Habo Long Street Banquet of Hani Ethnic Minority in Yuanyang County, Honghe

Habuo Village (哈播村) is located in Xinjie Town (新街镇), Yuanyang County (元阳县), Honghe Prefecture (红河州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies in the southern part of Yuanyang, nestled in the southern section of the Ailao Mountains (哀牢山脉), on the southern bank of the Honghe River (红河). The village is surrounded by layers of terraced fields that shape a unique geographical environment and nurture the brilliant Hani Rice Terrace Culture (哈尼梯田文化). The Habuo Long Street Banquet (哈播长街宴) is a dazzling gem within this cultural heritage. Set amidst lush mountains and rivers, the surrounding terraced hills wind from the foot to the top of the mountains, creating a stunning backdrop for this grand event.

History and Culture

The Habuo Long Street Banquet carries the deep-rooted history and culture of the Hani people (哈尼族). The Hani are an ancient agrarian ethnic group, and the long street banquet was originally held to celebrate harvests and worship deities and ancestors. Over time, it evolved into the grandest and most solemn traditional festival of the Hani people. During the festival, locals wear colorful traditional attire and gather from near and far to express gratitude and pray for good weather, abundant harvests, and prosperity. This tradition has been preserved for centuries and is a vital part of cultural heritage, reflecting the spiritual and emotional identity of the Hani community.

Folk Customs

On the day of the banquet, Habuo Village bustles with activity. Long tables stretch through the village streets for hundreds of meters. The feast begins with a ritual ceremony led by respected village elders, who offer sacrifices to heaven, earth, deities, and ancestors. Afterward, villagers and guests sit side by side, clinking cups and sharing dishes with laughter and joy. Throughout the feast, Hani men and women sing traditional toasting songs and dance the cheerful Lezuo Dance (乐作舞), showcasing their warm, hospitable, and united spirit.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Yuanyang County enjoys a subtropical mountain monsoon climate, warm and humid throughout the year. The Habuo Long Street Banquet usually takes place during the “Angmatu” (昂玛突) festival in the tenth month of the lunar calendar, when the weather is cool and pleasant—ideal for travel. From October to February is the golden season for visiting Yuanyang. The rice terraces shimmer with water, and the festive atmosphere of the banquet enhances the area’s natural charm.

Recommended Attractions and Suggested Duration

Habuo Terraces (哈播梯田)
Located around the village, the terraces glow with golden reflections as the first rays of sunlight touch the water. The ever-changing colors are breathtaking.
Suggested visit: 2–3 hours. Walk along the ridges and immerse yourself in the beauty of the terraces.

Qingkou Folk Village (箐口民俗村)
Not far from Habuo, this village preserves the traditional layout, architecture, and customs of the Hani people. Visitors can explore the iconic mushroom houses and observe traditional craftsmanship.
Suggested visit: 1–2 hours.

Laohuzui Terraces (老虎嘴梯田)
One of the most famous rice terrace sites in Yuanyang, Laohuzui resembles two crouching tigers when viewed from above.
Best time: Afternoon, especially at sunset when the terraces are bathed in golden light.
Suggested visit: 2–3 hours.

Transportation

Getting There

By Air:
Fly to Mengzi Airport (蒙自机场) in Honghe, which is about 130 km from Yuanyang. From the airport, take a direct shuttle or chartered car to Yuanyang (approx. 2–3 hours).

By Train:
Take a train to Jianshui Station (建水站), then transfer to a bus from Jianshui Bus Station to Yuanyang. Buses are frequent, and the journey takes around 2 hours.

Local Transport

From Yuanyang County to Habuo Village, take a bus to Xinjie Town, then transfer to a rural shuttle bus to Habuo Village. As service is limited, it’s advisable to check the departure times in advance. Alternatively, hiring a car offers more flexibility and convenience.

Local Cuisine

Terrace Fish (梯田鱼)
A highlight of the banquet, these fish are raised in the rice terraces and have tender, odorless flesh.

• Steamed: preserves the original flavor;
• Braised: rich in color and taste.

Sticky Rice Cake (糯米粑粑)
Made from high-quality glutinous rice, pounded after steaming.

• Soft and sweet on its own or dipped in honey or brown sugar for extra flavor.

Hani Dipping Chicken (哈尼蘸水鸡)
Tender, juicy chicken served with a spicy dipping sauce made from chili, Sichuan peppercorn, ginger, garlic, and cilantro—an irresistible treat.

Shopping

Hani Embroidery (哈尼族刺绣)
Many Hani women in Habuo craft beautiful, colorful embroidered items featuring themes like flora, fauna, terrace landscapes, and ethnic legends. Items include handkerchiefs, bags, and garments—meaningful souvenirs.

Terrace Red Rice (梯田红米)
Cultivated in Yuanyang for centuries, red rice is rich in nutrients. When cooked, it releases a fragrant aroma and has a chewy texture—an ideal gift.

Bamboo Weavings (竹编制品)
Locally handcrafted bamboo items such as baskets, chairs, and trays—practical, beautiful, and full of rustic charm.

Accommodation

Homestays in Habuo Village (哈播村客栈)
Affordable, family-run guesthouses offering clean rooms and an authentic experience of rural Hani life. Some provide terrace views.

Hotels in Xinjie Town (新街镇酒店)
Close to Habuo Village, with a range of lodging options from budget to mid-range. The town is well-equipped with restaurants and shops.

Hotels in Yuanyang County (元阳县城酒店)
For higher comfort standards, return to the county seat where star-rated hotels offer quality services. Note: travel time to/from Habuo must be planned accordingly.

Travel Tips

• Respect Local Customs: The banquet is a sacred traditional event—follow rituals and dining etiquette respectfully.
• Food Safety: Try everything, but ensure food hygiene to avoid stomach discomfort.
• Watch Your Belongings: The festival attracts crowds—keep valuables like phones, wallets, and cameras safe.
• Photography Etiquette: Always ask before taking photos of locals or religious activities.

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1:
Morning arrival at Habuo Village. Check in to a guesthouse and rest.
In the afternoon, walk through the nearby terraces and explore traditional Hani houses.
Evening: Join the long street banquet, enjoy the feast, and take in the performances.

Day 2:
Watch the sunrise over the terraces in the early morning.
Visit Qingkou Folk Village and explore the Hani Ethnic Culture Museum.
Return to Xinjie Town in the afternoon for local snacks and souvenir shopping.

Day 3:
Take a shuttle to Laohuzui Terraces.
Return to Yuanyang County in the afternoon, explore the local market, and pick up any last-minute items like red rice or bamboo crafts.
Continue your journey as per your schedule.

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