The terraced rice fields of Yuanyang in Yunnan are among the most beautiful and spectacular rice fields you can visit during your trip to Chine.

History

Sculpted over 1,000 years ago by the Hani minority, the terraces stretch endlessly around the old town of Yuanyang (Xinjie).

Facing the challenging terrain of this steep mountain, the ingenuity of the Hani people led them to create terraces to grow rice and earn their livelihood.

The technique was later adopted throughout Chine and Southeast Asia until the 14th century. In recognition, the emperor of the Ming dynasty bestowed the title of "master sculptor" upon the Hani people, and their expertise was passed down through generations.

In 2013, UNESCO inscribed the cultural landscape of the Honghe Hani terraced rice fields on the World Heritage List for both cultural and natural significance.

The Terraced Rice Fields of Yuanyang

Located in southern Yunnan approximately 6 hours from Kunming, the terraced rice fields of Yuanyang are considered a true masterpiece of the Hani people.

The site spans 16,603 hectares on the steep slopes of Mount Ailao down to the southern bank of the Red River across the districts of Honghe, Yuanyang, Luchun, and Jinping. The terraces were created following a complex system of channels that allows water to flow from the mountain peaks down to the rice fields.

The terraces of Yuanyang are divided into several sites, with three standing out particularly for their beauty: Duoyishu, Bada, and Laohuzui.

Duoyishu Rice Fields

Located approximately 25 km from the old town of Yuanyang, the scenic area of Duoyishu is particularly spectacular at sunrise. The reflections and shifting shadows on the terraces reveal an almost supernatural landscape that photographers would not want to miss for anything in the world.

Bada Terraces

Bada is a magnificent site of more than 1,000 hectares of rice fields stretching across a gentle slope. The sunsets here are fantastic, offering magnificent orange-hued reflections that will transport you to an enchanted realm.

Laohuzui Rice Fields

On a very steep slope, the terraced rice fields of Laohuzui will take you to a distant, unknown world with its array of colors and majestic lines. At sunset, the colors are so intense that you feel immersed in a painting created by a great artist. The lowest part of the terrace is the most captivating, with its contours that could be likened to a galloping horse.

To fully appreciate the beauty of the rice fields, it is best to visit from early morning until sunset. The interplay of light that transforms the terraces into golden basins will surely surprise all travelers.

When to Visit?

The best time to visit the Yuanyang terraced rice fields is from December to May when the terraces are filled with water. When the weather is misty, it offers an entirely different landscape but takes nothing away from the charm and beauty of the place.

Overnight and daytime buses run from Kunming. The journey takes approximately 6 to 8 hours. The roads traveled offer breathtaking scenery.

Entrance Fees

An entrance fee is required and amounts to 100 RMB per person.