Amengkong Rice Terraces in Yuanyang County, Honghe
The Amengkong Terraces (阿猛控梯田) are located in the southern part of the Ailao Mountains (哀牢山), within Yuanyang County (元阳县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). They are part of the Laohuzui Scenic Area (老虎嘴景区), which lies approximately 50 kilometers south of Yuanyang County’s main town and 20.5 kilometers from the old town of Xinjie (新街). These terraces are carved along three mountain ridges stretching from a deep valley up toward the highlands, showcasing an expansive and highly scenic landscape.
Cultural and Historical Background
Amengkong Terraces (阿猛控梯田) are one of the many ancient terraced fields developed by the Hani people (哈尼族) in the Ailao Mountains over 1,300 years ago. By adapting to the mountainous terrain and leveraging the local geography and climate, the Hani people created a unique ecological and cultural system characterized by the harmonious structure of “forest–village–terrace–water system.” This reflects the wisdom of the Hani people and their philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
Folk Traditions
The Laohuzui Scenic Area (老虎嘴景区), where the terraces are located, is a region densely populated by the Hani people (哈尼族) who have preserved many of their traditional customs. Notable Hani festivals such as the “October Year” (十月年) and the “Village God Forest Worship Ceremony” (祭寨神林) are filled with joyful and peaceful atmospheres. One of the most significant local customs is the Long Street Banquet (长街宴), where visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Hani delicacies.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Amengkong Terraces (阿猛控梯田) are situated in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, featuring mild temperatures and abundant rainfall, with an average annual temperature of about 15°C. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the terraces are irrigated, offering stunning reflections, dramatic light and shadow effects, and frequent appearances of the sea of clouds.
Recommended Attractions and Suggested Duration
Amengkong Terraces (阿猛控梯田): Spanning over 2,000 mu (approx. 133 hectares), these terraces spread across three mountain ridges, forming shapes resembling three giant dragons. They are known for their rhythmic beauty.
Suggested visit duration: 2 hours.
Laohuzui Scenic Area (老虎嘴景区): Comprising nearly 6,000 mu (approx. 400 hectares) of terraces, including areas such as Mengpin (勐品), Dongpu (硐浦), Amengkong (阿猛控), and Baoshanzhai (保山寨). It is one of the core scenic areas of Yuanyang Terraces, ideal for sunset viewing.
Suggested visit duration: 2 hours.
Site of the Mengnong Tusi (猛弄土司遗址): Located within the Laohuzui Scenic Area, this site is an important historical location for studying Yi culture and the feudal territorial economy.
Suggested visit duration: 1 hour.
Transportation
- Public Transportation: Buses from Yuanyang County to the Laohuzui Scenic Area take approximately 1.5 hours.
- Self-Driving: The drive from Yuanyang County to the Laohuzui Scenic Area covers about 50 kilometers via local highways.
Cuisine
- Hani Bamboo Tube Rice (哈尼族竹筒饭): Steamed rice cooked in bamboo tubes, offering a fresh and fragrant taste.
- Hani Grilled Meat (哈尼族烤肉): Made from local ingredients, grilled to aromatic perfection.
Shopping
Visitors can find a variety of local handicrafts and agricultural products in and around the Laohuzui Scenic Area, including Hani embroidery (哈尼族刺绣) and red rice from the terraces (梯田红米).
Accommodation
There are a limited number of homestays and rural inns near the Laohuzui Scenic Area. Conditions are basic, so advance booking is recommended. For a more comfortable stay, consider accommodations in Yuanyang County or Xinjie Town (新街镇).
Travel Tips
- Respect the customs and traditions of local ethnic minorities, especially when visiting villages or attending traditional festivals.
- Protect the environment—do not litter.
- Some paths around the terraces can be steep—wear comfortable walking shoes.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Yuanyang County, check in to your hotel, and visit the Amengkong Terraces (阿猛控梯田) in Laohuzui Scenic Area.
- Day 2: Visit the Mengpin Terraces (勐品梯田) and explore the Mengnong Tusi Site (猛弄土司遗址).
- Day 3: Return to Yuanyang County and conclude your trip.
Amengkong Terraces (阿猛控梯田) offer breathtaking natural beauty and a rich ethnic cultural atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in exploring the traditions of the Hani people or simply marveling at the grand terraced landscapes, this is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. We hope you have a wonderful journey．
