Best Rice Terraces to Visit in Yunnan

Yunnan Province, located in the southwestern part of China, is home to some of the most spectacular rice terraces in the world. Known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the province boasts terraces that date back centuries, primarily cultivated by the indigenous Hani people. These terraced fields, often carved into the steep hillsides, create stunning patterns that change with the seasons, offering visitors breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region’s traditional agricultural practices.

Yunnan’s rice terraces are spread across several counties, each offering unique scenic beauty and cultural experiences. From the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Honghe Hani Rice Terraces to the remote, peaceful terraces in Luchun County and Shuangbai County, Yunnan’s terraces are renowned for their grandeur and the surrounding landscapes that include verdant valleys, towering mountains, and misty mornings.

The terraces are particularly famous during the planting and harvesting seasons when they are filled with water, creating reflective surfaces that mirror the sky. The region is also home to several traditional villages where local Hani people continue to use centuries-old farming methods, making the terraces not only a visual spectacle but also a cultural treasure.

Key Features of Yunnan’s Rice Terraces:

UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces are recognized globally for their cultural significance and stunning beauty.

Scenic Beauty: Yunnan’s terraces are known for their picturesque views, especially during the rainy season when the fields are flooded, creating shimmering reflections.

Cultural Heritage: The terraces are an integral part of the Hani people’s agricultural and cultural traditions, many of which have been passed down through generations.

Diverse Locations: From the famous terraces in Yuanyang County to the less-traveled areas in Zhaotong and Luchun, the rice terraces are spread across various regions, each offering unique experiences.

Whether you’re a photographer, a cultural enthusiast, or someone simply seeking to explore the natural beauty of China, Yunnan’s rice terraces provide an unforgettable journey. The combination of ancient traditions, stunning landscapes, and cultural richness makes these terraces a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Best Rice Terraces to Visit in Yunnan

1. Yuanyang County, Honghe (红河州元阳)

Yuanyang County, known for its stunning Hani Rice Terraces, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The terraces here are famous for their scenic beauty, particularly during the rice planting and harvesting seasons.

Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (红河哈尼梯田) – UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, renowned for breathtaking views of terraced fields.

Laohuzui Rice Terraces (老虎嘴梯田) – Famous for panoramic views and dramatic landscapes, a popular spot for sunrise photography.

Longshuba Rice Terraces (龙树坝梯田) – Known for expansive views of the valleys and traditional Hani agricultural practices.

Bada Rice Terraces (巴达梯田) – One of the most famous terraces in Yuanyang, great for photography and scenic exploration.

Qingkou Hani Rice Terraces (青口哈尼梯田) – Known for beautiful landscapes and agricultural culture.

Duoyishu Rice Terraces (多依树梯田) – Popular for its misty mornings and the beautiful light reflections on the rice fields.

Malizhai Rice Terraces (麻栗寨梯田) – A hidden gem with fewer tourists, offering a quiet and serene atmosphere.

Mengpin Hani Rice Terraces (孟品哈尼梯田) – A more remote location, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.

Paozhuzhai Hani Rice Terraces (泡珠寨哈尼梯田) – Situated near Paozhuzhai village, known for its peaceful setting.

Yakou Rice Terraces (鸭口梯田) – Known for sweeping views and a traditional Hani cultural experience.

Shangmadian Rice Terraces (上马甸梯田) – Famous for the combination of rice terraces and Hani village culture.

Baoshanzhai Rice Terraces (宝山寨梯田) – Offers stunning views of terraced fields with a backdrop of rolling hills.

Amengkong Rice Terraces (阿孟孔梯田) – Known for its tranquil beauty and less touristy, offering a true rural experience.

Aichun Hani Rice Terraces (阿依春哈尼梯田) – A scenic location with traditional farming methods still in practice.

Shengcun Hani Rice Terraces (胜村哈尼梯田) – Features beautiful terraced fields with a calm rural setting.

Quanfuzhuang Rice Terraces (全福庄梯田) – Known for lush, green terraces and quiet surroundings.

Niujiaozhai Rice Terraces (牛角寨梯田) – A great spot for photography and immersion in nature.

Habo Rice Terraces (哈播梯田) – Known for its unique views and traditional Hani farming culture.

Laoyingzui Rice Terraces (老英嘴梯田) – Famous for its high-altitude terraces and panoramic views.

2. Honghe County, Honghe (红河州红河县)

Honghe County is home to some of the most picturesque rice terraces in the region, offering beautiful landscapes and cultural experiences.

Guidong Rice Terraces (贵东梯田) – Located in the heart of Honghe, offering great views and a chance to see traditional farming practices.

Nimei Rice Terraces (霓美梯田) – Known for its vibrant green color during the growing season, these terraces offer stunning vistas.

Tasa Rice Terraces (塔萨梯田) – Famous for their terraced fields that stretch across the valley, creating a beautiful landscape.

Edie Reservoir Rice Terraces (埃地水库梯田) – Built around a large reservoir, these terraces combine nature with farming techniques.

Yangliu Rice Terraces (杨柳梯田) – Known for their tranquil beauty and peaceful surroundings.

3. Yuanjiang County, Yuxi (玉溪元江)

Yuanjiang County is famous for its diverse Hani rice terraces, located in the foothills and surrounded by lush greenery. These terraces are an ideal place for those seeking to explore rural Yunnan.

Ailao Rice Terraces (哎老梯田) – Located on the slopes of Ailao Mountain, famous for stunning views and Hani culture.

Nanuo Rice Terraces (纳诺梯田) – Known for their breathtaking landscapes and remote, peaceful environment.

4. Luchun County, Honghe (红河州绿春县)

Luchun County features more isolated and serene rice terraces, offering a perfect escape into nature.

Dongzhu Rice Terraces (东竹梯田) – A quiet, peaceful area with fewer tourists, making it ideal for a relaxing experience.

Lagu Hani Rice Terraces (拉谷哈尼梯田) – Known for its picturesque scenery and traditional Hani culture.

5. Shuangbai County, Chuxiong (楚雄双柏县)

Shuangbai County’s rice terraces are located in steeper, more mountainous terrain, offering a more rugged and natural experience.

Ejia Rice Terraces (鄂佳梯田) – Located in rural Shuangbai, these terraces are known for their steep slopes and dramatic landscapes.

6. Jinping County, Honghe (红河州金平县)

Jinping County is home to many traditional Hani villages and terraced fields that have been cultivated for centuries.

Hani Rice Terraces List in Jinping County (金平县哈尼梯田) – A collection of rice terraces showcasing the agricultural heritage of the Hani people.

7. Lvchun County, Honghe (红河州绿春县)

Lvchun County is located in the southern part of Honghe, known for its less-crowded, serene rice terraces, perfect for nature lovers.

Rice Terraces List in Lvchun County (绿春县梯田) – A selection of terraces in the region, providing beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.

8. Zhaotong City, Yunnan (昭通市)

Zhaotong, located in the northern part of Yunnan, is known for its less commercialized but equally stunning rice terraces.

Rice Terraces in Suijiang County, Zhaotong (昭通遂江县梯田) – Situated in the Suijiang region, these terraces are surrounded by lush vegetation and offer a great escape into nature.