Guidong Rice Terraces in Honghe County, Honghe
Guidong Rice Terraces (桂东梯田, Guìdōng Tiántián) are located in Honghe County (红河县, Hónghé Xiàn) within the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州, Hónghé Hānizú Yízú Zìzhìzhōu), specifically in the village of Le Yu (乐育乡, Lèyù Xiāng). This village has been included in the second batch of China’s traditional villages.
Scenic Beauty of Guidong Rice Terraces
The Guidong Rice Terraces Scenic Area is situated in the eastern part of Le Yu village committee in Honghe County. The terraced fields cover an area of 4,106 mu (亩, mǔ) with 599 terraces. This stunning landscape is renowned for its harmonious integration of “forest, sea of clouds, village, terraced fields, and water systems,” showcasing the beautiful coexistence of heaven and earth, as well as people and nature. Historically, this area was the main domain of the earliest Hani (哈尼族, Hānizú) tribe, the Situa (思陀), and the territory of the Situa chieftain, carrying over a thousand years of rich cultural heritage.
Guidong Rice Terraces are particularly famous for their exquisite beauty. In the early morning mist, they appear as delicate and shy maidens. Each year during winter and spring, a spectacular sea of clouds envelops the terraces, featuring various cloud formations such as flat clouds (平海云, Pínghǎi Yún), ocean clouds (大海云, Dàhǎi Yún), and rolling clouds (翻卷云, Fānjuǎn Yún). Within the clouds, forests emerge, and islands with people are spotted, creating a breathtaking fusion of mountains, clouds, water, and fields, reminiscent of a paradise on earth.
Access and Experience
The Guidong Rice Terraces are located 2 kilometers from the township government of Le Yu, making them one of the main routes to the Samaba (撒玛坝, Sāmǎbà) ten-thousand mu terraced fields. The area covers 4,106 mu (亩, mǔ) and has 599 terraces. While heading to Samaba, we passed by Guidong Rice Terraces just at sunset. Through the speeding car window, we caught a glimpse of the deep blue terraces behind us, but in our rush to capture the sunset at Samaba, we didn’t stop. Unfortunately, we ended up missing the opportunity to shoot the sunset, as Samaba isn’t the best spot for it due to its position.
The next morning, after photographing the sunrise at Samaba, we rushed to the Guidong Rice Terraces, but we were a bit late. As the sun rose and the temperature increased, the clouds had already started to dissipate, marking the end of the optimal shooting time.
Guidong Rice Terraces are celebrated for their stunning landscape. If the Samaba ten-thousand mu terraced fields can be compared to a robust man, then the Guidong Rice Terraces are a gentle and graceful beauty. Their most enchanting feature lies in the magnificent sea of clouds.
The Enchantment of the Sea of Clouds
It is said, “Only white clouds can fill the valleys; only thunder and lightning can call the wind and rain.” The beauty of the sea of clouds exhibits the mysterious allure of nature. During the winter and spring, especially when these seasons transition, the sea of clouds is a spectacular sight in Honghe County (红河县, Hónghé Xiàn), and the sea of clouds at Guidong Rice Terraces is a highlight among wonders.
The sea of clouds presents various forms: the calm sea clouds (大海云, Dàhǎi Yún), surging rolling clouds (翻卷云, Fānjuǎn Yún), and flowing waterfall clouds (瀑布云, Pùbù Yún), each form reflecting a stunning beauty.
In the early morning, when the sun has yet to rise and the eastern sky glows with a fish-belly white or golden light, a tranquil sea of clouds blankets the Guidong Rice Terraces. The sight is so pristine that it is difficult to describe with any other word than “sea.” Gazing at this vast expanse of white, one might easily be swept into a romantic reverie, yearning to leap in and float freely.
As the sun rises, the red light spills over the vast cloud sea, awakening it as if a soul has returned to its body. With the sun’s increasing intensity and rising temperatures, the sea of clouds begins to move rapidly, transforming into a majestic ocean with sweeping waves. When the golden sunlight illuminates the scene, the clouds shimmer with a golden glow, while shaded areas remain grayish-white. Nearby, the terraced fields are visible despite the clouds, with lush green bamboo tips swaying, vibrant cherry blossoms, ducks frolicking in clear waters, and women walking along the fields—creating a bright and picturesque scene.
From a distance, hills emerge from the sea of clouds, standing tall against the crashing waves of mist. Occasionally, streams of clouds cascade down like waterfalls, bringing a chill that is felt even from afar.
Cultural Heritage and Gastronomy
Guidong Village (桂东村, Guìdōng Cūn), located in Le Yu Town, was recognized as a “Famous Tourist Village in Yunnan Province” on May 16, 2021. It is home to the Guidong Rice Terraces and lies 30 kilometers from the county seat, with an elevation ranging from 891 to 1,681 meters. The village is surrounded by seven Hani (哈尼族, Hānizú) and Yi (彝族, Yízú) settlements, presenting a harmonious blend of humanity and nature.
Local Cuisine
Notable local dishes include Hani Dipping Sauce Chicken (哈尼蘸水鸡, Hānī Zhànshuǐ Jī), Dried Beef from Little Yellow Cattle (小黄牛干巴, Xiǎo Huángniú Gānbā), Boiled Rice Flower Fish (水煮稻花鱼, Shuǐzhǔ Dàohuā Yú), Red River Braised Pot Wine (红河焖锅酒, Hónghé Mènguō Jiǔ), Water-drenched Dried Meat (水淹干巴, Shuǐ Yān Gānbā), Baohua Gata Duck Eggs (宝华嘎他鸭蛋, Bǎohuá Gātā Yādàn), Wild Bamboo Worms (野生竹虫, Yěshēng Zhúchóng), Hani Five-color Rice (哈尼五色彩饭, Hānī Wǔsè Cǎifàn), Colorful Dragon Eggs (五彩龙蛋, Wǔcǎi Lóngdàn), Braised Beef (牛肉烂呼, Niúròu Lànhū), Wild Kudzu Powder (野生葛根粉, Yěshēng Gěgēn Fěn), Hani-style Snails (哈尼风味田螺, Hānī Fēngwèi Tiánluó), Grilled Eel (火烧鳝鱼, Huǒshāo Shànyú), and seasonal wild vegetables (时令野生菜, Shílìng Yěshēng Cài).
Creative Products
Creative products featuring ethnic cultural elements include keychains, charging cables, fridge magnets, tote bags, thermos cups, and fans. The spring plowing embroidery series showcases mountain hawks protecting fields, water buffalo farming, and spring swallows heralding dawn. The bamboo weaving series features baskets, lunch boxes, ornaments, and cups. Additionally, products featuring scenic area motifs include pillows shaped like caravan roads, notebooks, chopstick holders, and tea cup mats.
How to Get There
To reach Guidong Rice Terraces (桂东梯田, Guìdōng Tiántián), you can take a bus or drive to Honghe County (红河县, Hónghé Xiàn), then head towards Le Yu Town (乐育乡, Lèyù Xiāng). The terraced fields are located approximately 2 kilometers from the township government.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring are ideal for witnessing the sea of clouds.
- Photography: Early mornings are perfect for capturing stunning sunrises over the terraces and clouds.
- Local Customs: Be respectful of local traditions and always ask before taking photographs of people or their homes.
- Accommodation: Plan ahead as lodging options may be limited; consider staying in nearby towns.
- Cuisine: Don’t miss trying the local dishes for an authentic taste of Hani culture.
- Language: Basic Mandarin phrases (普通话, Pǔtōnghuà) can be helpful, as English may not be commonly spoken.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining guided tours to enhance your understanding of the local culture and history, especially related to the rice terraces and their significance.
Location:
http://www.honghe.travel/01/12/201503/t20150320_1166531.html
