Yuanyang Rice Terraces: A Vibrant Palette of Nature

Written by Veronica | Updated December 18,2025

Spanning the southern part of Ailao Mountain in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yuanyang Rice Terraces is an essential part of the UNESCO-listed Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. And for a good reason! The rice terraces show an immense scale, covering an area of about 114 square kilometers, with a single slope containing as many as 3,000 steps. The rice terraces are believed to have been crafted and maintained by local Hani people over 1,300 years ago. As a consequence, it becomes a symbol of the region’s farming and cultural heritage, and also one of the most stunning terrace examples in China.

As one of the top things to do on a Yunnan travel, visiting the Yuanyang Rice Terraces not only rewards you with bustling fields and stunning mountain views but also offers a unique cultural experience. Since the region is home to many Hani villages.

This guide to Yuanyang Rice Terraces will introduce you to all the highlights, things to do, and the best time to visit this area.

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• Fast Facts of Yuanyang Rice Terraces
• Why Visit Yuanyang Rice Terraces
• Top Attractions at Yuanyang Rice Terraces
• Best Photo Spots and Angles
• Yuanyang Weather and Best Time to Visit
• Travel Tips
• Where to Stay at Yuanyang Rice Terraces
• How to Get to and Travel Around
• What to Eat in Yuanyang
• What to Pack for a Yuanyang Rice Terraces Trip
• Attractions Nearby
• Yuanyang Rice Terraces Travel Tips
• FAQs about Yuanyang Rice Terraces
• How to Plan a Yuanyang Rice Terraces Tour
• Plan Your Yuanyang Tour with China Xian Tour

Fast Facts of Yuanyang Rice Terraces

• Location: in the southern part of Ailao Mountain, within Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China
• Ticket price: CNY 70 per person
• Opening hours: all day
• Highlights: The rice terraces, traditional Hani villages, local culture and customs, and stunning sunrises and sunsets.
• Suited to: Nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience.
• Recommended time for a visit: 1-2 days

Why Visit Yuanyang Rice Terraces

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site: It is the 45th World Heritage Site in China, showing the Hani people’s harmonious coexistence with nature.
• Stunning Terraced Landscape: Stretching from an altitude of 400 meters at the river valley to 1,800 meters on the mountain, the fields show a grand visual drama that is attractive to photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The vistas are awe-inspiring and vary according to light conditions, the hues of the sky, and the seasons.
• Explore the Centuries-old Farming System: The Hani people devised the rice fields along the challenging mountainous terrain over one thousand years ago, and integrated irrigation systems accordingly, thus creating a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem seamlessly intertwined with the surrounding forests and villages.
• Authentic Cultural Immersion: Thanks to the unique terrain and agricultural ecosystem in this area, the local Hani people have developed their unique culture and way of life. Plus, they have their festivals, celebrations, and religious practices closely revolve around the terraces. Thus, you can delve deep into their rice-cultivating culture during a visit here.

Top Attractions at Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Yuanyang Rice Terraces boasts several principal attractions, each of which offers a unique experience. Below are some of the top recommended ones:

Laohuzui Terraced Field Scenic Area (Tiger’s Mouth Scenic Area 老虎嘴景区):

Best for: Sunset & Light Drama

The Laohuzui Rice Terraces encompasses an area of over 850 hectares, with an altitude difference of more than 1,200 meters. This area features a dramatic display of multi-tiered canvas, fluid lines, and gradations of color. The ripening times between the foot and summit of the mountain differ vastly during the harvest season.

A top highlight of the Laohuzui Scenic Area is its rhythmic light and shadow that changes with time. And its most stunning moments are typically at the sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the golden glow of the sunlight bathes the terraces in a spellbinding aura.

If you are lucky, you may encounter the rare scenery when the terraces resemble “two galloping steeds” and a “hidden dragon crouching tiger”. Photographers will thus get a wealth of inspiration while visiting this area.

Bada Scenic Area (坝达景区)

Best for: Sunset, panoramic views of the terraces, cultural immersion

This area covers an impressive area of 14,000 mu (approximately 933 hectares), with over 3,700 steps stretching from an elevation of about 1,100 meters at Magengjia to over 2,000 meters above sea level. It is about 15km from Xinjie and 8km from Duoyishu.

Alongside the Laohuzui Scenic Area, the Bada Scenic Area is another spot to capture and witness breathtaking sunset views over the terraced landscape. As the sun sets, the sunlight will paint the sky with a red glow, and transform the terraced waters into a glittering surface.

Besides the sunset views, Bada Scenic Area is also an excellent spot to capture panoramic views of the terraces thanks to its vast scale and relatively higher altitude. It is particularly breathtaking in the early morning, when misty clouds and fog shroud the terraces.

Also, this area hosts many Hani villages, offering great chances to delve deep into local customs and traditional architecture.

Duoyishu Rice Terraces (多依树景区)

Best for: Sunrise, otherworldly tiered beauty for the terraces, misty scenery

Perched on an elevation of about 1,900 meters, the Duoyishu Rice Terraces covers an area of about 650 hectares. In this area, the rice paddies span across the mountain slopes ranging from 25 to 50-degree angles, showing an otherworldly tiered beauty.

This area is especially known for its stunning sunrise scenery. As dawn breaks, the rising sun sprinkles a golden glow over the terraced water surface, transforming the terraced fields into a gossamer veil that dances gently with the morning mist and breeze.

At Duoyishu Rice Terraces, visitors will also encounter the many traditional mushroom-shaped houses dotting the surrounding Hani villages. You can spend a night in a local guesthouse, immersing yourself in magnificent sunrise from the nearby viewing platforms. Moreover, you’ll get chances to look into locals’ agricultural practices, customs, and handicrafts.

Aichun Blue Terraces

Best for: Serene Blue Tones & Forested Scenery

Aichun Terraces (locals call it “Blue Terraces”) are hidden in Yuanyang’s terraced hills. These views are a serene escape, and are known for the otherworldly blue tones and forested calm. Its gentle slopes are cloaked by dense mossy forests, which creates an intimate, crowd-free atmosphere.

The terraces’ striking blue comes from mineral-rich spring water. This color shifts beautifully between a powdery sky-blue and a misty indigo as it blends with reflections of the sky.  You’ll find the deepest blues on cloudy days and the softest shades at dawn. Ideal for meditation or photography, Aichun offers untouched beauty, blue tones pop against forest greens, and with few visitors, every angle feels like a hidden secret of Yuanyang.

Azheke Minority Village

Best for: Cultural Immersion & Authentic Experiences​

As a living Hani village, Azheke showcases mushroom-shaped homes, bamboo weavings, and terraced farming. Here you can see women weave bamboo baskets and elders share farming tales. The annual “Long Street Banquet” lights up the village to another level: red lanterns, long tables of zhutongfan (steamed bamboo rice), and villagers in colorful attire singing, dancing, and setting off fireworks.

Join seasonal rice harvests event (families tend shoots together) or savor zhutongfan (soft, bamboo-scented) and suanzhu chicken (spicy sour bamboo shoot chicken). Every song here tells a story of Hani culture, rooted in the land and eager to be shared.

Best Photo Spots and Angles

• Duoyishu Scenic Area (多依树)– The most famous spot for sunrise views. Arrive before dawn to capture golden light melting with the morning mist.
• Laohuzui (Tiger’s Mouth, 老虎嘴)– Known for its dramatic terrain and evening glow. And the whole terraces will shine with incredibly beautiful layers of light and shadow at sunset.
• Bada Scenic Area (坝达)– Vast panoramic view with thousands of layers. Late afternoon offers stunning scenes, as the clouds drifting and the terraces glow with the gently sunlight.
• Aichun “Blue Terraces”(蓝色梯田) – It will turn into a wonderland in cloudy or rainy days. The reflections of the sky can create soft blue tones and otherworldly beauty.
• Azheke Village (阿者科村) -It’s a mix of landscapes and culture. Mushroom-shaped Hani houses standing aside stepped fields have made timeless portraits.

Yuanyang Weather and Best Time to Visit

Yuanyang County is in the south of Yunnan and enjoys a subtropical plateau monsoon climate. It sees a warm and humid climate all year round. While due to its complex mountainous terrain, this region may experience rapid and diverse weather changes.

Generally, Yuanyang features a clear distinction between wet and dry seasons. In spring and summer, especially from May to September, the region undergoes abundant precipitation and elevated humidity levels. In contrast, in autumn and winter, from October to April, it is relatively dry, with more sunny days.

Regarding the ideal time to visit Yuanyang Rice Terraces, it usually falls between November and April, when the frequent sunny days create excellent conditions for admiring the terraced landscapes. December to February is particularly recommended. Since during this period, the crops have been harvested, and the fields are filled with water. It shows a mesmerizing play of light and shadow when the terraced fields reflect the sunlight, azure sky, and clouds like a giant mirror.

Travel Tips

• To capture the great sunrise views, photography enthusiasts need to arrive at the viewing platforms in the early morning. Considering the cool temperatures in the morning in the mountainous area, you’d better dress in warm clothes.
• The various attractions in Yuanyang Rice Terraces are far from each other, so it is imperative to plan your itinerary prudently and consider how to travel around this area in advance.
• Since the beauty of the terraced fields is ever-changing under different times of day and weather conditions, you’d better plan a 2-3 day itinerary to fully appreciate the different beauties.

Where to Stay at Yuanyang Rice Terraces

For a more immersive Yuanyang Rice Terraces experience, staying close with the scenic area is crucial. Here, you’ll enjoy both high-quality accommodations and unobstructed views of the terraces, making it easy for you to follow the magical transformations of the views.

Duoyishu is a top pick for sunrise lovers: its platform area features hotels with balconies that face golden dawn light spilling over mist-cloaked terraces, though prices are relatively high. For better value, the Hani town (a 10–20-minute drive from Duoyishu) offers affordable stays with sweeping terrace views. As a result, Oness Resort Yuanyang Terrace stands out here, for it offers both modern comforts and traditional Hani aesthetics to ensure visitors a cozy yet immersive stay.

Wherever you choose, staying within the area guarantees front-row seats to Yuanyang’s breathtaking terraced landscapes at any hour in a day.

How to Get to and Travel Around

How to Get to Yuanyang Rice Terraces

The most convenient option is to take a long-distance bus from Kunming South Bus Station to Yuanyang. The bus ride will take about 5 hours, with multiple departures each day. After arrival at Yuanyang, you can take either a local bus or a taxi to reach the terraced fields.

Or, you can take a direct high-speed train from Kunming to Jianshui or Mengzi. From either of these two destinations, there are frequent buese to Yuanyang. You can get off at Xinjiezhen Station, and the bus ride will take about 4 hours.

How to Travel around Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Since the major attractions of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces are dispersed in different areas, it is challenging for visitors to transfer between each scenic area. Below are some recommended options to travel around the terraced fields, and you can make a choice based on your requirements.

• Sightseeing buses: The sightseeing buses typically have fixed schedules, and just stop at major attractions and viewpoints. If you want to capture great sunrise and sunset views, this option is not for you since it is not available in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Chartered services: This option offers more flexibility and a hassle-free journey. The private driver with the vehicle is usually familiar with this region. They can offer some insider tips and recommended spots for photography.
• Self-driving: If you are good at driving, you can rent a car after arriving at Yuanyang. But, note that, some stretches of the road can be narrow or winding.
• Hiking: Suitable for people who are rich in time. Hiking among the rice terraces allows you an in-depth exploration of this area, and encounters local Hani people and ethnic villages on the way.

Get to Top Rice Terraces by chartered minibus

The major rice terraces in Yuanyang are basically in a remote location. Some only have a few direct buses and some do not have a direct bus at all. So chartered minibus has been a top choice because of its convenience. Below are the distances and durations from Nansha Town and Xinjie Town to the major sites.

Join a Tour

Another convenient choice for a Yuanyang travel is to join a tour. Because there is no need to reserve the car and plan the itinerary by yourself. China Xian Tour is a trustworthy travel agency. Besides the driver, we will also assign a guide to escort you. Traveling with us, your tour will be hassle free and your travel experience will be more immersive.

What to Eat in Yuanyang

Yuanyang’s cuisine is a production of Hani mountain life, it is simple, hearty, and deeply tied to the land. Don’t miss these local staples:

• Zhutongfan (Bamboo Tube Rice): It is one of the most famous Hani signature. The fist process is let glutinous rice steamed in bamboo tubes, infused with the fresh aroma of bamboo. The rice stays soft and slightly sweet, often served with pickled vegetables or chili oil. Try it at family-run guesthouses in Azheke Village or market stalls in Xinjie Town.
• Suanzhu Chicken(Sour Bamboo Shoot Chicken): A spicy-sour classic, made with fermented bamboo shoots (a Hani staple) and free-range chicken. The tangy bamboo shoot cuts through the rich chicken broth, balancing perfectly with steamed rice. Many villages serve this during harvest festivals.
• Terraced Fish: Raise and caught from the irrigated paddies, these small, silvery fish are often pan-fried or grilled simply. Their flesh is typically tender and mildly sweet, which becomes a testament to the purity of the mountain water.

What to Pack for a Yuanyang Rice Terraces Trip

• Clothes:Layers for cool mornings/evenings, plus a jacket.
• Shoes: Comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes.
• Camera gear:Tripod, spare batteries, and lenses.
• Sun protection:Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• Rain gear:Poncho or umbrella in rainy months.
• Snacks & water: Limited shops in villages.
• Cash: Many small places don’t take foreign cards.

Attractions Nearby

• Jianshui Ancient Town: Located about 100 kilometers north of the rice terraces, Jianshui Ancient Town is a well-preserved ancient town with many historical heritage, such as the Confucius Temple, the Double Dragon Bridge, and the Zhu Family Garden.
• Yuanyang Ethnic Garden: This cultural park showcases the traditional customs and lifestyles of the Hani people, including their unique architecture, clothing, and cuisine.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces Travel Tips

Best Time to Go

The highlight of Yuanyang Rice Terrace is the scene of the sky mirror, so the best time is from January to March. During this time, the rice fields have been irrigated with water, and the clouds and sky are clearly reflected on the water surface. You can also take a photo of the numerous layers of rice terraces as you see on the internet.

Where to Stay

The preferred choice of most travelers is the Duoyishu Scenic Area, the core attraction of Yuanyang Rice Terraces. It is the best place to appreciate the sunrise. Located in the central area, it is also convenient for tourists to travel from here to other scenic spots.

Xinjie Town is a cost-effective choice. Here, complete facilities and more hotels are available. It is also the main place to charter a bus. But its distance to the scenic spots is the farthest.

Jingkou and Bada Scenic Areas offer a quieter atmosphere and the convenience of transportation lies between the above two places.

How Many Days Needed

To ensure a complete travel experience, at least 2 days are needed. 3 days are the most recommended. The classic 3-day itinerary is listed below.

Day 1: Arrival in Yuanyang and live in Duoyishu – Jingkou Scenic Area – Watch sunset at Bada Scenic Area

Day 2: Watch sunrise at Duoyishu – Aichunlan Rice Terrace/Azheke Village – Explore niche villages like Malizhai Village

Day 3: Watch sunrise at another viewing platform/Laoyingzui Scenic Spot – Return

Recommended tour: 4 Days Yuanyang Rice Terrace Photography Tour from Kunming

FAQs about Yuanyang Rice Terraces

What is the main difference between the dry season and the wet season for visitors?

Dry season (Nov–Apr): Even during the dry season, the terraces are filled with water. And they will be like mirrors reflecting the clear blue sky.

Wet season (May–Sep): Terraces will be green with growing rice plants, while July–September offers golden harvest views.

How many days are typically recommended for a visit?

Most travelers would spend 2-3 days on the trip. And this length would allow visitors to explore most highlights.

Which viewing platforms are best for catching the sunrise and sunset?

Sunrise: Duoyishu Terrace.

Sunset: Laohuzui and Bada Scenic Areas.

What are the most important things to know about Hani cultural etiquette?

Respect village customs. Ask before taking photos of locals, avoid entering homes uninvited, and dress modestly when attending local events.

What are some of the local Hani dishes I should try?

Don’t miss zhutongfan (bamboo rice), suanzhu chicken (sour bamboo shoot chicken), and terrace-raised fish. These dishes are simple yet deeply tied to Hani mountain traditions.

How to Plan a Yuanyang Rice Terraces Tour

Planning a Yuanyang Rice Terraces tour? We recommend you to start with a 3–4 day trip from Kunming. The first day is for arrival at Kunming and Kunming city exploration. On the next day, take a morning bus (5–6hrs) or scenic drive (4–5hrs) to reach the terraces. Explore the terraces and stunning sunset views from different platforms. Stay overnight in Duoyishu/Laohuzui (for sunrise views) or the county town (for comfort).

You’re advised to wake up early to catch Duoyishu’s golden sunrise on the 3rd day, then drive/hike to Bada for sunset. On your last full day, visit Hani villages like Azheke: chat with locals, or try local food like zhutongfan. Save a half-day for leisurely terrace treks or revisiting viewpoints. Get back to Kunming after the Yuanyang Rice Terraces hiking tour.

Plan Your Yuanyang Tour with China Xian Tour

Considering the inconvenient transportation in Yuanyang, travelling with China Xian Tour will save much effort, since all the hotels, driver and guide are included in our trip. What’s more, you will enjoy a perfect tour, because our trip is customized completely based on your demands and preferences. To ensure your tour goes smoothly, our travel consultant will also tackle all the emergency situations in time. So contact us right now.