Yuanyang Terraces 5-Day 4-Night Travel Guide, Budget 5000 RMB, Enjoy Worry-Free and Have Fun!
Yuanyang Terraces 5-Day 4-Night Travel Guide
Budget Explanation
This budget of 5000 RMB covers round-trip major transportation, local transportation, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and other expenses. If the distance is long, the cost of major transportation will take up a larger portion, so other expenses should be planned reasonably; if the distance is short, you can upgrade accommodation and dining standards accordingly.
Itinerary
Day 1: Langfang - Kunming - Jianshui
● Morning: Depart from Langfang and take a flight to Kunming. After arriving in Kunming, head to Kunming South Bus Station and take a bus to Jianshui (about 3 hours).
● Afternoon: Upon arrival in Jianshui, visit Jianshui Ancient Town. You can visit Zhu Family Garden, a large-scale Qing Dynasty residential complex known as the "Grand View Garden of Southern Yunnan"; also stroll around Zhang Family Garden to experience the charm of traditional local architecture.
● Evening: Taste local delicacies in Jianshui Ancient Town, such as Jianshui grilled tofu and steam pot chicken. Stay at Jianshui Pengyuan Hotel or another preferred hotel.
Day 2: Jianshui - Yuanyang - Half-Day Chartered Tour
● Morning: Depart from Jianshui and charter a car to Yuanyang (about 4 hours). Transportation in Yuanyang is inconvenient, so chartering a car is a more convenient way to travel.
● Afternoon: After arriving in Yuanyang, head to the Laohuzui Scenic Area to watch the terrace sunset. Laohuzui is a great spot in Yuanyang Terraces to watch the sunset, where the terrace lines are beautiful and colorful under the setting sun.
● Evening: Dine near the scenic area, enjoying local dishes like stewed beef and stewed pig’s trotters. Stay at a guesthouse near Duoyishu, such as Carved Time Inn or "Cloud Terrace Hotel," convenient for watching the sunrise the next day.
Day 3: Full-Day Chartered Tour
● Morning: Get up early to go to Duoyishu Viewing Platform to watch the terrace sunrise. Duoyishu is one of the many scattered terraces in Yuanyang, and the sunrise here is spectacular, with terraces shimmering in the morning light. After watching the sunrise, explore the surrounding area to experience the lifestyle of the Hani people.
● Noon: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant in the scenic area, tasting specialties like Hani red rice noodles and grilled tilapia.
● Afternoon: Visit Aicun Blue Terraces, where the terraces appear blue under certain lighting conditions, very unique. Then visit Azheke Scenic Area to learn more about Hani culture and history and experience their traditional way of life.
● Evening: Return to Duoyishu for accommodation, rest at the guesthouse or enjoy the night view.
Day 4: Half-Day Chartered Tour
● Morning: Visit Pugao Old Village to see the mushroom houses and experience Hani architectural style. The mushroom houses in Pugao Old Village are a local specialty, warm in winter and cool in summer, very distinctive.
● Noon: Have lunch near Pugao Old Village, tasting local farmhouse dishes.
● Afternoon: Free activities; you can choose to stroll along the terraces to feel their charm up close or participate in some experience activities, such as cooking sour soup with snails from the terraces (experience class 50 RMB/person, including lunch).
● Evening: Stay again at Duoyishu.
Day 5: Yuanyang - Kunming
● Morning: Pack up and say goodbye to Yuanyang, charter a car back to Kunming (about 7 hours).
● Afternoon: After arriving in Kunming, if time permits, you can visit Nanping Street in downtown Kunming to experience the city atmosphere; or go to Dianchi Lake to see seagulls (in winter).
● Evening: Head to the airport and take a flight back to Langfang, ending a pleasant trip.
Food Recommendations
● Hani Red Rice Noodles: Made from local red rice ground into a paste to make noodles, smooth and tender, served with sour bamboo shoots, beef slices, and mint. The broth is made from beef bones. Costs 10 RMB per bowl, suitable for breakfast.
● Grilled Tilapia: Tilapia raised in the terraces, freshly grilled with chili powder and herbs, crispy outside and tender inside, 20 RMB each. Best enjoyed with local "Pao Gang Jiu" (a low-alcohol liquor brewed from corn and wild fruits), tastes excellent.
● Steamed Terrace Crabs: During rice harvest from September to October, the crabs in the fields are the fattest. Steamed and dipped in ginger vinegar, the crab roe is full, costing 50 RMB per jin.
● Banana Leaf Wrapped Roast: Tofu, mushrooms, and beef wrapped in banana leaves and roasted over charcoal. The fragrance of the leaves seeps into the ingredients. Costs 30 RMB per serving, suitable for vegetarians.
Accommodation Suggestions
● Near Duoyishu: Convenient for watching the sunrise, such as Carved Time Inn and "Cloud Terrace Hotel." The rooftop terrace of "Cloud Terrace Hotel" faces the Duoyishu terraces, so you can see the sunrise as soon as you open your eyes in the morning.
● Yuanyang Hani Terrace Village Guesthouses: Located in the central area of the terraces, surrounded by beautiful and pleasant environment, offering panoramic views of the terraces. Staff are enthusiastic and provide attentive service.
● Family Inns: Operated by local residents, simple and rustic but warm and comfortable, allowing better understanding of local customs and interaction with residents.
Transportation Guide
● Major Transportation: You can choose to fly from Langfang to Kunming. Booking tickets in advance may offer discounts.
● Local Transportation: Transportation in Yuanyang is inconvenient and attractions are scattered, so chartering a car is recommended. During the off-season, charter fees are relatively low and no advance booking is needed; during peak seasons like Chinese New Year, fees increase and advance booking is necessary. You can also take a bus from Kunming South Bus Station to Yuanyang Xinjie Town (130 RMB, 5 hours), then carpool locally for sightseeing.
Notes
● Climate and Gear: The climate in Yuanyang is changeable with large temperature differences between morning and evening, so prepare enough clothing. Also remember to bring sun protection and rain gear.
● Photography Equipment: Most people visit Yuanyang for photography. The terraces are most beautiful when filled with water around Chinese New Year. A telephoto lens is important because capturing large areas of red-reflecting terraces requires great luck.
● Respect Local Culture: Yuanyang is home to the Hani ethnic group. Respect their customs and religious beliefs. When visiting ancient villages like Azheke, protect the local environment and cultural relics.