3 Days Yuanyang Rice Terraces & Hani Culture Discovery Tour
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
Many travelers said the rice terrace is so much like the Great Wall in China for they are wonders of human being. Chinese people use their own wisdom and their skillful hands to get the most out of nature and create the “Art of Earth”. Yuanyang Rice Terrace is the core area of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terrace covering 16,603-hectares in southern Yunnan. Over the past 1300 years, Hani people have been working among the rice paddies generation after generation, creating the most incredible masterpiece by their own hands.
Yuanyang Rice Terrace is in the south of Yunnan, about 320 kilometers from Kunming. Most travelers would start from Kunming and then make the transfer to Yuanyang with about 5.5-6 hours’ driving. This 3-day Yuanyang tour is the classic discovery of Yuanyang Rice Terrace with all highlights included. You won’t miss the chance to catch sunrise at Duoyishu, sunset at Bada, misty Hani village with numerous mushroom houses at Azheke, blue rice terraces in Aichun...You will definitely meet the most beautiful rice terrace in Yuanyang.
Day 1 Kunming - Yuanyang
Drive from Kunming to Yuanyang - Visit Bada Rice Terraces
Today, you'll be picked up from Kunming downtown and driven approximately 320 kilometers to Yuanyang, taking about 4.5 hours. Yuanyang Rice Terrace, considered China's most beautiful, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces.
Upon reaching Yuanyang, you'll be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, capture stunning shots at Bada Rice Terraces(坝达梯田), renowned for its sunset views and panoramic scenery. As the sun sets, the 950-hectare rice paddies, spanning from 800 to 2000 meters, create a breathtaking sight resembling ladders to heaven illuminated by bright light. Witness the terraces transform through shades of pink, rosy, dark red, golden, and white as the sunset glow intensifies.
After the tour, return to your hotel in Yuanyang and enjoy a restful night.
Bada Rice Terrace views photoed by Anne from German
Day 2 Yuanyang Rice Terraces Full Day Exploration (B, L)
Duoyishu Rice Terrace - Aichun Village - Azheke Village - Laohuzui Rice Terraces
Start your day early by heading to Duoyishu Rice Terrace (多依树) to witness a captivating sunrise. Positioned amidst high mountains on three sides and stretching into the valley on the fourth, Duoyishu offers a misty Hani village with mushroom-like houses adorning the rice paddies, resembling sailboats at sea. The first light casts a splendid ray over the mountains, transforming the tranquil blue terraces into a brilliant golden hue as the sun rises.
Next, proceed to Aichun Village (爱春), about 5km away, to marvel at the blue rice terrace. The blue color is not from the water but reflects the expansive sky. From a high observation deck, soak in the picturesque scene of azure skies, white clouds above, and layered blue rice terraces on the ground, with traditional Hani houses peeking through the trees. (Travel tip: Visit Aichun Village between 09:00-10:00 for the optimal time to appreciate the blue rice terrace.)
Enjoy a leisurely cultural trip to Azheke Village (阿者科) in the following hours. This primitive Hani Village, with 51 protective mushroom houses, showcases harmonious living between humanity and nature. Explore the village's numerous old mushroom houses, stone mills, and encounter sheep, buffaloes, and black pigs, with smoke rising from chimneys.
Later, capture breathtaking shots at Laohuzui Rice Terrace (老虎嘴), the core area of the Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. Also known as Tiger Mouth, it stands out as the steepest, grandest, and most magnificent rice terrace in Yuanyang. This location provides the best vantage point for a sunset spectacle. From the top of Laohuzui Rice Terraces, enjoy a panoramic view resembling a blooming white flower. As the sun sets, the terraces transition from a clear and bright blue, mirroring the surroundings, to a radiant golden hue. With the sun's glow, the paddies transform rapidly into shades of pink, rosy, and dark red.
After the sunset, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 3 Yuanyang - Kunming & Kunming Departure (B, L)
Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang - Drive back to Kunming for Departure
After breakfast, savor the last moments of the beautiful morning in Yuanyang, capturing numerous memorable pictures. Your guide and driver will then accompany you to the vibrant Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang, where locals adorned in traditional ethnic attire engage in lively trade for daily supplies, including fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and various other necessities. This presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the living conditions of the Hani people.
En route back to Kunming, take advantage of the chance to explore other primitive ethnic villages near Yuanyang County.
Upon arrival at Kunming, transfer to the airport or train station for your flight/train (after 18:00) to your next destination or back home.
Note: If your schedule allows, consider adding an extra day to visit Jianshui Ancient Town, conveniently located between Yuanyang and Kunming. All attractions and the itinerary can be tailored to your preferences and timeframe. Feel free to contact us for customization.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.
Good morning, Tracy.
We have completed our travel in China. Thank you very much for arranging this wonderful tour for us.
You amended the itinerary 3 times according to our needs. One of the changes in the itinerary was your suggestion to add the Xingyi Fenglin Buyi Scenic Area which was an excellent recommendation. All of us enjoyed this beautiful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city as well as away from the regular tourist crowds.
I understand that you wish me to provide our reviews and feedback. Here they are:
Tracy is efficient and very patient with us. Tour was very well arranged. Everything is good.
The following is what I intend to post on tripadvisor. My user name in tripadvisor is Hing2013:
“CHINA DISCOVERY - AMAZING 13-DAY PRIVATE TOUR Our group of 8 seniors have just finished a wonderful 13-day private tour to Guizhou and Guilin arranged by Tracy. From the first email, Tracy had shown her willingness to help. She had been courteous and efficient. All my requests were attended promptly. Sceneries in both Guizhou and Guilin are spectacular. Everything was well arranged. The guides and drivers in both Guizhou and Guilin were caring. Guilin guide Kenny was particularly knowledgeable. It was a wonderful and memorable trip and we all enjoyed the tour. We will book with China Discovery again and have no hesitation to recommend China Discovery to anyone who is interested in traveling in China.”
Have a good day!
Lena
Hi Jack,
We had a great time on our trip thanks.
The trip went very well (apart from a rainy day in Pingyao), with no hitches.
Guides were all excellent, and took us to some great restaurants! All drivers were good as well - all punctual and drove safely.
Hotels were excellent, with the Beijing and Pingyao hotels standing out.
We had a great time and are sorry that it's over so quickly!
Many thanks.
Steve
Dear Jack,
We would like to thank you for the trip arrangement. It was very good and we had a wonderful time. Jessica, our guide, was very helpful and knowledgeable, and she took great care of us.
Thanks.
Warmest regards.
Sok Yong
Hi Jack,
The tour was excellent and so were the guides (Michelle and Cecilia) and driver (Mr Wei). Both Michelle and Cecilia were knowledgeable and helpful and made our trip a memorable one.
Regards,
Lawrence
Hi Leo,
Thanks for everything. I really enjoyed the Yunnan trip. Highly appreciated your tourist guides’ professional services. I will recommend your company to my friends. I definitely will come back again.
Ka
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
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After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
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Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
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Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
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The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
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The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Bada Rice Terrace-20201216-Anne from German-CD-Z
Duoyishu Rice Terrace-20201216-Anne from German-CD-Z
Laohuzui Rice Terrace
Blue Rice Terrace in Aichun Village
Azheke Village, the most primitive Hani Village
Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang
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