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 - Longshuba Rice Terrace
Today, you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Kunming downtown area. The following journey is about 320 kilometers’ driving from Kunming to Yuanyang which takes about 6 hours on the way. Yuanyang Rice Terrace, regarded as the most beautiful rice terrace in China, is the core area of the UNESCO World Heritage called the Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces.
Upon arrival in Yuanyang, you’ll have time to explore around Xinjie Town with a short hiking trip to Longshuba Rice Terrace (3.5km, about 45mins). Longshuba is different from other rice terraces for the oxygen in the water here varies from other fields, so it’s famous for the unique red duckweed upon the layer by layer rice paddies. Catch the best moment to enjoy the gentle and gorgeous rice terrace view during the sunset period.
After the tour, you’ll be escorted to your hotel in Yuanyang. Have a good rest tonight.
Longshuba Rice Terrace
Mushroom Houses
Day 2 Yuanyang (B, L)
Duoyishu Rice Terrace - Aichun Village - Azheke Village - Bada Rice Terrace
On this day, try to get up early and head to Duoyishu Rice Terrace to watch sunrise. Duoyishu is the best place to shoot sunrise and misty Hani village, surrounded by high mountains in three sides and stretching to the valley in one side. There are many mushroom-like houses dotted aside the rice paddies, just like the sailboat moving into the sea. The ray appears splendidly over the high mountains at first light and when the sun rises up, the whole rice terraces change its colors from quiet blue into golden, shining brilliantly.
Later, move from Duoyishu Rice Terrace to Aichun Village which is about 5km away to see the blue rice terrace. It is in blue not because the water here is blue but for the terrace is the huge mirrors of the blue sky. Standing at a high observation deck, you can feast your eyes with a beautiful painting scrolls with azure sky and white clouds above, blue rice terraces layer by layer on the ground, traditional Hani houses hidden among the trees at a short distance... (Travel tip: come to visit Aichun Village during 09:00-10:00 which is the best time to appreciate blue rice terrace.)
The following time is a leisure cultural trip to Azheke Village, the most primitive Hani Village and its 51 mushroom houses are listed into the protective mushroom houses in Yuanyang. Azheke Village is the best example of harmony living between humankind and nature, fully presenting Forest - Village - River - Clouds fused together. Walking into the village, you’ll numerous old mushroom houses, stone mills, sheep, buffaloes, back pigs, smoke rising continuously from the chimneys…Pay a visit to one of the local Hani families and have a good talk with them to know their daily life and ethnic customs.
In this afternoon, have a nice shoot in the spectacular Bada Rice Terrace - the best place to shoot sunset and catch the terrace panorama. At dusk, when the sun shines on the 950-hectare rice paddies rising from 800 meters to 2000 meters, then the magnificent scene forms - like the ladders toward heaven led by bright light. Hold your breath when sunset glow shining upon the paddies and you'll see the 3700-level terraces first turns pink, then rosy and later dark red, pink, golden and white…
After the tour, be transferred to your hotel in Yuanyang.
Bada Rice Terrace
Duoyishu Rice Terrace
Blue Rice Terrace in Aichun Village
Azheke Village, the most primitive Hani Village
Day 3 Yuanyang - Kunming & Kunming Departure (B, L)
Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang - Drive back to Kunming for Departure
After breakfast, catch the last moment to enjoy the beautiful morning in Yuanyang and take many great pictures as you like. Your guide and driver will escort you to attend the Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang, a bustling place for local people who dressed in traditional ethnic costumes trading daily supplies, including fresh vegetable, fruits, meats, and many other kinds of food and daily necessities. It is a great opportunity to get close to Hani people’s living conditions.
On the way back to Kunming, you’ll have the chance to stop for relaxing exploration about some other primitive ethnic villages near Yuanyang County.
With 5-6 hours’ driving, you’ll get to Kunming. After arriving in Kunming, transfer to the airport or train station to catch your flight/train (after 18:00) to next destination or back home.
Note: If your time is flexible, you can add one more day to pay a visit to Jianshui Ancient Town which is on the way between Yuanyang and Kunming. All the attractions and itinerary can be customized based on your like and time. Please feel free to contact us.
The Only Mongolian Village in Yunnan - Xingmeng Village
Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang
In this trip, you will explore two of the most charming places in Yunnan: Lijiang - the Kingdom of Naxi People and Shangri-La - Garden of Eden! Here, you are in a world of minority people, temples, old towns, ancient streets, lakes, rivers, mountains…splendid culture and breathtaking scenery are waiting for you to explore.
In this 4 days Lijinag & Shangri-La highlights tour, you’ll graspe every second to enjoy yourself on the incredible land – have panoramic view of Lijiang Ancient City, explore the authentic Naxi Village to feel the special Dongba Culture, visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, and take a light hike to Tiger Leaping Gorge that is the world's deepest gorge. You will just find the tour fabulous every moment!
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, 2022.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.65. 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.
Hi Vivien,
We really enjoyed the river cruise and all of the help you were able to provide us. The trips were very good. We thought that breakfast was too early every morning and if you do not attend breakfast we should have the option to get some food somewhere else on board.
Hi Lyn,
I had a good time once I upgraded my room. The room I had was a futon like bed that I would’ve had difficulty getting up from, barely any outlets and a too small shower. Also, the food in the main dining room was just okay. We ate in the VIP room the last night which the food was much better but it should be served as the regular food. The excursions were good. The staff was amazing. They checked in on us regularly and made sure we had English guides when leaving the boat. They took great care of us.
Hello Rita
I'm doing well! How are you? Just cleaning my house now .
I can't thank you enough for everything! I really had an amazing holiday and I appreciate all the extra efforts you helped me with. I felt like a superstar sometimes .
I'm so excited for Patra as she will get to experience a vacation where she can to do minimal because everything is taken care of.
Thank you for the kind gesture I appreciate it! The lunch was definitely delicious and it was good to get to know Sandy and Mr. Li. during both lunches.
Hi Vivien
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything. The cruise was amazing the staff were very welcoming and the birthday surprise was so special. Thank you!!!!!!
Most Appreciatively,
Tracy Edwards
Thank you so much for a wonderful trip Wonder.
Alex was fantastic!!!
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Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
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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.
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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!
Longshuba Rice Terrace
Mushroom Houses
Bada Rice Terrace
Duoyishu Rice Terrace
Blue Rice Terrace in Aichun Village
Azheke Village, the most primitive Hani Village
The Only Mongolian Village in Yunnan - Xingmeng Village
Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang
Kunming / Yuanyang / Kunming
Kunming / Stone Forest / Yuanyang / Kunming
Kunming / Stone Forest / Yuanyang / Jianshui / Kunming
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