3 Days Yuanyang Rice Terraces Hiking & Photography Tour from Kunming

This morning, you will head to visit Yuanyang Rice Terrace (Honghe Hani Rice Terraces). It will takes 5 hours (330km) to reach Yuanyang of Honghe. After enjoy the sunset at Bada Rice Terraces, you will have a rest at your hotel.

Created by the Hani Minority people, the Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (Yuanyang Rice Terrace), a world cultural heritage site, cascades down the slopes of the towering Ailao Mountains to the banks of the Hong River. It extends across an area of some 1,000 square kilometers—three areas of terraces, Bada, Duoyishu, and Laohuzui. The gradient of the terraces in Bada is gentle, in Douyishu steeper, and in Laohuzui very steep. The three major terraced fields are located about ten to twenty kilometers apart, and can be reached by car within half an hour.

Over the past 1,300 years, the Hani Minority people who worship the sun, moon, mountains, rivers, forests, fire, and other natural phenomena have developed a complex system of channels to bring water from the forested mountaintops to the terraces. You will marvel at their unique farming system that involves buffalos, cattle, ducks, fish, eel, and red rice (the area’s primary crop). There are around 82 Hani villages situated between the mountaintop forests and the terraces.

Today's highlight will be the sunset at Bada Rice Terraces (坝达梯田). With its unique landscape and play of light and shadow, Bada Terraces has become a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Particularly during sunset, the changing light and the panoramic view of the terraces and cloud sea provide exceptional material for photography. Standing on the viewing platform, you can overlook the magnificent terraced landscape. Stretching from the Ma Lizhai River at an elevation of 1,100 meters to the mountaintop at 2,000 meters above sea level, the terraces cover thousands of acres, resembling a ladder to the sky or the fingerprint of the earth. It is often hailed as the place where "millions of suns scatter." It is recommended to capture photos after 4 PM when the lighting and color changes are most abundant. When shrouded in mist and clouds, Bada Terraces becomes like a fairyland, where the cloud sea, terraces, and Hani people‘s villages create a dreamlike rural landscape painting.

Photography Tips for Yuanyang Rice Terraces:
1.Water Reflection (December - March)
During winter and early spring, the rice terraces are flooded in preparation for planting. This creates a mirror-like reflection of the sky and mountains on the water surface, making for breathtaking photos.
2.Golden Terraces (September - November)
As the rice ripens, the terraces turn a beautiful golden yellow. This is the classic image of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces and a sight to behold.
3.Green Sprouts (April - May)
If you prefer a lush green landscape, visit during the planting season. The young rice shoots paint the terraces a vibrant green, creating a contrasting scene with the surrounding mountains.
4.Use a wide-angle lens & Bring a tripod
Capture the vastness of the landscape and the intricate details of the terraces. A tripod will help you achieve sharp photos, especially during low-light conditions like sunrise.
5.Various Viewing platforms
There are many Viewing platforms for you to explore based on your visit time, season, or interests. Ask your guide for the best advice.

Today, you will spend a full day exploring the Yuanyang Rice Terraces and gaining a better understanding of why they are listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. They are truly a must-see attraction for any visitor to Yunnan.

Follow your guide to hike through the terraced fields, you will discover that the Yuanyang Rice Terraces are composed of four elements: forests, water systems, terraces, and villages. These elements depend on each other and form a unique ecosystem. The forests provide water sources for the terraces, which utilize these water sources for irrigation. The villages are situated between the water source forests and the terraces. In the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, you can not only admire & photograph the masterpieces left by the Hani people for generations but also explore interesting agricultural landscapes such as plowing with oxen, spring sowing, drone-assisted and mechanized planting, and fish or loach farming in the rice fields.

Today, you will get chance to photography the sunrise & sunset of Yuanyang Rice Terraces, get close to Hani people and their sustainable agricultural system. Take the time to meet local people and witness their way of life and appreciate their deep connection to the land. Here is an advised visiting order for your reference: Duoyishu Rice Terrace (多依树one of the most beautiful sunrises in China; captures the stunning cloud sea over the terraced fields) - Aichun Blue Rice Terrace (爱春The water in the terraced fields reflects the blue sky, best captured before 10 AM; experience the farming life of the Hani people) - Azheke Mushroom Houses (阿者科A village with over 60 Hani ethnic "mushroom houses," preserving the complete Hani culture and traditional way of life) - Laohuzui Rice Terraces (老虎嘴The most steep and magnificent terraced fields in Yuanyang, especially breathtaking during the sunset).

While amazing at the wisdom displayed by the Hani people throughout the generations in the process of cultivating the terraces, don't forget to taste Hani Ethnic Cuisine such as Rice Terraces Fish, Grilled Eel, Red Rice Noodles, Hani-style Dipping Chicken, Hani Glutinous Rice Cakes, Hani Braised Pork Trotters, Stir-Fried Shrimp Larvae (Dragonfly Nymphs) with Eggs, Taro Blossom... You will be deeply fascinated by the unique farming culture and traditional customs here.

Free Time Idea:
Hani Minority Family Visit: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting a traditional Hani family. This will allow you to experience their hospitality, sample their cuisine, and learn more about their traditions.

This morning, you will have the chance to explore local ethnic market/bazaar in Yuanyang before heading back to Kunming (330km; 5h).

During market days in the Hani ethnic town, residents from various ethnic groups such as Hani, Yao, Miao, Dai, Zhuang, and Yi gather, providing a great opportunity for you to admire and capture the vibrant attire of different ethnicities. The market offers a wide variety of goods, including various foods, daily necessities, handicrafts, and more, making it a great place to select local souvenirs that showcase the unique characteristics of the region.

Tips for Hani Festival:
The "Kaiyangmen" Agricultural Culture Festival (“开秧门”农耕文化节) is a traditional festival held every spring, usually on the day of the Dragon in the lunar calendar around the time of planting (in 2024, held on April 27th). It is a traditional and rustic ceremony in Hani villages to welcome the planting season, marking the official start of spring farming production. During this festival, there are displays of agricultural techniques, customs performances, and activities such as experiencing rice planting. You can also taste delicious food such as the Changjie Banquet (长街宴Xinjie Town).

After the tour, head back to Kunming in the afternoon.

Then, time to say goodbye to Kunming, the Spring City. Though it is time to end your 3-day Yuanyang Rice Terrace Hiking & Photography Tour today, you will have some free time in Kunming and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to next destination.

Extension Ideas:
1.If you prefer to spend more time in Kunming, you can add a one-day tour to include the Yunnan Provincial Museum, Guandu Ancient Town, Dounan Flower Market (the largest fresh-cut flower trading market in Asia, open 24 hours), and Nanqiang Night Market (local life and dishes).
2.If you wish to extend your trip and explore other highlighted parts of Yunnan, such as Jianshui, Dongchuan Red Land, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la, Xishuangbanna, and more, we can help you with the arrangements.
3.If you plan to continue your exploration to other cities in China, such as Chengdu, Lhasa, Xian, Beijing, and Shanghai, or even take a train from Kunming to Vientiane to start your Laos Tour, please feel free to let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist you with travel arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Yunnan tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!