Yunhe Terraces, the last secret realm of East China! Millennia of farming wisdom that amazes time itself

At 4 a.m., the sunrise over the sea of clouds, the countless mirrors during the irrigation period, and the ancient Silver Village hidden deep in the clouds—this terraced field turns every visitor into a local, forgetting they were once just a passerby. When the first ray of sunlight pierces through the morning mist and shines on the layered terraces, the entire valley instantly lights up. The water surface glimmers with golden light, the ridges outline graceful curves, and distant villages appear faintly through the sea of clouds. At this moment, you finally understand why Yunhe Terraces are called "China’s Most Beautiful Terraces." --- 01 Millennia of Cultivation, Earth Carved Located in Yunhe County, Lishui, Zhejiang, this terraced field spans three major geological landscapes: mountains, hills, and valleys, making it the largest terrace group in East China. At altitudes ranging from 200 meters to 1400 meters, over 7 million square meters of terraces wind like chains from the foot of the mountain to the summit, stretching for dozens of miles. Thousands of years ago, the ancestors of Yunhe painstakingly cultivated this mountainous land with hoes and axes, turning barren hills into granaries. Today, the terraces are not only farmland but also a breathtaking work of art. 02 Four Seasons of Terraces, Four Faces Yunhe Terraces show different beauties in each season. Spring Mirror: During the irrigation period from April to May, the terraces resemble millions of mirror shards scattered across the mountains, reflecting the sky, clouds, and light—photographers’ favorite season. Summer Green: From June to August, the seedlings grow, turning the entire terrace into a vast green ocean full of vitality. Autumn Gold: From September to October, the rice ears mature, and the golden terraces shine brilliantly under the sun, presenting a scene of abundant harvest. Winter White: In winter, after snowfall, the terraces are wrapped in silver, with the ridges dancing like white lines across the mountains. No matter when you visit, Yunhe Terraces will surprise you with a different charm. 03 Life in the Clouds, Rustic Villages Among the terraces lie many rustic villages. Kenggen Stone Village is an ancient village with over 800 years of history. The old houses are built from mountain stones, and the stone-paved roads are polished shiny by time. Here, time seems to stand still. Silver Valley runs through the entire terrace area, with clear springs flowing and dense forests of bamboo and trees. Walking here, you can enjoy spectacular terraces and the rustic remains of silver mines. Qixing Dun, located at the highest point of the terraces, is the best spot to watch the sea of clouds and sunrise. Standing on the viewing platform, clouds roll beneath your feet, terraces appear and disappear, like a fairyland. Local villagers still maintain traditional farming methods, working from sunrise to sunset. If you have the chance to stay in a local homestay, you can experience rice planting, harvesting, and other farming activities, immersing yourself in authentic agricultural culture. 04 Travel Tips for a Deep Experience Best Viewing Times: · Sunrise: 5:00 AM - 6:30 AM (varies by season) · Irrigation Period: Mid-April to Mid-May · Golden Terraces: Late September to Mid-October Transportation: · Take the high-speed train to Lishui Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus to Yunhe (about 1 hour), followed by a scenic area shuttle. · Drive directly to "Yunhe Terraces Scenic Area Visitor Center" using navigation. Ticket Information: · Full ticket: 80 RMB (includes scenic area shuttle) · Cable car ticket: One-way 70 RMB, round-trip 120 RMB (one-way recommended to experience different views) Recommended Routes: · One-day tour: Morning at Jiuqu Yunhuan for sunrise → Kenggen Stone Village; afternoon at Silver Valley → Qixing Dun for sunset. · Two-day tour: Day 1 visit Jiuqu Yunhuan and Kenggen Stone Village, stay at a homestay by the terraces; Day 2 watch sunrise early morning, tour Silver Valley, and experience farming activities. Accommodation Recommendations: · Yunyi Courtyard: Popular homestay by the terraces with scenic views from the window · Straw Meets Building Blocks: Family-themed hotel, ideal for family trips · Kenggen Stone Village Homestay: Experience authentic mountain village life Special Local Foods: · Yunhe Shiitake Mushrooms: National geographic indication product, incredibly fresh and delicious · Terrace Rice Flower Fish: Carp raised in the rice paddies, tender and fresh · Wild Vegetables: Fresh seasonal mountain delicacies like bamboo shoots and bracken --- At dusk, sitting on the steps of the Qixing Dun viewing platform, watching the sunset bathe the terraces in gold. In the distance, smoke rises from village chimneys, and farmers lead oxen slowly home along the ridges. At this moment, you suddenly realize: the most moving thing about Yunhe Terraces is not just the scenery itself, but the harmony created by people and nature, the millennia-old wisdom of life, and the endless hope on this land. Pack your bags and come to Yunhe Terraces—here, there is not only beauty but also the poetry and distant dreams you have always been searching for.