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Top 10 attractions in Yuanyang
Hani terrace of Yuanyang
The Hani terrace of Yuanyang is located in the southern part of Ailao Mountain, where the Hani people have cultivated vast terraced fields over more than a thousand years. The mountaintop forests conserve water, villages nestle on the slopes, and layered paddies stretch from the foothills to the river valleys. Forests, villages, terraces, and water systems coexist, forming a high-altitude rice farming system still in use today. The attraction consists of areas like Bada, Duoyishu, Laohuzui, and Qingkou. A local saying, "Sunrise at Duoyishu, sunset at Laohuzui," captures the classic spots for sunrise and sunset views. For sunrise, head to Duoyishu. These terraces face east, and during the irrigation season, the fields mirror the sky. Morning mist often fills the valleys, and as the sun rises, its glow and cloud reflections shimmer on the water, turning the slopes golden. Before dawn, the viewing platforms are crowded with photographers carrying tripods—arrive early to secure a front-row spot. For sunset, visit Bada, where thousands of terraced levels cascade from the mountaintop to the valley, glowing from warm yellow to crimson under the evening light, offering expansive views. Laohuzui's terraces are nestled in deep valleys with dramatic elevation changes and steep lines, each area offering a distinct charm. Qingkou is a Hani ethnic village beside the terraces, where mushroom-shaped thatched houses and creaking water mills preserve the traditional village atmosphere. After exploring the viewing platforms, stroll through the village to glimpse the authentic Hani way of life behind the terraces. The areas are connected by mountain roads, so allow time for travel. Plan one to two days to experience sunrise, sunset, and village life. The irrigation season from winter to spring enhances the mirror-like effect of the terraces and increases the chances of witnessing sea of clouds.Yuanyang · 15.3 km from downtown
Duoyishu Terraced Field
There are a large area of terraced fields here, and the scenery is very beautiful, which is very suitable for shooting the sunrise.Yuanyang · 15.1 km from downtown
Bada Scenic Area
The Bada Scenic Area is also known as Malizhai Scenic Area and located in Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture. The scenic area is centered around Hani customs, culture and natural landscapes. Scenic attractions include the Quanfuzhuang, Bada and Shangmadian rice terraces. Bada Scenic Area is a prime destination for sightseeing around the Hani rice terraces and among clouds and seas. It is also where visitors can gain an understanding and experience of the heart of Hani culture.Yuanyang · 13.7 km from downtown
Azheke Scenic Area
Azheke Scenic Area is an ancient Hani village hidden in the core area of the Hani terrace of Yuanyang. With a history spanning over a century, dozens of Hani families still live in clusters of traditional mushroom-shaped houses. The thick earthen walls support round thatched roofs, and from a distance, they look like clusters of mushrooms nestled among the terraces. It is one of the best-preserved Hani villages in Yuanyang. The village preserves the traditional Hani layout of "forests above, village in the middle, terraces below, and water systems running through." Ancient trees tower over the village, while cobblestone alleys and water channels wind through it, with water from the fields flowing down layer by layer along the ditches. When clouds and mist drift up the mountainside in the early morning, standing on the viewing platform to look down, the mushroom-house village and the soft, expansive terraces are immersed in a sea of clouds—this is a truly iconic scene here. The movie "Forever Young" was filmed here, and the scenes of the protagonist returning to their hometown were shot in this village.Yuanyang · 14.8 km from downtown
Laohuzui Terraced Fields
Laohuzui Terraced Field Scenic Area is situated in deep valleys, where the terraces within the site take on diverse shapes. It is one of the most representative and spectacular places of the Yuanyang Hani Terraces. The endless terraces stretch up from the deep valleys and connect with the terraces on the mountain ridges, forming a colorful sea of terraces.Yuanyang · 19.2 km from downtown
Aichun Blue Terraced Fields
Aichun Blue Terraced Fields is located near Duoyishu and is also known as the Blue Terraced Fields. The water here reflects the blue of the sky, with light and clouds drifting across the surface, creating a beautiful, seamless blend of water and sky. The best time to view it is around 9:00 AM, preferably when there are blue skies and white clouds. After watching the sunrise at Duoyishu, head here as soon as possible.Yuanyang · 14.7 km from downtown
Qingkou Hani Ethnic Village
The Hani Folk Village in Jingkou, Yuanyang is located 6 kilometers south of Xinjie Town, the old county town of Yuanyang. It is located on the hillside and covers an area of about 5 hectares. There are 150 households and more than 800 people in the village. The village is extremely densely forested, with birds singing and cicadas chirping, full of a strong primitive rural atmosphere. The folk village concentrates on the commonality of the Hani terrace culture, namely the four-dimensional isomorphism of forests, villages, terraces and rivers, so it is also called the Hani four-dimensional isomorphism display area. Walking along the stone path in the village, tourists can feel the essence of Hani terrace culture in just a few hours. Tourists can not only enjoy the magnificent terrace scenery, but also see the Hani mushroom house, village god forest, water channel, water diversion wood carving, water mill room, water mill room, water mill room and other production and living facilities. They can also visit Hani ethnic costumes, pears, rakes, hoes and looms and other production and living tools. There are also two clear springs in the exhibition area, namely Bailong Spring and Changshou Spring. It is said that people who cannot have children will have children after drinking the water of "Bailong Spring", and will live a hundred years after drinking the water of "Changshou Spring". This "four-dimensional isomorphism" ecosystem of forest-village-terraced field-water system is a living system. It is a unique creation of the Hani people to transform nature and change natural ecology into agricultural ecology. It is an example of the perfect combination of human activities and natural ecology.Yuanyang · 14.7 km from downtown
Sunrise Sightseeing in Yuanyang
The sunrise in Yuanyang has a unique charm, attracting countless tourists to watch and take pictures. The sunrise in Yuanyang is often accompanied by the appearance of the sea of clouds, which are misty and agile. The terraces and the sea of clouds complement each other. As the sun rises, the light keeps changing, showing a variety of colors such as gold, orange, and red, making the terraces look more vivid and three-dimensional. When the sun rises, it casts a blood-red glow. The entire terrace is like a layer of mirrors, reflecting the orange-red light, as colorful as a print. Although Bada Terraces is famous for its sunset, Bada Terraces are equally beautiful at sunrise. Standing on the Bada Observation Deck, you can overlook the terraces and feel the magnificent scenery of the terraces and the morning light.China · Yuanyang
Sea of Clouds Sightseeing in Yuanyang
The sea of clouds in Yuanyang is vast and boundless, especially in the early morning and evening, when the clouds roll in the valley, forming a dreamlike sea of clouds, giving people a strong visual shock. The best seasons to watch the sea of clouds are winter and spring, when the climate is suitable and the sea of clouds is particularly spectacular. Visitors can climb to multiple viewing points to overlook the rolling sea of clouds and feel the magic and magnificence of nature. Against the backdrop of the Yuanyang sea of clouds, the terraces are like silver chains inlaid in the mountains. As the light changes, they present different colors and layers, which are dazzling. This is not only a paradise for photography enthusiasts, but also an ideal destination for travelers seeking tranquility and beauty.China · Yuanyang
Sunset Sightseeing in Yuanyang
Yuanyang sunset is a beautiful painting that combines natural beauty with humanistic feelings. As the sun gradually sinks, the color of the sky is constantly changing, and the lines of the terraces are more distinct under the reflection of the setting sun. There are many places to watch the sunset in the Yuanyang Terraces Scenic Area. The Bada Terraces Observation Deck is famous for its wide view and spectacular sunset view, and is one of the popular places to shoot sunsets. The Laohuzui Terraces attracts many photography enthusiasts with its steep terrain and unique terrace layout. In addition, the Dawazha Terraces is also one of the viewing spots that cannot be missed. The terraces here face east and west, just in time to welcome the afterglow of the sunset. The golden terraces and the sunset glow complement each other, and the beauty is breathtaking.China · Yuanyang
Experiences you can't miss in Yuanyang
Featured Day tours in Yuanyang
View all Day tours![1-day tour to Yuanyang Hani Terrace in Yunnan, China [Departing from Jianshui (admission ticket and meals not included)]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/100q1f000001griot1611_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
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What travelers say about Yuanyang
300***94October 9, 2026
4.0
I went during the wrong season. I visited Azheke, but the village isn't very big and there's not much to see. I had some popular coffee, which was pretty good. The sunset at Bada wasn't as good as at Tiger Mouth.
Hani terrace of Yuanyang
118***99March 20, 2026
5.0
The Hani Rice Terraces weren't great due to the bad weather, so the scenery was just average. The grandeur was still there, but the view was diminished by the mist, which was a shame. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Duoyishu Terraced Field
Anonymous userOctober 9, 2025
5.0
The Hani Rice Terraces are very spectacular and worth visiting many times. The scenic area management has always been online. Bada, Laohuzui, Duoyishu and Azheke are all good, very distinctive and worth recommending.
Bada Scenic Area
M54***52September 30, 2026
4.0
Azheke, the name itself sounds so poetic ✨ A hidden ancient Hani village nestled deep within the Yuanyang Rice Terraces 🏡
📍Address: No. 1 Azheke, Xinjie Town, Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture
🕗Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
I got up very early 🌅 and arrived just in time to see the sunlight shining on the rice terraces. The cascading water looked like shattered mirrors ✨ The shimmering light was absolutely stunning!
Strolling along the village paths, I encountered a little girl walking beside the terraced fields. She was dressed in traditional Hani clothing, walking slowly along the ridges. It truly felt like time stood still.
The mushroom-shaped houses in the village, with their blue tiles and yellow walls, looked especially charming against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. Every snapshot was a masterpiece. The rustic yet vibrant beauty is truly indescribable.
If you're planning a trip to Yuanyang, you absolutely must visit Azheke!
Here, there's no overly commercialized hustle and bustle, only the most authentic village life and magnificent terraced field scenery.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes in the village, as the paths are all paved with stone slabs. The best time for photos is in the morning and evening when the light is incredibly gentle. 2-3 hours is enough to leisurely explore and experience the slow pace of life.
#YuanyangTravel #Azheke #HaniTerracedFields #YunnanOffTheBeatenPath #Shangri-La
Azheke Scenic Area
_M1***59February 12, 2026
4.0
We went to the Tiger Mouth viewing platform to watch the sunset, but the terraced fields were just average, and the angle of the sunset wasn't great either, so we were a bit disappointed. The terraced fields aren't as good as those in Azheke and Duoyishu. Going down from the viewing platform involves climbing many stairs; going down was okay, but going up was quite strenuous. If you have mobility issues or aren't physically fit, I suggest you think carefully before going.
Laohuzui Terraced Fields
鲲哥爱旅游May 16, 2024
5.0
Among the terraces created by the Hani people, there is a blue terrace that is famous for its almost blue color. It is called Aichun Blue Terraces. It looks very much like Pamukkale in Turkey, so it is also called the "Blue Terraces". It is located in Yuanyang County, Honghe Prefecture, and is an important part of the Hani Terraces. Watching the reflection of the blue sky in the terraces, as long as the weather is clear, the terraces are all wonderful blue reflections. The bluer the sky, the bluer the terraces. Netizens jokingly call it the real mirror of the sky. The clearer the weather, the more beautiful the angle of the sunlight reflects on the paddy fields, forming patches of sky blue, which is the origin of the blue terraces.
Aichun Blue Terraced Fields
E23***40April 3, 2025
5.0
Yuanyang Rice Terraces are a sacred place cultivated by the Hani people for generations. They are also the most gentle brushstrokes of Mother Earth, outlining a series of flowing paintings between the mountains. The Eagle's Beak Rice Terraces, Bada Rice Terraces, Duoyishu Rice Terraces, and Aichunlan Rice Terraces, each of which presents different views at different times and angles, which is breathtaking.
Qingkou Hani Ethnic Village
