Yuanyang Travel Guide
Yuanyang is a picturesque county located in the southern part of Yunnan province. Renowned for its stunning terraced rice fields, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yuanyang offers a feast for the eyes with its awe-inspiring natural beauty.
This travel guide will take you on a journey through the enchanting landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences that await you in Yuanyang.
Chinese: 元阳 yuán yáng
Location: Southern Yunnan
Population (urban area): 359,155
Why Visit Yuanyang?
- Breathtaking Terraced Rice Fields: Being included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Yuanyang Rice Terracesare a magnificent agricultural wonder of this county, and they are the masterpieces of generations of Hani people. Visiting there, you will marvel at the mosaic colors and breathtaking views of them, especially at sunrise and sunset.
- Diverse Ethnic Culture: Yuanyang is home to seven ethnic groups who have inhabited the region for centuries, and they have created colorful cultures there. Hence, it must be a wonderful experience for you to learn their traditions, attend colorful festivals, and get handicrafts as souvenirs.
- Authentic Village Life: If you are tired of a busy life in the metropolitan, then visit Yuanyangof Honghe in Yunnan, China. There, you can experience the traditional village life with a slow pace. Besides, you can interact with friendly locals and taste authentic cuisine.
>> Read more about: How to Plan a Yuanyang Tour
Top Tourist Attractions in Yuanyang
Yuanyang is especially known for its spectacular Hani Rice Terraces and rich Hani ethnic culture. The Hani people worked hard for generations to create the UNESCO-listed terraces. With grand scale and majestic beauty, these terraces have attracted countless visitors to marvel at its unique agrarian civilization and capture great photos. Bada, Laohuzui, and Duoyishu are the top recommended terrace sites to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
Ethnic Market Bazaar
It is a good place to experience the vibrant atmosphere with local characteristics. People dress up and hang there carrying a pack basket. Never miss the diverse agricultural products, local snacks, and barbecues.
Azheke Village
This natural village in Yuanyang has an elevation of 1,880 above sea level, with clouds hovering over the area. Along with its well-preserved mushroom houses, it shows the harmony between human beings and nature.
Top Things to Do in and around Yuanyang
Hike the Terraced Rice Fields
Yuanyang has many beautiful and vast areas of terraced rice fields, and it must be a great experience for you to hike there. Stepping on Hani Rice Terraces in Yuanyang of China on your Yunnan tours, you will be amazed by the charm of nature. Moreover, the grand and magnificent terraces cultivated by the Hani people adapt to the changing topography of the mountains, and they present panoramic views at every turn.
Read more about the 7 Most Breathtaking Rice Terraces in China
Explore the Ethnic Market
Yuanyang County of China is home to many ethnic groups and there are many vibrant ethnic markets in the county. Shengcun Market, Xinjie Market, and Niujiao Village Market are the most popular markets where you can shop for local handicrafts, taste traditional delicacies, and engage with locals. Besides, the market days vary in different villages, and most villages host a bustling market twice a week.
Attend Cultural Performances
As a county with diverse ethnic groups and cultures, Yuanyang greets visitors with a variety of cultural activities and performances. You can attend the traditional dances, music, and the famous Hani Long Table Banquet, a grand feast showing the rich culinary heritage of this place.
Soak in Hot Springs
Hot springs are one of Yunnan’s significant treasures, and almost every prefecture and county in Yunnan boasts its own hot springs, and Yuanyang is no exception. As a home to many natural hot springs, it offers a good opportunity for you to soak in the hot springs after a day trip to Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Yunnan.
Yuanyang Weather & Best Time to Visit Yuanyang
Yuanyang enjoys a pleasant subtropical climate, characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit there is during the months from November to April when the terraced rice fields are at their most charming and vibrant.
Yuanyang Transportation
Getting to Yuanyang
The nearest airport to Yuanyang is Kunming Changshui International Airport. There, you can take a bus to Yuanyang from Kunming, which takes about 8 hours. Besides, Yuanyang offers buses connecting nearby cities like Jianshui, and it takes about 2 hours from Jianshui to Yuanyang.
Getting around Yuanyang
Local buses, taxis, and motorbikes are available for you to explore Yuanyang. Also, you can hire a private car or join organized tours to get to Yuanyang Rice Terraces conveniently and visit the attractions comfortably.
Accommodation in Yuanyang: Where to Stay
Yuanyang is a remote county in Yunnan, offering a wide range of homestays and guesthouses rich in local features. As it becomes more popular, high-end hotels have also increased in this county.
During your Yuanyang travel, it is recommended to stay in the following areas:
- Duoyishu area: Features several high-end scenic inns; Convenient for those who want to catch the sunrise.
- Shengcun Village: With many budget hotels, about 15 15-minute drive from the Duoyishu viewing platform.
- Hani Town: The core area of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, offering a wide range of hotel choices. About a 15-minute drive from Bada and a 30-minute drive to Duoyishu.
- Azheke Village: Offers many high-end homestays and allows you to get close encounters with traditional Hani life and culture.
Our Top Yuanyang Tours
- 3 Days Yunnan Yuanyang Tour from Kunming
- 4 Days Yuanyang Rice Terrace Photography Tour
- 6 days Yunnan In-depth Minority Tour of Kunming – Jianshui – Yuanyang – Kunming
- 8 Days Yunnan Photography Tour to Dongchuan, Yuanyang, Jianshui
- 11 Days Yunnan Tour: Kunming – Jianshui – Yuanyang – Kunming – Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-La
Other Popular Destinations in Yunnan
Yunnan is a beautiful land with quite a lot of tourist attractions. Below are some remarkable destinations in Yunnan, and you can explore them after your Yuanyang Rice Terraces tours.
