best light.

2. Four Must-Shoot Spots: Covering Fairyland Scenery to Artistic Atmosphere

1. Jiǔqū Yunhuan Viewing Platform — The Top Choice for “Fairyland Shots”

This is the core spot for shooting the sea of clouds sunrise. The unobstructed view captures the “layered terraces + rolling sea of clouds” in full. When the morning light shines on the golden rice ears, it feels like stepping into a painting.

- Hidden Highlight: There is a “giant dragon” shaped rice art installation in the terraces. Shooting it with the sea of clouds adds depth to the picture, avoiding monotonous landscape photos.

2. Baiyin Valley — Vintage Artistic Check-in Spot

If you prefer a blend of culture and nature, Baiyin Valley is definitely worth spending 1-2 hours exploring.

- Kenggen Stone Village: Original stone houses and bluestone paths paired with morning mist create a “Japanese vintage style” vibe in any photo. Wearing a light-colored dress standing on the stone steps instantly boosts the atmosphere.
- Wujian Waterfall Trail: Along the way are streams and small waterfalls. Bring a portable tripod and use your phone’s “long exposure” mode to capture the water with a “silky texture,” a niche yet photogenic effect.

3. Qixing Dun Mountain Top — Exclusive Spot for Atmospheric Backshots

The “cloud swing” at the mountain top is a popular check-in point, but don’t just queue up; choosing the right angle is key to shooting with a high-end feel.

- Shooting Tip: Sit on the swing with your back to the camera, using the sea of clouds and terraces as the background. When the morning light hits from the side, press the shutter to avoid crowds and highlight the relaxed feeling of “man blending with nature.”

4. Cableway Baiyin Valley Station — Unique Perspective of “Dynamic Scenery”

When riding the cable car up the mountain, don’t just admire the view; the window seat is the “hidden shooting spot.”

- Shooting Method: Place your phone against the cable car glass (to avoid reflections) and shoot the cable car weaving through the mountain forest and sea of clouds. The dynamic sense is strong, and you can capture the unique aerial view of the terraces.

3. Practical Tips: Make Photos More Stunning and Your Trip More Comfortable

- Outfit Suggestion: Preferably white or light-colored long dresses with a straw hat. Light colors look fresher against the golden terraces and white sea of clouds. The straw hat also blocks the morning breeze, preventing hair from flying and affecting shooting.
- Equipment Preparation: Bring a drone if possible to capture the terraces’ curves beautifully. If only using a phone, remember a portable tripod (to avoid shaky shots) and turn on “professional mode” to adjust exposure and restore the sea of clouds’ layers.
- Temperature Reminder: Mountain mornings have big temperature differences. Even in autumn, it can be as low as about 10°C (50°F). Be sure to bring a light jacket (like a knit cardigan or thin windbreaker) to wear right after shooting to avoid catching a cold.

4. Nearby Extensions: Where to Go After Shooting the Terraces?

If you have enough time, you can also visit other lesser-known spots in Lishui: after shooting the terraces in the morning, spend the afternoon at “Ancient Dam Painting Village” to stroll the old streets and see Oujiang sailing boats; stay overnight at “Songyang Ancient Village” in the evening to experience the slow life of Jiangnan countryside, making your healing journey more complete.

Take advantage of the autumn season when the rice ears are golden and the sea of clouds frequent, and set off with this guide—when the 6 AM light illuminates the terraces, all the noise will be gently dissolved by this scenery.