How to Plan Photograph Tour of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (Honghe and Yuanyang Counties)

A Winter Wonderland in Yunnan

In the colorful clouds of Yunnan (彩云之南, Cǎi yún zhī nán), there lies a dreamy destination known as the Honghe Rice Terraces (红河梯田, Hónghé Tītián). This stunning location boasts no harsh winters, making it an ideal spot for photography and travel during the Spring Festival. While the terraces are beautiful year-round, their most enchanting season is undoubtedly winter.

The Art of the Hani People

In this region, the hardworking Hani ethnic group (哈尼族, Hāní zú) transforms the mountains into picturesque ink wash paintings through their wisdom and labor.

Here, you can capture the dazzling sunrises and the lingering glow of sunsets over the terraces. Whether it’s the jade-like paths or the shifting clouds, photographers are left enchanted, as if transported to another world. No matter how hard you try to capture every angle and light, the beauty seems limitless.

The allure of Yuanyang (元阳, Yuányáng) is hard to articulate. Those who have visited often say, “The beauty of Yuanyang cannot be described!” One netizen remarked, “If you are a traveler and don’t visit Yuanyang, it will feel sorry for you; if you are a photographer and don’t go, even God will feel sorry for you!”

In this age of information overload, visual impressions can often overshadow reality. The more stunning photos you see, the more you yearn to step foot on this magical land and experience its beauty up close—feeling its warmth, listening to its steady heartbeat.

Preparation and anticipation lead to a quest for the perfect season to visit the dreamlike Hani terraces.

The Best Time for Photography

The period around the Spring Festival is ideal for capturing the Hani terraces, where one can easily witness sea of clouds. After confirming travel plans and securing accommodations, it’s essential to plan meticulously. Given that the Spring Festival is peak tourist season in Yuanyang, accommodations can be scarce. It took contacting multiple travel agencies before finally securing a room. After negotiating prices and finalizing the itinerary, I eagerly awaited the festive season.

Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces
Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces

Overview of the Hani Terraces

When speaking of terraces in Yunnan, the first thing that comes to mind is the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Broadly, they are often referred to as Hani Terraces because these terraces are a vital source of sustenance for the Hani people. The Yuanyang terraces are just one representative of the Hani terraces in Yunnan.

Located in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州, Hónghé Hānízú Yízú Zìzhìzhōu), the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces spread along the southern slopes of the Ailao Mountain (哀牢山, Āiláo Shān), encompassing counties such as Honghe (红河, Hónghé), Yuanyang, Luchun (绿春, Lǜchūn), and Jinping (金平, Jīnpíng). Over a thousand years, the local ethnic groups have utilized the unique geographical and climatic conditions—where one mountain can have four distinct seasons—to create a remarkable agricultural civilization.

In comparison to the terraces in Yuanyang, the Samaba Terraces (撒玛坝梯田, Sāmǎbà Tītián) in Honghe County (红河县, Hónghé Xiàn) possess a unique charm. Despite their relatively later development in tourism, these terraces showcase a more rustic and pristine character.

The Hani People’s Legacy

For centuries, the Hani people have developed rich experiences in cultivating terraces amidst high mountains and deep valleys. They build embankments and channels according to the terrain and soil type, harnessing mountain springs to irrigate their fields.

In early spring, the terraces brim with crystal-clear water, sparkling under the sun and creating a breathtaking scene. By March and April, the terraces flourish in vibrant greens, resembling a lush carpet. In late summer and early autumn, the ripening rice fields turn golden, creating a stunning, ever-changing ink wash painting.

The Honghe Hani Terraces are vast and magnificent, with over 190,000 acres located within the core area of the UNESCO World Heritage application in Yuanyang, where some terraces stretch across thousands of acres. The most famous among these include the Duoyishu (多依树, Duōyīshù), Bada (坝达, Bàdá), Malizhai (麻栗寨, Málìzhài), Mengpin (勐品, Měngpǐn), and Niujiaozhai (牛角寨, Niújiǎozhài).

The region enjoys abundant water sources, humid air, and frequent fog, which sometimes results in vast seas of clouds, enhancing the valleys and terraces with an enchanting atmosphere, earning it the title of “Highland Sea.”

A Natural Masterpiece

The countless terraces, stretching from the foothills to peaks over 2,000 meters high, create a stunning visual akin to a sea of waves glistening in sunlight. The terraces appear as a green-blue ocean from a distance, as if the heavens have descended to earth.

The harmonious coexistence of forests, villages, terraces, and rivers showcases how the Hani and other ethnic groups utilize local geography to transform natural ecological agriculture into a unique agricultural ecosystem—a perfect blend of humanity and nature.

Since the 1980s, the fame of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces has grown, drawing visitors and scholars from around the world. During the first International Hani Culture Symposium in 1993, over 100 representatives from more than ten countries, including China, the Netherlands, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Thailand, were captivated by the splendor and rich culture of the Hani terraces.

In 1995, French anthropologist Dr. Ouena visited the Tiger Mouth Terraces (老虎嘴梯田, Lǎohǔzuǐ Tītián) in Yuanyang. He was so moved by the vast expanse of terraces that he praised, “The Hani terraces are a true earth art, and the Hani people are true earth artists!” Standing on any mountain peak in Yuanyang, one can see the terraces rolling like mountains and seas.

Itinerary Highlights

This itinerary focuses on in-depth photography of the Hani terraces, allowing you to explore the stunning vistas of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces and discover unique ecosystems beyond Yuanyang. Your photographic journey will be unlike anyone else’s!

Main Terraces on the Route

Key terraces along this route include:

  • Samaba Terraces (撒玛坝梯田, Sāmǎbà Tītián)
  • Yangliu Terraces (杨柳梯田, Yángliǔ Tītián)
  • Eda Reservoir (俄垤水库, Édà Shuǐkù)
  • Tasa Terraces (他撒梯田, Tāsā Tītián)
  • Yuanyang Terraces (元阳梯田, Yuányáng Tītián)
  • Tiger Mouth Terraces (老虎嘴梯田, Lǎohǔzuǐ Tītián)
  • Duoyishu Terraces (多依树梯田, Duōyīshù Tītián)
  • Bada Terraces (坝达梯田, Bàdá Tītián)

Photography Tips

  1. Best Time for Viewing: Rice planting typically begins in May, harvesting in September, and irrigation in November. The best time for sightseeing is from November to March, especially around the Spring Festival when sea clouds are frequently visible. The wild cherry blossoms, cotton flowers, peach flowers, and pear blossoms bloom around the Lantern Festival, creating a stunning landscape. Given the changing weather, it’s advisable to bring an umbrella for sun protection or rain, as well as warm clothing for the chilly mornings and evenings.
  1. Key Photography Spots:
    • Sunrise Locations: The Samaba, Guandong, Yangliu, and Tasa terraces are essential for catching the sunrise; Duoyishu in Yuanyang offers the most spectacular views.
    • Sunset Locations: Tiger Mouth and Bada are great for sunset photography. For spring views, look for the red terraces at Longshuba (龙树坝, Lóngshùbà) and Shangguangping (上广坪, Shàngguǎngpíng).
    • Cultural Experiences: Visit Ailong (老勐, Lǎoméng) on Sundays for a market filled with colorful ethnic costumes and traditional attire.
  1. Embrace the Serenity: If you’re not a dedicated photographer, don’t rush to crowded spots. Take your time to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Yuanyang terraces wherever you choose to stop.
  2. Exploring Villages: Many ethnic villages are located on the mountains, and if you wish to visit, locals can guide you. However, many villages are remote and difficult to access; wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks like chocolate or jerky for energy.

Photography Locations:

The Hani terraces are mainly located alongside roads. Here are some notable spots:

  1. Duoyishu Village (多依树村, Duōyīshù Cūn): Located 25 kilometers from Xinjie Town (新街镇, Xīnjiē Zhèn), this village is known for its breathtaking sunrises and endless terraces, making it an essential destination for photographers.
  2. Bada Terraces (坝达梯田, Bàdá Tītián): About 35 kilometers from Xinjie Town, Bada features expansive fields perfect for sunset photography.
  3. Tiger Mouth Terraces (老虎嘴梯田, Lǎohǔzuǐ Tītián): Close to the village, these terraces offer stunning views and are an excellent spot for sunset photography.
  4. Samaba Terraces (撒玛坝梯田, Sāmǎbà Tītián): These terraces are unique and less frequented by tourists, making them ideal for those seeking tranquility and beauty.

The Honghe Rice Terraces offer an unforgettable experience, combining breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re capturing the perfect photograph or simply soaking in the stunning scenery, a visit to this magical destination in Yunnan will leave you enchanted.

Note: Please consider the travel regulations and accommodation availability during your visit. Enjoy your journey to the Honghe Rice Terraces!
Chinese Version:
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