4 Days Yuanyang Rice Terrace Photography Tour from Kunming

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kunming Arrival, Stone Forest Tour
   Marvel at the Natural Wonder of Karst Formations

   Welcome to Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan. Your local private tour guide and driver will pick you up at the airport or train station and directly start our tour in Kunming.

   As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stone Forest is a natural wonder of karst formations. The Greater and Lesser Stone Forests are the core areas. You will take the sightseeing bus to visit them. The Greater Stone Forest area is characterized by dense stone peak clusters and a grand and spectacular atmosphere, while the Lesser Stone Forest area is teemed with peaks with more intricate shapes.

   

   After the visit, if time permits, drive for about 40 minutes to Nuohei Village. The village is located in a karst landform development area, and the nearby are mostly rocky mountains. The local villagers then mined according to the texture and layers of the stones, and transformed them into stone strips and slabs of varying sizes, which were used to build houses. This place has a history of over 600 years, and the tour guide will explain some of the local customs to you.

   After the visit, we stayed overnight in Shilin County.

   Notes:

   • You are advised to wear comfortable shoes because you need to walk a lot in the Stone Forest.
   • If you need to take portrait photos in Nuohei Village, it is best to ask for permission of the parties involved in advance.
2. Day 2: Shilin to Yuanyang Tour
   Capture the Stunning Sunset View over Bada Scenic Area

   After breakfast, we will drive for about 4 hours to Yuanyang. On the way, we will stop to explore some primitive ethnic villages near Yuanyang County.

   After arriving at Yuanyang, we will first escort you to the hotel for check-in and rest. Yuanyang Terraced Fields are one of the most stunning terrace examples in China. There are several famous scenic spots within this scenic area.

   In the afternoon, you will take a beautiful sunset shot at the magnificent Bada Scenic Area. 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 is also an excellent spot to capture panoramic views of the terraces due to its vast scale and relatively higher altitude.

   

   After the tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel.

   Tips for Photography: The sun usually sets during 18:00~20:00.

   • In spring (March to May), 19:10~19:50
   • In summer (June to August), 19:25~19:57
   • In autumn (September to November), 18:20~19:26
   • In winter (December to February), 18:20~19:11.
3. Day 3: Yuanyang Rice Terraces Photography Tour
   Witness Beautiful Sunrise and Explore the Traditional Hani Village

   Today you need to wake up early to go to Duoyishu Rice Terraces and witness the sunrise. Perched on an elevation of about 1,900 meters, 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.

   

   Afterward, go to Aichun Village to see the blue terraced fields. The rice terraces here are like a huge mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. Not far away, you can capture traditional Hani houses in the woods. (Tip: 09:00-10:00 is the best time to appreciate the blue terraced fields.)

   Then, head to Azheke Village, a typical traditional Hani village. Entering the village, you will see many Hani dwellings shaped like mushrooms. And you will have the opportunity to visit one of the Hani families to learn about local culture.

   Finally, you will be taken to visit Tiger's Mouth Scenic Area, which 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. 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.

   This is the end of your Yuanyang Rice Terrace Photography Tour.

   

   Photography Tips:

   • The sun usually rises from 06:00 to 07:30. If you want to capture a stunning sunrise, it is best to arrive at the observation deck around 5:30.
   • You are advised to use wide-angle and telephoto lenses to capture Duoyishu Rice Terraces. The weather changes greatly here, so it is better to take moisture-proof measures.
4. Day 4: Yuanyang Tour, Back to Kunming

   In the morning, explore the Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang. You can take photos of traditional ethnic costumes, appreciate exquisite handicrafts made by locals, or taste delicious snacks.

   This is the end of your Yuanyang tour. Afterward, the driver will drive you back to Kunming for 5-6 hours. Upon arrival in Kunming, your driver will transfer you to the airport or train station to continue your trip.