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Yuanyang Rice Terrace
| Entrance Fee | Day Ticket: CNY 100, single entry for each scenic spot within a day; Seven-day Ticklet: CNY 180, unlimited entry for each scenic spot included within the 7-day validity. Note: 1. The ticket covers Duoyishu, Bada, Laohuzui Scenic Areas and Qingkou Folk Village. 2. Half-price ticket for children between 1.2 and 1.4m (3.9-4.6ft); free for children under 1.2m. |
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| Opening Hours | All day long, while some sites open from 6:00 to 19:30. |
The Yuanyang Rice Terraces, crafted over generations by the ingenuity of the Hani people, stand as a testament to human creativity and perseverance. Nestled within the Southern Ailao Mountain range, these terraces boast a unique tiered landscape that has captivated visitors for centuries.
Dating back 2,500 years, the ancestors of the Hani people settled in this rugged terrain and devised a remarkable system of terraces to cultivate rice and sustain their livelihoods. Their mastery of cultivating fertile land on steep mountain slopes was ahead of its time, with similar techniques not widely adopted until the 14th century in other regions of China and Southeast Asia. Recognizing their remarkable achievement, the Ming Dynasty emperor bestowed upon the Hani people the title of “Skillful Sculptor,” a legacy that has endured through generations.
Today, the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, spanning an area of more than 113 square kilometers, encompass several towns along the south bank of the Red River, including Yuanyang, Lüchun, and Jinping. The terraces in Yuanyang County, with their slopes ranging from 15 to 75 degrees, ascend in a breathtaking series of steps totaling 3,000, creating a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and rare.
The terraces are divided into three major scenic areas: Duoyishu, Bada, and Laohuzui (the Tiger Mouth). Each area offers a distinct panorama of terraced fields, often shrouded in a mystical blanket of clouds, evoking a sense of wonder and grandeur. The juxtaposition of the terraces against the backdrop of vast forests creates a scene of unparalleled beauty, drawing visitors from far and wide to marvel at this natural wonder known as the “land sculpture” of the Hani people. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, the Yuanyang Rice Terraces continue to inspire and enchant all who behold their magnificence.
