Yuanyang Hani Terraces Scenic Spot

Yuanyang, Yunnan, China

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The Hani Rice Terraces in Yuanyang, Yunnan, are a living masterpiece of agricultural engineering and cultural heritage, sculpted into the southern slopes of the Ailao Mountains over the past 1,300 years. Spanning more than 16,000 hectares, these terraces are the heart of the UNESCO-listed Honghe Hani Rice Terraces and represent a remarkable harmony between people and nature.

The terraces cascade down steep hillsides in thousands of layers, creating a mesmerizing mosaic that changes with the seasons. From November to April, the fields are filled with water, reflecting the sky in surreal hues of gold, blue, and crimson—making this the best time for photography and awe.

In spring, the terraces are planted with rice, and by autumn, they glow with the golden tones of harvest. What makes this landscape even more extraordinary is the Hani people's intricate water management system. Forests at the mountaintops act as natural reservoirs, feeding water through a network of canals and aquifers into the terraces below.

Villages are nestled just beneath the forests, and each household tends to one or two plots, growing red rice and raising livestock. The area is dotted with scenic viewpoints like Duoyishu for sunrise, Bada for sunset, and Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth) for dramatic panoramas. Traditional Hani villages such as Azheke offer a glimpse into the community’s way of life, with mushroom-shaped houses and vibrant local markets.