Yunnan Travel – Rice Terraces List in Yunnan Province

On the vast land of Yunnan, beneath the colorful clouds, numerous terraced fields are scattered like magnificent poems inscribed on the earth. These terraced fields are not only the crystallization of the hard work and wisdom of ethnic minorities such as the Hani, Yi, and Dai, but also an immortal masterpiece of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. With their grand scale and diverse forms, each terraced field has its own unique charm. Next, I will introduce to you some of the most representative terraced field scenic spots in Yunnan.

Honghe Hani Terraced Fields (红河哈尼梯田): A Millennial Epic of Agricultural Splendor

Location and Scale

Transportation

External Transportation
Fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场), then head to Kunming South Bus Station (昆明南部汽车客运站) to take a coach to Yuanyang. Alternatively, take a high-speed train to Honghe Station (红河站) and transfer to a bus to Yuanyang. It takes about 2 hours by car from Jianshui (建水).
Internal Transportation
There are buses from Yuanyang County (元阳县城) to the various terraced field scenic areas, but the frequency is limited. You can also choose to rent a car or take a local motorcycle to the scenic spots.

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Featured Activities

Sunrise and Sunset Viewing
Duoyishu Terraced Field (多依树梯田) is the best place to watch the sunrise. The first rays of the morning sun create a dreamlike scene with the changing light and shadow on the terraced fields. Bada (坝达) and Laohu Zui (老虎嘴) viewing platforms are the top choices for watching the sunset. Under the afterglow, the terraced fields are painted in a riot of colors, creating a breathtaking view.
Experiencing Folk Culture
Visit Azheke Village (阿者科村) to explore the unique mushroom houses and gain an in-depth understanding of the Hani ethnic culture and lifestyle. You can also participate in traditional Hani festivals and folk activities to experience the rich ethnic atmosphere.
Hiking and Sightseeing
Take a leisurely walk along the ridges of the terraced fields. The picturesque scenery along the way allows you to experience the simplicity and tranquility of local agricultural life up close.

Accommodation Recommendations

Duoyishu Area (多依树区域)
There are many high-end landscape guesthouses here, though they are on the expensive side. However, they are conveniently located for early morning sunrise viewing.
Shengcun Area (胜村区域)
This area is mainly home to budget hotels. It is only a 15-minute drive to the Duoyishu (多依树) viewing platform.
Hani Town Area (哈尼小镇区域)
There is a wide selection of hotels here. It takes 15 minutes to Bada (坝达) and 30 minutes to Duoyishu (多依树).
Azheke Village (阿者科村子)
There are high-end boutique inns in the village, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Hani local customs and traditions.

Samadaba Ten Thousand Mu Terraced Fields (撒玛坝万亩梯田): The World’s Largest Concentrated Terraced Fields

Location and Scale

Transportation

External Transportation
First, arrive in Kunming and then take a coach to Honghe County (红河县), or drive directly. The journey from Kunming to Honghe County takes about 3 hours by car.
Internal Transportation
The distance from the county town to the terraced fields is about 20–40 kilometers. The transportation is not very convenient, so it is recommended to drive there.

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Featured Activities

Sunrise and Sea of Clouds Viewing
Samadaba Terraced Fields (撒玛坝梯田) face east, making it an excellent spot for watching the sunrise over the sea of clouds. Standing here feels like being in a fairyland.
Hiking Experience
Follow the 2.7-kilometer hiking trail, and the stunning scenery of over 4,300 terraces will unfold before your eyes, allowing you to marvel at the wonders of nature.
Exploring the Mabang Culture
From Samadaba Terraced Fields (撒玛坝梯田), you can visit the Mabang Ancient Town (马帮古城). The town is filled with century-old residences and exudes a strong Republican-era atmosphere. Here, you can gain a deep understanding of the Mabang culture and history.

Accommodation Recommendations

Yuanjiang Nanuo Terraced Fields (元江那诺梯田): A Pristine Cloud Sea Wonderland

Location and Features

Transportation

External Transportation
First, arrive in Kunming and then transfer to a coach to Yuanjiang or drive there. The journey from Kunming to Yuanjiang takes about 3 hours by car.
Internal Transportation
Drive along the Yuanche Line (元车线) from Yuanjiang County to Nanuo Terraced Fields. The terraced fields are located about 90 meters southwest of Nanuo Middle School (那诺中学).

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Featured Activities

Admiring the Cloud Sea and Terraced Fields
The low-altitude heat from the Red River (红河) and the cold air from the Ailao Mountain Range (哀牢山) often create a stunning cloud sea and terraced fields spectacle, attracting many photography enthusiasts.
Experiencing Agricultural Culture
The terraced fields present different scenes in each season. In spring, the outlines are clear; in summer, the fields are lush with greenery; in autumn, the rice fields are fragrant; and in winter, the misty clouds add a mystical touch. You can experience the agricultural scenery of different seasons.

Accommodation Recommendations

Pu’er Terraced Fields (普洱梯田): A Poetic Rural Landscape

Location and Features

Transportation

External Transportation
First, arrive at Pu’er Simao Airport (普洱思茅机场) and then transfer to transportation to the terraced fields. If you choose to take a train, you can get off at Pu’er Station (普洱站) and then head to the terraced fields scenic area.
Internal Transportation
Take Zhenyuan County’s Mengda Town Wencun Village terraced fields as an example. There are buses from Pu’er City to Zhenyuan County. After arriving in Zhenyuan County, you can take a bus to Mengda Town (勐大镇) and then go to Wencun Village (文来村). However, the transportation from Zhenyuan County to Mengda Town and within the town to the terraced fields may not be very convenient. You can consider renting a car or taking a local motorcycle.

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Featured Activities

Agricultural Culture Experience
Participate in the agricultural culture experience activities held in Mengda Town (勐大镇), such as plowing, harrowing, and transplanting seedlings to personally experience the fun of traditional farming.
Fish Catching in Paddy Fields
Experience fish catching in the paddy fields of Mengda Town (勐大镇). Enjoy the joy of playing in the water and the excitement of catching fish.
Hiking and Photography
Take a walk along the ridges of the terraced fields to enjoy the surrounding rural scenery and the tranquility of nature. Gain a deeper understanding of the terraced field ecosystem and agricultural production methods.
Photography Creation
The terraced fields in Pu’er are picturesque all year round. Whether it is the glistening water fields in spring, the lush green seedlings in summer, or the golden rice in autumn, they are all treasures for photography enthusiasts.

Accommodation Recommendations

County Town Accommodation
For example, in Zhenyuan County, there are many hotels and inns with good accommodation conditions, complete facilities, and a wide range of prices to choose from according to your needs.
Township Accommodation
In townships close to the terraced fields, such as Mengda Town (勐大镇), there are small hotels, guesthouses, or farmhouses. They are close to the terraced fields, convenient for early and late sightseeing, and allow you to experience the strong rural atmosphere.

Lijiang Terraced Fields (丽江梯田): A Landscape Painting with Naxi Charm

Location and Features

Transportation

External Transportation
First, arrive at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (丽江三义国际机场) and take an airport shuttle bus or taxi to Lijiang City. If you take a train, you can get off at Lijiang Station (丽江站) and then transfer to other transportation to the terraced fields.
Internal Transportation
From Lijiang City, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or take a rural passenger vehicle to the terraced fields. For example, the terraced fields near Lashi Sea (拉市海) are close to the city center and have convenient transportation. However, the transportation to remote mountainous terraced fields is relatively inconvenient and requires advance itinerary planning.

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Featured Activities

Photography Creation
The terraced fields in Lijiang present different scenery in each season. In spring, the terraced fields reflect the sky and mountains like mirrors; in summer, the seedlings are lush and full of vitality; in autumn, the golden rice fields contrast beautifully with the snow-capped mountains and blue sky, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Hiking Experience
Take a walk along the ridges of the terraced fields, wander through the rice fields, get up close to the terraced fields, enjoy the rural scenery, and learn about the agricultural culture and terraced field ecosystem.
Agricultural Experience
Participate in local agricultural activities such as transplanting and harvesting to experience the joy of farming and the happiness of harvest, and learn about traditional farming methods.
Cultural Experience
Visit the Naxi ethnic villages around the terraced fields, explore traditional residences, learn about local customs and ethnic culture, and taste Naxi specialties such as Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑) and chickpea jelly (鸡豆凉粉).

Accommodation Recommendations

Lijiang City Center (丽江市区)
There are hotels and guesthouses of various grades in the city center. The transportation, shopping, and dining are convenient. In the evening, you can enjoy the night scenery and bar culture of Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城).
Villages Near Terraced Fields (梯田附近村落)
Local residents run guesthouses in the villages near the terraced fields. The prices are affordable, and you can get up close to the rural life atmosphere and enjoy the morning terraced fields scenery.

Zhaotong Terraced Fields (昭通梯田): A Blend of Simple Rural and Mountainous Farming Culture

Location and Features

Transportation

External Transportation
By Air
Fly to Zhaotong Zhaoyang Airport (昭通昭阳机场) and then transfer to transportation to Shuifu City (水富市). Alternatively, you can choose to fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场) and then take a coach to Shuifu City from Kunming South Bus Station (昆明南部汽车客运站).
By Train
Take a train to Zhaotong Station (昭通站) or Shuifu Station (水富站). Zhaotong Station has more train schedules, while Shuifu Station is closer to the terraced fields. From these stations, you can take local passenger vehicles, taxis, or rent a car to the terraced fields scenic area.

Internal Transportation
There are buses in Shuifu City that go to various townships, but the frequency of buses to the terraced fields is limited. For example, to visit the Huayuan Terraced Fields (花园梯田) in Huatan Village (花坛村), Liangwan Town (两碗镇), you can take a bus from Shuifu City to Liangwan Town. After arriving in Liangwan Town, you can take a taxi or a motorcycle to the destination.

Ticket Information

Featured Activities

Terraced Field Sightseeing
Enjoy the continuous terraced fields scenery. The scenery varies in different seasons. In spring, the terraced fields reflect the sky and clouds like mirrors; in summer, the seedlings are lush; in autumn, the rice fields are golden and rolling.
Agricultural Tourism Experience
Participate in agricultural production activities such as rice and fish coexistence, experience farming activities like transplanting and harvesting, feel the joy of labor and harvest, and learn about the ecological agricultural model of rice field fish farming.
Flower Painting
During the blooming season of flowers around the terraced fields, such as rapeseed flowers and sunflowers, you can carry painting tools for outdoor sketching to capture the rural scenery.
Outdoor Camping
Set up tents in open areas near the terraced fields or in designated camping zones. Look up at the starry sky, listen to the chirping of insects and croaking of frogs, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
Agricultural Culture Display
Visit local agricultural culture exhibition halls or exhibitions to learn about traditional farming tools, techniques, and the history and heritage of agriculture. Enhance your understanding of agricultural civilization.