Ailao Mountain and Yuanyang Terraces Hiking Guide

Stop just going to Dali and Lijiang! Discover the secret southern Yunnan with hiking in Ailao Mountain + Yuanyang Terraces, a winter-exclusive trip full of healing power. If you’ve only seen Yunnan’s romance through its flowers, moonlight, and snow, you might have missed its most original and stunning side—the primitive forests of Ailao Mountain and the light-and-shadow mystery of Yuanyang Terraces hidden in southern Yunnan. This is truly a hiking paradise that makes life worth living. While the city is wrapped in cold, here you’ll find the most healing negative oxygen ions, sea of clouds sunrises, and thousand-layer mirror-like terraces in winter. After this journey, it feels like your body and mind have been completely awakened by nature. 🌄 5 days 4 nights hiking itinerary, deep into southern Yunnan’s secret realm Day 1: Arrive in the Spring City, recharge for the journey From all over the country → Kunming gathering → Check into hotel, freely enjoy the winter warmth of the “Spring City.” Day 2: Deep into Ailao Mountain, first encounters with waterfalls and canyons Kunming → Xinping → Nan’en Waterfall (like a pouring Milky Way) → Shimen Gorge hike (about 6km, along the stream, clear water and unique stones, like a natural oxygen bar). Day 3: Watch the sea of clouds sunrise, trek through the primitive forest Ailao Mountain sea of clouds sunrise (morning light flooding the clouds, breathtaking) → Ailao Mountain secret hiking (about 13km, deep into the primitive forest, exploring the quiet world of ancient trees and moss) → Mojiang (a small town on the Tropic of Cancer). Day 4: Encounter Yuanyang Terraces, step into a light-and-shadow painting Mojiang → Yuanyang Terraces hike (about 10km, wandering through the thousand-year-old Hani fields, seeing the terraces during irrigation like a mirror in the sky) → Check into a hotel beside the terraces (evening celebration feast, tasting authentic Hani cuisine). Day 5: Gentle finale with sunrise, villages, and ancient town Duoyishu sunrise (terrace morning mist dancing with rosy clouds) → Light terrace hike → Azheke (visit the Hani mushroom house village) → Jianshui Ancient Town (ride the small train, try grilled tofu) → Return to Kunming. 🌤️ Best season: November to April, meet the most healing southern Yunnan Winter to early spring is the golden period for this route: ✅ Ailao Mountain sea of clouds is stable, sunrise looks like a fairyland; ✅ Yuanyang Terraces are in irrigation period, layers of mirror-like surfaces reflecting the sky, perfect for photography; ✅ Dry and less rainy climate, comfortable hiking experience, good road conditions. (Rainy season from May to October makes mountain roads slippery, caution advised.) ⚠️ Key hiking tips for a safer trip · Safety first: Some areas in Ailao Mountain have weak signals, always hike in groups, do not wander off alone; terrace ridges are narrow and slippery, wear anti-slip hiking shoes and walk slowly. · Respect locals: Ask permission before entering Hani mushroom houses; politely communicate before photographing people; do not step on terrace seedlings. · Protect nature: Carry out all trash, do not pick plants, help preserve this primitive secret realm. · Dress advice: Large temperature difference between day and night in winter, wear layered clothing, bring windproof jackets, hats, and sun protection. 📸 Must-visit photo spots 1. Ailao Mountain sea of clouds sunrise—stand on the viewing platform and watch the clouds flood over the peaks like a sea. 2. Yuanyang Terraces irrigation period—sunsets and sunrises at Duoyishu and Bada, light and shadow changing like oil paintings. 3. Azheke mushroom houses—traditional Hani village, perfect blend of culture and nature. 4. Shimen Gorge clear creek and ancient moss—forest stream encountered during the hike, peaceful and healing. --- If you’re tired of crowded conventional attractions and crave a healing hiking trip immersed in nature, then the Ailao Mountain + Yuanyang Terraces secret southern Yunnan trail is the place you should set off this winter. Stroll through primitive forests, encounter the light and shadow of terraces, and let your body and mind be completely healed by nature on the walk.