Picturesque scenery in all seasons, experience the wonders of nature!

## Samaba Rice Terraces Travel Guide **I. Scenic Area Overview** Located in Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, the Samaba Rice Terraces are a masterpiece left by generations of the Hani people. Grand in scale and magnificent in momentum, they are known as "China's most beautiful mountain carvings." The terraces follow the contours of the mountains, cascading layer upon layer, stretching as far as the eye can see. Under the sunlight and clouds, they resemble a flowing painting. **II. Best Time to Visit** * **Best viewing period:** From November to April of the following year, the terraces are filled with water, shimmering under the sunlight like mirrors. This is the best season for photography. * **Rice planting season:** April-May, rice planting begins in the terraces, presenting a vibrant scene. * **Harvest season:** September-October, the rice ripens, and the golden terraces layer upon layer, creating a spectacular view. **III. Transportation Guide** * **Airplane:** Fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport, then transfer to a bus or hire a car to Yuanyang, which takes about 6 hours. * **Train:** Take a train to Jianshui Station or Mengzi Station, then transfer to a bus to Yuanyang, which takes about 2-3 hours. * **Self-driving:** From Kunming, take the Kunmo Expressway, passing through Yuxi and Jianshui to reach Yuanyang. The whole journey is about 350 km and takes about 5 hours. **IV. Recommended Tour Routes** * **One-day tour:** Duoyishu Terraces (sunrise) → Bada Terraces → Qingkou Hani Village → Laohuzui Terraces (sunset) * **Two-day tour:** * **Day 1:** Duoyishu Terraces (sunrise) → Aichunlan Terraces → Azheke Village → Bada Terraces (sunset) * **Day 2:** Qingkou Hani Village → Laohuzui Terraces → Hani Town **V. Recommended Attractions** * **Duoyishu Terraces:** The best place to watch the sunrise, shrouded in morning mist, it looks like a fairyland. * **Bada Terraces:** Grand in scale and magnificent in momentum, it's a great place to watch the sunset. * **Laohuzui Terraces:** The terraces have beautiful lines, shaped like a tiger's mouth, making it a paradise for photographers. * **Qingkou Hani Village:** Experience the Hani folk culture and local customs. * **Aichunlan Terraces:** The terraces take on a dreamy blue color under the sunlight, a rare sight. **VI. Accommodation Recommendations** * **Yuanyang County:** More accommodation options are available, and the prices are relatively low. * **Terraces Scenic Area:** There are several homestays and inns where you can enjoy the scenery of the terraces up close, but the prices are higher. **VII. Food Recommendations** * **Hani Dipping Chicken:** A Hani specialty, the chicken is tender, and the dipping sauce is sour, spicy, and appetizing. * **Hani Fermented Black Beans:** A traditional Hani seasoning with a unique flavor. * **Yuanyang Red Rice:** A local specialty, the rice grains are slender and have a soft and glutinous texture. **VIII. Travel Tips** * Yuanyang is a mountainous area with a large temperature difference between day and night, so it is recommended to bring warm clothes. * The terraces scenic area is large, so comfortable shoes are recommended. * The UV rays are strong in the scenic area, so pay attention to sun protection. * Respect local ethnic customs. * Protect the environment and do not litter. **IX. Photography Tips** * Use a wide-angle lens to capture the panoramic view of the terraces. * Use the morning and evening light to capture the layering and light and shadow effects of the terraces. * When shooting reflections of the terraces, choose a windless day and use a polarizing filter to reduce reflections. **X. Recommended Nearby Attractions** * Jianshui Ancient City * Swallow Cave * Zhu Family Garden I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to the Samaba Rice Terraces. Have a pleasant journey!