Yuányáng Rice Terraces

Introducing Yuányáng Rice Terraces

Fashioned over hundreds of years by the Hani, these rice terraces cover roughly 12, 500 hectares, and are one of Yúnnán’s most spectacular sights. They can be done in two days from Kūnmíng, though a visit of three or more would be ideal.

Photographers and Chinese tourists flock here in droves to watch sunrises and sunsets turn the terraces into pools of gold, red and silver. Even in poor weather they can be breathtaking. Fog rolling into the terraced valleys leaves hill-top villages the only things visible, and the effect can be dramatic, like islands floating in the clouds.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009