Situated 300kms to the south of the city of Kunming in Yunnan Province, the Yuanyang rice terraces are famous for their gentle beauty and contrasting colors.
The Yuanyang Rice Terraces were created by hand by the Hani people around a thousand years ago. Still in use today, they provide a form of food and income for the people who live in this area as well as a beauty natural backdrop against which much of daily life takes place.
Although the area is often photographed and represented in paintings, not many tourists make it to this part of China, and the area has managed to maintain its traditional atmosphere and cultures. The main activity here is trekking through the countryside, and the colors are captivating enough to keep most visitors mesmerized for several hours at a time.__
Visitors wishing to explore the Yuanyang Rice Terraces should visit the town of Xinjiezhen, where there are plenty of places to spend the night and good restaurants. Many people end up spending several days here, seduced by the natural beauty of the area and the gentle pace of life.
Getting There & Away
The easiest way to get to the Yuanyang Rice Terraces is by flying into Kunming International Airport and taking a bus to the town of Xinjiezhen (7 hours). Buses also arrive in Xinjiezhen from Gejiu (5 hours) and Jianshui (4 hours).