Laoyingzui Rice Terraces in Yuanyang County, Honghe
Overview
Laoyingzui Rice Terraces (老鹰嘴梯田, Lǎoyīngzuǐ Tītián) offer a dramatic and stunning landscape that is often favored by photography enthusiasts for its breathtaking views. Compared to the more renowned Tiger Mouth Rice Terraces (老虎嘴梯田, Lǎohǔzuǐ Tītián), Laoyingzui features greater elevation changes, creating a unique visual impact. This area remains largely untouched by commercial development, resulting in fewer visitors and a varied range of terraced landscapes. Visitors can experience the beauty of these terraces while seated on the cliffs, feeling the gentle caress of sunlight, or climbing higher to take in sweeping views. The terraces showcase elegant curves and colorful displays—particularly vibrant at sunset, when the light casts a magical glow, revealing hues of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. It’s akin to a rainbow cascading across the landscape.
Scenic Beauty
The Laoyingzui Rice Terraces are located near Mali Zhai (麻栗寨, Málìzhài) in Yuanyang County (元阳县, Yuányáng Xiàn). The charm of these terraces lies in their vivid colors. From a distance, they resemble flowing ribbons of color, especially the striking red terraces that stand out dramatically. Unlike other scenic areas, such as Tiger Mouth and Duoyishu (多依树, Duōyīshù), which have established observation platforms, visitors to Laoyingzui must carefully choose their spots at the cliff’s edge for the best views. Standing atop Laoyingzui, one can gaze down at the reflective waters below that mirror the sky, surrounded by layers of terraces that create a captivating and dreamlike scene. The changing light patterns as the day progresses enhance the beauty, making this location a true paradise for nature lovers.
Best Season to Visit
Yuanyang experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, with seasonal differences being subtle. Summers tend to be rainy and relatively cool, while winters remain warm. This makes it a suitable year-round destination. For the best photographic opportunities, it’s advisable to visit during sunset, as the light brings out the terraces’ hidden beauty, making them resemble translucent glass. The vibrant colors and breathtaking vistas make every visit worthwhile.
How to Get There
To reach the Laoyingzui Rice Terraces, take a bus from the South Bus Station (南部客运站, Nánbù Kèyùnzhàn) in Kunming to Yuanyang. Buses operate daily at 10:20, 12:30, and 19:00, with tickets costing approximately 139 CNY per person, and the journey lasting about 5-6 hours. Upon arriving in Yuanyang, you can take a minibus or taxi to Mali Zhai, where the Laoyingzui terraces are located.
Local Transportation
- Minibuses: From the Yuanyang bus station, minibuses frequently travel to Mali Zhai. The fare is typically around 10 CNY per person.
- Taxis: Taxis are available for direct transport to the terraces, but it’s advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand.
Travel Tips
- Photography Gear: Bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
- Local Cuisine: Be sure to sample local dishes such as grilled fish, fried rice, and stewed chicken, which are delicious and offer a taste of the region’s culinary traditions. Don’t forget to pick up some local handicrafts as souvenirs.
- Accommodation Options: Consider booking a hotel or guesthouse near Laoyingzui for convenience. This allows easy access to the terraces while providing a quiet place to relax.
- Best Times to Visit: The terraces exhibit different beauty throughout the seasons—lush greens in spring, golden hues in autumn, and vibrant colors in summer. Spring and autumn are particularly recommended due to pleasant weather and stunning scenery.
Time Reference
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour.
In summary, the Laoyingzui Rice Terraces in Yuanyang County are an unforgettable destination that promises breathtaking views, delectable local cuisine, and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for all nature lovers and photographers alike.
Location:
