4 Days Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Hiking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-day hiking tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Yuanyang, home to the stunning Hani Rice Terraces. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these terraces are a remarkable feat of agricultural engineering, carved over generations by the Hani ethnic minority. This immersive experience allows you to explore the rich culture, diverse ecosystems, and stunning scenery of the region, from lush green hills to panoramic views of the terraces that shimmer like silver in the sunlight. Each day is filled with adventure, cultural discoveries, and opportunities to connect with local communities, making it an unforgettable journey through one of China’s most spectacular landscapes.

Introduciton

Set off on an enchanting 4-day hiking adventure through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yuanyang, which is home to the magnificent Hani Rice Terraces. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these terraces showcase an extraordinary achievement in agricultural engineering, meticulously crafted over generations by the Hani ethnic community. This immersive journey invites you to delve into the area’s rich culture, varied ecosystems, and breathtaking vistas, featuring everything from verdant hills to sweeping panoramic views of terraces that glisten like silver under the sun. Each day is packed with excitement, cultural insights, and chances to interact with local residents, creating an unforgettable exploration of one of China’s most stunning natural wonders.

Highlights:

  • tunning Terraces: Hike through the iconic Hani Rice Terraces, renowned for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors. Experience breathtaking views that change with the light throughout the day.
  • Cultural Encounters: Meet the friendly Hani people, learn about their traditional ways of life, and discover their unique customs and practices related to rice cultivation.
  • Diverse Landscapes: Enjoy the rich biodiversity of the region, including lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic valleys, providing a perfect backdrop for hiking enthusiasts.
  • Sunrise and Sunset Views: Capture unforgettable photographs at famous viewpoints, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the terraces reflect a kaleidoscope of colors.
  • Delicious Local Cuisine: Savor authentic Hani dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, exploring the flavors of the region.
  • Guided Hiking Trails: Benefit from the expertise of experienced local guides who will lead you along well-marked trails, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
  • Cultural Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the Hani culture, including their traditional architecture, festivals, and agricultural practices, enhancing your overall experience.

Brief Itineray

  • Day 1: Kunming Arrival-Xinjie Town
  • Day 2: Xinjie-Laohuzui-Duoyishu
  • Day 3: Duoyishu-Qingkuo-Xinjie
  • Day 4: Xinjie-Yunayang-Kunming Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Kunming Arrival-Xinjie Town

Sightseeing and Activities: Kunming Arrival-Xinjie Town
Accommodation: Xinjie
Meals: none

  • Arrival in Kunming
  • Upon your arrival at Kunming International Airport, you will be greeted and picked up. From there, enjoy a scenic drive of approximately six hours to reach Xinjie Town in Yuanyang.
  • About Yuanyang
    • Yuanyang is a county located in south-central Yunnan province, People’s Republic of China. It is renowned for its rice terraces, considered the world’s largest and most spectacular, crafted by the Hani people over a thousand years ago. The rice farmers have practiced ecology and land preservation for centuries, long before these concepts were widely accepted.
  • Yuanyang Rice Terraces
    • The rice terraces are a self-sustaining ecosystem. In winter to early spring, the entire field is irrigated with spring water from the forest above to rejuvenate and prepare for the next season. The Hani people have repeated this process for more than a thousand years. There is only one

Day 2 Xinjie-Duoyishui-Qingkou-Bada

Sightseeing and Activities: Duoyishu Rice Terrace Fields, Bada Hani Rice Terraces, Longshuba Rice Terraces,
Accommodation: Xinjie
Meals: breakfast

  • Rise and Shine
    • Start your day with breathtaking sunrise over the Duoyishu Rice Terrace Fields. As the sun ascends above the eastern horizon, the terraced fields come alive, revealing a stunning display of rings cascading down the hillside toward the sky.
    • From the mountain peaks to the valley below, the landscape unfolds in a vibrant kaleidoscope of color, illuminated by sunshine, clouds, and mist—a truly spectacular sight.
  • Cultural Immersion
    • Next, make your way to Qingkou Village, the home of generations of Hani people.
    • Immerse yourself in their traditional way of life and explore the Bada Hani Rice Terraces, a remarkable testament to their ingenuity and hard work. Be sure to visit the local ethnic market, where you can savor local delicacies and find one-of-a-kind handicrafts.
  • Sunset Serenade
    • Conclude your day with a breathtaking sunset at Longshuba Rice Terraces, located just 5KM from Xinjie Town.
    • As the sun gracefully sinks below the horizon, the rice terraces are bathed in warm golden light, creating a serene atmosphere that envelops the landscape. It’s the perfect way to end an unforgettable day in this picturesque region.

Day 3 Free Time

Sightseeing and Activities: Trekking in rice terraces
Accommodation: Xinjie
Meals: breakfast

  • Experience the Yuanyang Rice Terrace Sunrise
    • Revel in the stunning sunrise at Yuanyang Rice Terrace, capturing beautiful photographs at your leisure. Explore the nearby local markets and villages to immerse yourself in the culture. After lunch, take advantage of your free time in Yuanyang. Feel free to trek around the terraces and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Day 4 Xinjie-Yunayang-Kunming Departure

Sightseeing and Activities: drive back to Kunming
Accommodation: none
Meals: breakfast
Drive from Xinjie Town to Kunming, send to Airport for departure. Tour ends.

Service Included:

  • All land transfer and transportation as listed in the itinerary;
  • Excellent English speaking tour guide and skilled driver;
  • Entrance tickets mentioned in the itinerary;
  • Two bottles of water each day each person;
  • Accommodation with breakfast.

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Meals not mentioned;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs.