Yuanyang County, Agricultural county in Honghe Prefecture, China
Yuanyang County sits in southeastern Yunnan Province and is known for its expansive rice terraces carved into mountain slopes at elevations ranging from 140 to 2939 meters. These farming areas span more than 17,000 hectares and define the region's landscape.
The Hani people settled this region more than 1300 years ago and developed a complex irrigation system drawing water from mountain forests. This engineering achievement made it possible to transform steep slopes into productive farmland.
The Hani people gather for celebrations like the October New Year and June Festival, wearing traditional clothing and sharing local foods at communal meals. These gatherings reveal how deeply the communities are connected to their land and farming traditions.
Getting to the county works best by car or bus from Kunming, with the journey taking about six to seven hours through hilly terrain. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and bring sturdy walking shoes, since exploring the terraces involves walking on uneven paths.
The Duoyishu terraces catch morning light across thousands of water-filled steps, while the Bada area displays about 3700 distinct levels that glow during sunset. These two spots attract photographers because the water and shifting light create strong visual contrasts.
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