6 Days Yuanyang Rice Terraces Tour - Kunming, Jianshui & Honghe Hani Minority

Welcome to Kunming, the Capital City of Yunnan Province! Upon arrival in Kunming, your guide will meet you at the airport/train station and escort you to your hotel. You can have a good rest in your hotel. You can explore on your own based on your arrival time. Feel free to seek practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Kunming is known as the "Spring City春城" due to its mild year-round climate, making it a popular destination for people from other cities to escape harsh winters or scorching summers. The pleasant climate also results in flowers blooming throughout the year, earning Kunming the nickname "Flower City花都". Kunming is the hometown of Zheng He (郑和1371-1433), the famous Ming Dynasty navigator who led seven voyages from 1405 to 1433, visiting numerous countries in Asia and Africa. Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape, cultural immersion, or a chance to explore breathtaking natural wonders and indulge in delicious Yunnan cuisine, Kunming has something to offer everyone.

Free Time Ideas:
1.Half-day Classic Kunming City Tour with Yuantong Temple (over 1,200 years old, the oldest Guanyin Temple in China), Green Lake Park (once a marshy bay of Dianchi Lake, local life), Kunming Old Street (Yunnan Rice Noodle, the former residence of Nie Er), Yunnan Impression (one of the representative's works by renowned local dance artist Yang Liping).
2.Explore Yunnan's Diverse Minority Cultures at Yunnan Ethnic Village, Yunnan Museum of Minority (closed on Mondays), and enjoy the scenic views at Haigeng Park near Dianchi Lake (Meet Black-Headed Gulls from Siberia in winter).
3.Enjoy a Kunming City Walk from Eastern and Western Pagodas (Landmarks in Kunming) to Jinma and Biji Archways (Symbols of Old Kunming), Kunming Flying Tigers Museum (Kunming Museum, Learn about a significant chapter in World War II), and Jingxing Flower and Bird Market (A calling card of the local life in Kunming).
4.Unveil the Amazing Yunnan Food by visiting Daguan Zhuanxin Farmers' Market (all kinds of delicious flowers, mushrooms, ferns, insects, Ham, Rushan cheese, local snacks) and try Yunnan cuisine while strolling around Nanqiang Pedestrian Street (since the Qing Dynasty) and Nanping Pedestrian Street (a historic old street).

Arrival Ideas:
Kunming serves as the gateway city to start a Yunnan Tour. It is a convenient base for exploring nearby top destinations, such as Dali Ancient Town, Dongchuan Red Land, Jiangshui Ancient Town (Zhujia Garden), Yuanyang Rice Terraces (Honghe Hani Rice Terraces), Xishuanbanna, and more. You can choose to reach Kunming by Flight or By Bullet Train.
By Air: Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) offers many direct international flights to destinations such as Laos (Vientiane), Thailand (Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Phuket), Vietnam (Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh), Cambodia (Siem Reap), Nepal (Kathmandu), India (Kolkata), Sri Lanka (Colombo), Japan (Tokyo), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Singapore. There are many direct flights between Kunming and China’s Top Tourist Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Hong Kong, and more. From Kunming, you can easily take a flight to top destinations in Yunnan, such as Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-la, & Xishuanbanna.
By Train: Kunming is served by Kunming Railway Station and South Railway Station. There are many high-speed trains connecting Kunming to other cities in Yunnan, such as Dali (2.5hrs), Lijiang (4hrs), Xishuanbanna (3.5hrs), as well as other cities in China, including Guiyang (2hrs), Chongqing (4hrs), Chengdu (5.5hrs), Guangzhou (7hrs), Hong Kong (7.5hrs), Beijing(11hrs), Shanghai(11hrs), etc. Additionally, there is a Kunming to Vientiane train (China-Laos Railway) that takes approximately 10 hours.

This morning, you will visit West Hill (Xishan Hill) before driving 80km (1.5 hours) to Shilin Stone Forest, a World Heritage Site of South China Karst. After explore Stone Forest, you will overnight in Shilin.

West Hill (Xishan西山), located by the shores of Dianchi Lake, is known as the West Hill because it is situated in the western suburbs of Kunming. In ancient times, West Hill held the reputation of being The Best Scenic Spot in Yunnan. From the mountaintop, one can overlook the panoramic view of Dianchi Lake, making it an excellent destination for leisurely hikes and enjoying the natural scenery. The Dragon Gate Grottoes on the mountain are the largest and most exquisite Taoist grottoes in Yunnan. It is said that they were completed by over 70 stonemasons after 22 years of work. It is said, "Without visiting the West Hill, one has not fully experienced Kunming; without ascending Dragon Gate, one has not truly explored the West Hill". Additionally, nestled between Taihua Temple and Dragon Gate, there is a gently sloping, sparsely wooded area where Nie Er's tomb is located, serving as a place of reverence and remembrance for the musician Nie Er. Nowadays, on the third day of the third lunar month, people gather at West Hill to go on outings, enjoy the spring scenery, sing mountain songs, and perform traditional dances to celebrate a festive occasion called "San Yue San, Shua Xishan"(三月三, 耍西山).

Notes: Tour to the West Hill usually includes a shuttle sightseeing bus (round trip), a one-way cable car ride, and another one-way electric car ride inside the West Hill Scenic Area.

In the afternoon, visit the Stone Forest (a World Heritage Site of South China Karst), a must-see natural wonder that was once submerged under an ancient sea. The Kunming Stone Forest (Shilin) is a national geological park famous for its unique stone forest scenery, which represents the magnificent transformations of the natural world over 270 million years (marine sedimentation → crustal uplift → volcanic lava coverage → erosion and leveling → formation of the Stone Forest). Within the Stone Forest, you can closely observe the traces left by the passage of time and gain an understanding of its distinctive karst landforms, rich geological history, and the accompanying Yi ethnic culture. A sightseeing bus will take you to explore the Big Stone Forest and Small Stone Forest. In addition to the touching legend of Ashima (阿诗玛a symbol of Yi ethnic culture), the Stone Forest also served as a filming location for "Journey to the West" (1986 TV series西游记), where Sun Wukong (Monkey King) was depicted as being trapped under Wuxing Mountain (五行山). Use your imagination to discover the magical shapes of the stone forests. Then, head to your hotel and have a good rest.

This morning, you will depart Shilin and head to visit Yuanyang Rice Terrace (Honghe Hani Rice Terraces). It will takes 4 hours (300km) 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 to Jianshui Ancient Town (130km; 2.5h).

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).

In the afternoon, it is time to visit Jianshui Ancient Town. It has a history of over 1,200 years and is not only an area where multiple ethnic groups reside but also renowned as a paradise for food lovers. When visiting Jianshui, you must try the unique Jianshui Tofu made with water from ancient wells and the Steam-cooked Chicken prepared in special purple clay pots.

You will explore the must-visit places in Jianshui Old Town, such as Chaoyang Tower, Zhu Family Garden & Confucius Temple . Chaoyang Tower, located at the eastern gate of Jianshui Ancient City, is one of the iconic buildings in Jianshui and was built during the Ming Dynasty (1389). It is the only preserved city gate of the ancient city. The architectural style is reminiscent of Beijing's Tiananmen Square and is hailed as the "Little Tiananmen", having been built twenty-eight years earlier than Tiananmen.

Located in the center of the ancient city, the Zhu Family Garden (over 400 years ago) is the residence constructed by the wealthy Zhu brothers (Zhu Weiqing & Zhu Weiqing). It covers an area of 20,000 square meters, consisting of 214 rooms and 42 courtyards. Inside the garden, you will find ancestral halls, living quarters, opera stages, and a meticulously designed garden with pavilions, towers, water pavilions, artificial hills, and cascades. The four courtyards dedicated to plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum are particularly exquisite, adorned with intricately carved beams and painted pillars, as well as poetry, calligraphy, and paintings that are worth savoring.

Entering the Zhu Family Garden is like entering a maze, so remember to follow the guide to discover the traces left by the ancients regarding feng shui (风水) and the beautiful symbolism in the architecture. For example, when entering the gate, there is a slight uphill slope, symbolizing progress and advancement. Inside the courtyards is a scientifically designed drainage system where rainwater automatically flows towards the drainage holes. Rainwater is considered a symbol of wealth, so the drainage holes are shaped like ancient coins. The water flows through these holes into the garden's pond, symbolizing the accumulation of money. You can see the Zhu family motto, "Follow the Rules" & "Speak and Act with Caution" in the yard. You can listen to the stories of the rise and fall of the Zhu family, from their involvement in the tea and silk trade to tin mining, import-export business, becoming the wealthiest family, and experiencing confiscation three times during turbulent times. As Yunnan's Best Private Garden, Zhu Family Garden carries the historical stories of the Zhu family, attracting visitors from far and wide.

Then, pay a visit to Jianshui Confucius Temple which is built in 1285 (with a history of over 700 years). It is a temple dedicated to the great Chinese philosopher, statesman, and educator, Confucius. As the largest Confucius Temple in southern China, Jianshui Confucius Temple is second only to the Confucius Temples in Qufu and Beijing in terms of its scale, architectural level, and excellent preservation. In Yunnan, many families with students bring their children to Jianshui Confucius Temple before they enter school or during holidays to pay respects to Confucius and wish for their children's academic success while immersing them in Confucian culture.

Overnight in Jianshui.

This morning, you will enjoy a half-day tour around Jianshui for Double Dragon Bridge (Twin Dragon Bridge), Tuanshan Village before heading back to Kunming for departure. 

You will first visit Double Dragon Bridge (Shuanglong Bridge), an iconic landmark in Jianshui. It is recognized as one of the ten great ancient bridges in China. Twin Dragon Bridge (双龙桥) derives its name from spanning the confluence of the Lujiang River and the Tachong River, symbolizing "locking the twin dragons with a single bridge". It is also known as the Seventeen-Arch Bridge (十七孔桥), one of the only two such bridges in China, the other being the Seventeen-Arch Bridge in Beijing's Summer Palace. You will notice that when counting from either end of the bridge towards the center, the largest arch is always the ninth (8+1+8=17), representing royal elegance and the reverence ancient people held for the number nine.

Built during the Qing Dynasty in the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-1796), the Twin Dragon Bridge is made up of over 500 huge stone blocks, with a width ranging from 3 to 5 meters and a total length of 148 meters. At each end of the bridge, there are pavilions, and the largest pavilion located in the middle, captivating scholars from both China and abroad with its traditional Han-style architecture. The carvings on the bridge and pavilions are exquisite and intricate, featuring a variety of patterns including dragons, phoenixes, lions, elephants, and other auspicious symbols, as well as flowers, fish, insects, and other elements that are worth stopping to admire.

For Architecture enthusiasts, don't miss out on a visit to the Tuanshan Local Resident Complex (团山民居). From the layout of ancient Chinese buildings to the principles of feng shui (风水), you will experience the wisdom of ancient Chinese philosophy and the unique charm of traditional culture. Located in Tuanshan Village, Tuanshan Local Resident Complex, with a history of over 600 years, is listed in the World Monuments Fund (WMF) as a protected site of commemorative architectural heritage. It is an ecologically preserved village that showcases the architectural features of the 19th century.

Tuanshan Local Resident Complex consists of 16 traditional residential houses, 4 village gates, 3 temples, and 1 ancestral hall. The buildings include traditional Han-style brick courtyard houses, Yi-style earthen houses, and a combination of Han-Yi-style tiled roof earthen houses. Most of these old houses are still inhabited by descendants of the original owners, retaining the authentic atmosphere of daily life. Among them, Zhang Family Garden (which rivals Zhu Family Garden in its exquisite beauty; with 21 courtyards and 119 rooms), General's Residence, Huang'en Mansion, Dacheng Temple, and Zhang Ancestral Hall are all worth visiting.

It is optional to take a tourist slow train of Jianshui (self-pay) to explore the two must-visit places mention above. Jianshui Small Train is the first privately owned railway in China, established in 1915. It is known as the "Meter-Gauge Railway" due to its track gauge of 1 meter. This railway preserves a section of the historic Dian-Yue Railway built by the French over 100 years ago.

Since 2015, the Jianshui Sightseeing Small Train has been the highlight of Jianshui. The total distance is approximately 13 kilometers (4 stations) and the round trip takes about 4 hours (including the visiting time at each station). Enjoy a slow train journey (25km/h) to admire the pure Chinese-style architecture, pure French-style architecture, and the fusion of Chinese & Western elements in the stations while enjoying the picturesque rural scenery along the way, such as rapeseed flowers in spring and lush green seedlings in summer. You will find that the carriages that once transported important goods a hundred years ago now carry people's memories of that era.

Notes for Jianshui Small Train Schedule (no stop on the return trip):
1.Non-holidays (two trains per day): 9:00, 14:30
2.Holidays (three trains per day): 8:00, 12:00, 16:00
3.It is a popular attraction, train tickets need to be booked in advance

Station Schedule of Jianshui Small Train
1).Lin'an Station临安站
Departure: 9:00 AM / 2:30 PM
2.Shuanglong Bridge Station双龙桥站
Arrival: 9:20 AM, 30-minute stop, departure at 9:50 AM
Arrival: 2:50 PM, 30-minute stop, departure at 3:20 PM
3).Xianghui Bridge Station乡会桥站
Arrival: 10:00 AM, 20-minute stop, departure at 10:20 AM
Arrival: 3:30 PM, 20-minute stop, departure at 3:50 PM
4).Tuanshan Station团山车站
Arrival: 10:30 AM, 2.5-hour stop, return trip at 1:00 PM
Arrival: 4:00 PM, 1.5-hour stop, return trip at 5:30 PM

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 6-day Yuanyang Rice Terrace 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 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!