Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Yuanyang Rice Terraces has been a masterpiece of the ingenuity of the Hani people for generations. Southern Ailao Mountain, with this typical tiered landscape, is famed for its unique frontier scenery.

The Hani people's ancestors came to this steep mountain area 2,500 years ago. In their struggle against the rugged terrain, they successfully established the terraces to grow rice to make a living. The creativity of the Hani people turned this mountain area into one of artistic beauty. In recognition, the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) emperor granted the title of 'Skillful Sculptor' to the Hani people, and it passed down their excellent reputation from generation to generation. At present, known as 'land sculpture,' the Yuanyang Rice Terraces fields have been officially acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces fields are magnificent and on a large scale. They extend to many towns along the south bank of the Red River, such as Yuanyang, Lüchun, and Jinping, among others. With more than 113 square kilometers, the terrace in Yuanyang County is regarded as the core area of Hani terraces. The county is mountainous, and the terraces built on the hillsides have a slope varying from 15 to 75 degrees. The Yuanyang rice terraces form three major scenic areas: Duoyishu scenic area, Bada scenic area, and Laohuzui (the Tiger Mouth) scenic area. So many terraces set among vast forests, topped by an ocean of clouds, create a magical, magnificent view. The rolling landscape is just as attractive as the rice terraces themselves, so you'll never run out of gorgeous pictures.