Yuanyang Terraced Fields


the Yuanyang Rice Terraces: On this unique journey, you travel to the mostly undiscovered and still little visited south of the Yunnan province almost to the Vietnamese border. Spectacular rice terraces, ethnic minorities, colorful markets, old temples and pristine villages are the highlights your journey to Yuanzang. A visit to the well-known stone forest near Lunan rounds off this journey full of new experiences.

Yuanyang terrace fields are the pastoral scenery of the Hani (哈尼) ethnic people who have been working on this giant magnificent masterpiece for more than 1,300 years. There is no exact word can be found to describe the land of Yuanyang. Human languages are pale and shallow when come to this. A great photographer, placed in this piece of land, will instantly stop thinking by shock.

Someone once said: “If you are a backpacker and never visited Yuanyang, Yuanyang may feel sorry for you; but if you are a photographer and never set foot on Yuanyang, God will feel sorry for you.” At the end of the winter and early spring, the colorful clouds on the terraced fields are sometimes like the tame young girls. They lie in the mountains and rivers, silent and resigned. Sometimes like violent sea tides, rushing and intended to crush everything. The peaks, trees, and houses dotted between the terraces are just like the Wonderland. When the fog covers the town, and the whole place shrouded in mystery, you can enjoy this magic view no matter wherever you are, even on the highest point. This is a very unique feature of Yuanyang.

From January to February in Yuanyang, there is no plant in the fields. The intertwined and horizontal terraces have the most attractive light and shadow effect. Especially in the morning and evening, while mild sunlight hitting the water and reflect dreamy colors, you will be greatly touched by this manmade fairyland. You don’t have to close your eyes to let your spirit start to soar, and leave all the thoughts of the world you knew before.

Client’s Reviews

  • 462susanw

    Reviewed 3rdJune2018

    These beautiful terraces are a sight to behold. Please note that weather can make a great deal of difference to photographic opportunities, allow a couple of days,the weather changes rapidly ,morning and evening terraces to visit for different light . Is quite cool here

  • intjpk

    Reviewed 6thNovember2017

    I went in May 2015. The serious photographers would only come and shoot the magnificent water reflection on the rice terraces and I heard that there was only a few hours - dawn and dusk - then they were gone somewhere in the town. If...More

  • ngsuaneng

    Reviewed 15thApril2017

    If you go to Yunnan, you must go and see such natural sights of man made farm terraces. It's a 7 hour ride from Kunming but it is worth it.

  • David D

    Reviewed 4thJuly2016

    During a year, the best time to visit Yuanyang is from October to May of the nexy year. The local minorities only leave the paddy fields empty after the harvest. And there is much more water in fields, thus you can take photos with more...More

  • engrob84

    Reviewed 17thApril2017

    Door to door, it took us 11 hours to get here from Kunming. Was Yuanyang nice? Yes. Was it worth an 11 hour journey. No. As a top site of China per the Lonely Planet I expected too much. The scenery wasn't spectacular and the...More

  • Flyingm0nkeys

    Reviewed 4thJanuary2014

    We would highly recommend visiting the rice terraces in Yuanyang, Yunnan province. This place is off the beaten path and has not yet been spoiled by mass tourism (unlike other areas of Yunnan such as Dali and Lijiang). That being said, you need to expect...More

  • klgso

    Reviewed 20thApril2018

    Went to Yuanyang rice terraces in March when the field is still filled with water. The best time to go is between Oct and Mar every year, great time for photography at sunrise and sunset when water reflect lights with amazing colors. The place is...More

  • Cristiny

    Reviewed 29thAugust2015

    Terraces are highly fascinating and panoramic. Nice for sightseeing and for a walk along the rice plants. Recommended when flooded (February).

  • SallyCheung

    Reviewed 23rdApril2014

    The terraces itself is so hugh and beautiful. specially sun rise and sun set period. Best month to visit is from Dec to Mar. There is a lot of construction work in that area and it cause a lot of dust on the road.

  • Tedstravelblogs

    Reviewed 27thMarch2016

    The etymology of the word travel is travail and all too often travelers are reminded of this. We are retired and travel extensively and often so we have endured enough travail to know it well. Recently my partner and I spent nine days travelling through...More

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