Yunnan Winter Must-Visit｜Yuanyang Rice Terraces + Dongchuan Red Land Ultimate Guide

Half of the healing vibe of winter in Yunnan is hidden in the shimmering waters of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, and the other half is tucked away in the oil painting-like scenery of Dongchuan Red Land. This practical guide covers tickets, flights, and accommodations thoroughly, making it easy for beginners to enjoy✨ 🌾Yuanyang Rice Terraces｜Winter Water Light Wonderland Guide 🎫Ticket Guide - Paid viewing spots: Duoyishu, Bada, and Laohuzui combined ticket costs 70 RMB, valid for unlimited visits within 3 days, covering all the core scenic spots. Duoyishu is the perfect spot for sunrise photography, with morning mist filling the terraces for a magical atmosphere; Laohuzui is ideal for sunset shots, with light and shadow casting beautifully on the ridges; Bada terraces are grand and stunning, with a café inside the scenic area where you can enjoy coffee while taking in the view, maximizing relaxation☕ - Free ticket spots: - Azheke Ancient Village: Terraces are free to view, but the ancient village requires a 30 RMB ticket, offering an authentic Hani cultural experience - Aichunlan Terraces: Only a 5 RMB sanitation fee, with cool-toned blue water reflecting the sky, perfect for shooting stunning blue-themed photos - Hadanpu Cliff Terraces: A newly developed, less crowded spot, with a 10 RMB parking fee for entry and photo ops 🅿️Parking Guide Duoyishu and Bada parking lots have limited capacity, while Laohuzui parking is farther from the viewing platform. Arrive early or when fewer people are around to park roadside for free. During traffic jams, you can choose private parking spots from villagers for 10-20 RMB. Parking rules are the same for free ticket spots, offering flexible and worry-free options. 🏡Accommodation Recommendations Prioritize staying in guesthouses around Duoyishu village for obvious advantages: ① You can walk to the viewing platform before 7 AM to easily secure the best spot for sunrise photography, avoiding crowds during holidays; ② Conveniently connect Duoyishu, Azheke, Aichunlan, and Hadanpu, all just a few kilometers apart, making sightseeing very smooth; ③ Opposite route to Bada, allowing you to visit it on your way out of the county, saving time; ④ Laohuzui is a half-hour drive from Duoyishu, with winding and foggy mountain roads, so drive slowly and carefully. 💡Key Tips The best viewing period is from December to February of the following year. After the fields are flooded, the water surface becomes mirror-like, reflecting the clouds and sky for a super healing effect. Miss it, and you’ll have to wait a whole year! 🌈Dongchuan Red Land｜Oil Painting Style Photo Guide Dongchuan Red Land is known as the beauty pinnacle of rice terraces. The main viewing spots are arranged along a route for easy, no-detour visits. Check out the highlights below👇 - Lepu Depression: The red soil terraces are arranged like musical notes, naturally giving an oil painting texture. Old shepherds with their sheep often rest in the fields, their weathered faces full of stories, set against the red soil backdrop, making every shot a cultural masterpiece. Group photos require a 10-20 RMB tip to respect the workers’ efforts～ - Red Land Grand View Garden: Free to visit! The contrast between red soil and crops creates rich colors and a strong visual impact. Any spot on the ridges makes for great photos📸 - Luoxia Valley: Paid spot, ticket 40 RMB + shuttle 20 RMB. Staying inside the scenic area waives both fees. At sunset, the glow lights up the red soil, creating an incredible atmosphere and breathtaking scenery worth the trip ✏️Avoid Pitfalls Wearing light-colored clothes makes photos pop, but red soil sticks strongly and is hard to clean off. It’s recommended to bring spare clothes to avoid staining your favorite outfits～