Written by Ivy Dong |
As one of the core scenic areas of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, Laohuzui Terraced Field Scenic Area is the most representative and spectacular site. Located 50 kilometers from Yuanyang County, Laohuzui Rice Terraces are spread across a deep valley, resembling a giant flower pistil. With over 3,000 acres of uniquely shaped terraces, they appear like thousands of snakes lying dormant within the pistil. Under the sunlight, the fields shimmer like rippling waves, creating a breathtaking and dynamic visual experience.
As a highlight of Yunnan travel, LaohuzuiĀ Rice Terraces offer a breathtaking spectacle. The terraced fields stretching across valleys and mountains is a reflection of the ingenuity and perseverance of the Hani people.
LaohuzuiĀ Rice Terraces Fact
- Type: Rice Terrace, Natural Landscape, World Heritage Site.
- Rice Terraces Area: 460 hectare
- Recommended Visiting Hours: about 3 hours
- Open Hours: AllDay
- Best Season:November to the Next March
- Tickets: 100 Yuan for Yuanyang Rice Terraces including four spots Laohuzui, Bada, Duoyishu, Jingkou Folk Village
- Address: 20 km from Xinjie Town of Yuanyang County
Laohuzui Rice Terraces Highlights
LaohuzuiĀ RiceĀ Terraces are named after a protruding rock cliff that resembles the gaping mouth of a fierce tiger. The distinctive rock formation and the vast expanse of terraced fields below it, together, are known as Laohuzui. As the village that owns these terraced fields is called Mengpin, the area is also referred to as Mengpin Field Dam.
As a must-visit attraction in Yuanyang tours, the Laohuzui Scenic Area encompasses nearly 12,000 acres of terraced fields, including Mengpin, Dongpu, Amengkong, and Baoshanzhai. It is the most precipitous, magnificent, spectacularly laid-out, and largest terraced field area in Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Known for its strong sense of three-dimensionality and vibrant color layers, the fields are like an oil painting.
In clear days of winter and spring, the terraced fields display patterns like two galloping horses and hidden dragons, or a thousand-year-old turtle resting at the valleyās bottom, symbolizing the historical legacy of the Hani peopleās terracing efforts. This area is the epitome of earthly sculpture and a prime example of the most stunning landscapes in Yuanyang Rice Terraces tour.
Laohuzui Rice Terraces Sunset
It is often said that toĀ view the sunrise at Duoyishu, and visit the sunset at Laohuzui. Located on the western side of the mountain ridge, Laohuzui is the premier spot for watching the sunset over the terraced fields. The viewing platform within the scenic area is divided into two levels. Visitors usually head to the upper platform after entering the scenic area. Below lies a mountain basin looking like a giant frying pan, surrounded by terraced fields on the slopes.
However, these are not the main attractions. The focal point of the Laohuzui Rice Terraces are the tens of thousands of acres of paddy fields at the bottom of the basin. At sunset, under the glow of the evening twilight, each terrace reflects a different hue of light.
Best Spot to View & Shoot Sunset
Laohuzui Rice Terraces offer two main viewing decks for photographers. The upper deck provides a panoramic view of the entire terraced landscape, andĀ the lower deck is ideal for capturing the essence of Laohuzui.
Sunset times at Laohuzui vary by season: typically, aboutĀ 19:24 in spring (March to May), 19:35 in summer (June to August), 18:50 in autumn (September to November), and 18:40 in winter (December to February). Professional photographers would usually arrive at the Bada Rice Terraces before 16:00 and head to the lower viewing deck for the best shots of the terraces, sea of clouds, and sunset.
The best times for photography are late December, January, February, and March. Although it varies by season, these periods are the most beautiful because the lighting and fog conditions are particularly favorable.
Best Time to Visit Laohuzui Rice Terraces
The bestĀ time to photograph Laohuzui Terraced Fields is December to April, and January to February will be the most ideal. It is when the terraced fields are filled with water, enhancing the visual layers. Laohuzui Terraced Fields are planted with rice in May and harvested in September, and December marks the beginning of the water-filling period.
āRelatated reading:Ā Yuanyang Weather & Climate
How to Get to Laohuzui Rice Terraces
Laohuzui Terraced Fields is located within the Yuanyang RiceĀ Terraces.
- By Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Kunming East Bus Station to Yuanyang County. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours. After arrival in Yuanyang County, transfer to local transportation heading to the Hani Terraced Fields, which will take about 1 hour.
- Chartered Car:You can charter a car from Kunming cityor Kunming Railway Station to the Hani Terraced Fields. The cost is around 1,000-1,500 yuan, and the journey takes about 4-5 hours.
- Self-Driving:Depart from Kunming and follow the route KunmingāQujingāWenshanāYuanyang to reach the Hani Terraced Fields. The total distance is about 400 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately 7-8 hours.
The three most famous scenic spots in Yuanyang Terraced Fields are Duoyishu, Bada, and Laohuzui. Heading forward through Shengcun Township from Bada reaches Duoyishu, and the fork in the road leads to Laohuzui RiceĀ Terraces in the opposite direction.
