Hani People in Red River Area are well-kown for cultivating terraced fields and they have created an environmental wonder in mountain areas. Hani culture is a terraced field agricultural civilization, which has a perfect agriculture system and an agro-worship system as well. The concept of worship is built on the basis that man and nature are in harmony. Countless terraced fields are an evidence of this belief.
According to Chinese records, the terraced fields have already had a history of more than 1,300 years. Hani terraced fields are seen not only in Honghe, but aslo in Yuanyang, Luchun and Jinping Counties.In Yuanyang, the area of terraced fields amount to more than 11,000 hectares, and for more than 3,000 steps of which stretch from the foot of a hill up to the top.
Yuanyang is on a high ridge between two valleys. It's mainly a new town dominated by unimaginative cement buildings and two long streets. Its buildings rise so steeply that stairways connect many roads. Strolling through the market was visually intoxicating. Ethnic minorities, who make up the bulk of the people in town and the rural scenery are Yuanyang's attractions. The town was a bustling mosaic of brilliant color. Women in dazzlingly embroidered outfits toted bushel baskets of produce that seemed to glow in the alpine light.
Yuanyang terraced fields has been placed into the preparatory list of World Heritage in China, the Application of Honghe Hani Terraced Fields for World Heritage has been committed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization by Chinese Government in January, 2002.
Day1 Kunming to Luoping
Pickup at your hotel in Kunming and 260km ride to Luoping. Take your time on the way there you can reach Luoping in about 6 hours on the way, then after arriving, try to catch the sunset at Mt.Jinjifengcong in Luoping Overnight in Luoping
Day2 Luoping
Luoping lies in the relatively underdeveloped eastern part of the province, 228km east of Kunming, dominated by karsts features with small basins among mountain ranges. Early spring, the blossoming rapeseed flowers of Luoping draws flocks of tourists and photographers. Sprawling farmland covered in golden rape stretches right up to the horizon, forming a sea of yellow buds and filling the air with the refreshing smell of spring. In the early Morning we go to Mt.Jinjifengcong watch the sunrise , then transfer to Jiulong waterfall, overnight in Luoping.
Day3 Luoping to Jianshui
Long drive from Luoping to Jianshui , about 6hours drive.
Overnight in Jinashui.
Day4 Explore in Jianshui
With a history dating back to the H¨¤n dynasty, Jianshui's extensive architectural legacy bears witness to this former glory. The attractions consist of one gate, one street, 3 memorial gates("Paifang" in Chinese), the Confucian temple and the Zhu Family's Garden. Besides its traditional mansions, old wells and famous Confucius Temple, Ji¨¤nshui is also an optional gateway to Yu¨¢ny¨¢ng, which has arguably the most beautiful terrace fields in the country...
Overnight in Jianshui
Day5 Jianshui to Yuanyang
Drive to Yuanyang, Check in a hostel and then move to Bada or Laohuzui for catching up the sunset.Yuanyang is renowned for its rice terraces, which claim as the world's largest and most spectacular one, crafted out by bare hands by the Hani people one thousand years ago and is still in use today. The landscape changes vividly through the year. The flooded paddies from Dec. to April creates reflecting pool effect, which is a photographer's dream.
Day6 Yuanyang Photography
Whether you can take great photos in Yuanyang really depends on the weather. A sunny day with fog in the morning and cloud in the dusk is perfect. The ideal spots for sunrise are Duoyishu and Qingkou,at least one morning for each place. Be prepared to get up early at around 5am to head for Duoyishu. It takes around one hour to travel from Xinjie Zhen to Duoyishu. Qingkou is much closer and can be arrived within 15 minutes, more attractive in a foggy morning.After the sunrise, spend your daytime to explore at least one local village. Qingkou is an enchanting Hani village with mushroom houses and local performance show.
Day7 Yuanyang to Kunming
Back to Kunming by long Drive around 7hours.
| Departure dates and prices |
(based on per person and shown in US dollars)
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