Duoyishu’s spectacular terraced rice fields

It’s a bit of a journey to get there after multiple taxis and minivans but Wow, absolutely worth the effort!

Watching the sunrise at Yuanyang Rice Terraces

I stayed overnight at Duoyishu in Yuanyang County, Honghe, planning to watch the sunrise at seven o'clock. Unfortunately, a heavy fog set in, shrouding everything in a grey haze, and it seemed unlikely that I would see the sunrise. Holding onto a sliver of hope, I got up early and parked 500 meters ahead on the roadside, then hiked to the viewing platform. This strategy paid off, as the narrow village road was jam-packed with cars, and the cacophony of voices and horns was incessant. Even the roadside chickens were disturbed, flying up to the branches to escape. The official viewing platform required a 70-yuan ticket for entry and was crowded with people three layers deep. Next to it was a private house with an even better spot for watching the sunrise, charging 10 yuan per person on the rooftop. I went up early to secure a prime spot and sat on a small stool waiting for the fog to clear. Unfortunately, luck was not on my side, and I missed the magnificent sight of the sunrise casting golden light over the terraces. On the way back, I bought some roasted potatoes to eat. The people of Yunnan really love their dipping sauces, with different foods accompanied by different sauces, even roasted potatoes come with a special one, and it tasted quite good. The owner of the guesthouse took us on a back path to the upper village of Duoyishu to see the terraces. His family lives in this old village. Along the way, he greeted acquaintances, and villagers were already at work in the fields, clearing duckweed from the water. The viewing platform at the end of the small path offered an excellent vantage point without any disturbances. Looking out, I saw endless, rolling hills of terraces cultivated by the Hani people over dozens of generations, a monumental and spectacular masterpiece. Leaving the village and heading towards the highway, I saw many beautiful terraces along the way. Everywhere I looked was a scene to behold, absolutely breathtaking!

In early spring in southeastern Yunnan, colors overflow between heaven and earth (Part 7): The terraced fields of Duoyishu

The Yuanyang terraced fields are grand in scale and majestic, stretching across the southern banks of the Red River in counties such as Honghe, Yuanyang, Lvchun, and Jinping. Within Yuanyang County alone, there are 170,000 mu of terraced fields. Among these, the Duoyishu scenic area, Bada scenic area, Qingkou Hani town, and Tiger Mouth (which has been damaged by mudslide disasters) are considered the most scenic spots. The Duoyishu scenic area is a stronghold for photographers who love to capture the sunrise over the terraces. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and dropping into a valley on the other, the sunrise here is spectacular, as the sunlight spills onto the terraced fields like cascading blocks of oil paint. To see the sunrise, one must get up very early, before dawn. As we drive along the winding roads towards the destination, when the sky shows the first light of dawn, the Duoyishu scenic area is already bustling with people. Vehicles line the roads, and people are everywhere—on the foothills, on the roads, on the mountain slopes. Most of them are photographers, or at least photography enthusiasts. It turns out that these people arrived before dawn to capture the sunrise, their concentration is so intense. Passing by them inadvertently, one always hears the 'click, click' of camera shutters... 'Here it comes, everyone get ready.' Someone in the crowd shouts, and everyone springs into action, freezing in an instant, followed by the incessant sound of camera shutters, creating a moving symphony. People capture the changing scenery with their cameras, preserving it in their palms as a permanent treasure. In the hearts of many, the Duoyishu terraced fields are the most magnificent in Yuanyang. Perhaps it is because the best time to view the Duoyishu terraced fields is in the early morning, or for some other reason, but I always feel that the Duoyishu terraced fields are the youngest, most vibrant, and most energetic. When the dawn light filters through the top of Dongguanyin Mountain, the entire terraced field becomes orderly in light and shadow, with a harmonious arrangement. Some parts resemble galloping horses, others gentle sheep, and some like resting old bulls... all varied and innumerable in form. With the mist rising with the wind, accompanied by the hazy fog, it is like a sleeping fairy, so handsome, elegant, and dignified, adding a touch of mystery and wonder. As time passes, the dawn light shines on the glittering terraced fields, turning them golden, a dazzling and enchanting sight from any angle, a delightful experience of beauty. This is a clever combination of human work and nature, as well as a great spiritual legacy left by the Hani ancestors to their descendants and to the world. With the air convection in the valley, the mist begins to rise, and under the glow of the morning sun, the clouds in the sea of clouds are dyed with brilliant colors, like brocade, like rouge, resembling a sea yet not a sea, and not a sea yet resembling one, a sight too beautiful for words. Sometimes the wind stirs up the clouds, unpredictable and ever-changing, sometimes like raging waves, powerful and distinctive. The distant peaks appear like giant turtles wandering, sometimes hidden, sometimes visible, like bathing young girls, naturally beautiful and graceful. The floating mist gathers and disperses, fleeting in a moment, like the vast waves of the ocean, truly a picture of a fairyland palace. When the mist clears, the valley is open, with villages laid out among them, and the combination of green mountains—sunrise—sea of clouds—terraced fields—mushroom houses forms a magical and wonderful painting. The terraced fields of Duoyishu

The Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Yunnan - A masterpiece of nature

🌟 Highlight Features: The meticulous craftsmanship of nature has forged the diligence and wisdom of the Hani people. In the warm weather of March, the layered terraces of Yuanyang are already bustling with people busy tilling the fields, plowing the land, and sowing seeds, creating a lively atmosphere. Visitors come to Yuanyang not just to admire the beauty of the terraces, but to appreciate the Hani people themselves. Yes, we all love those who sow in spring, for they are sowing the seeds of hope for the season. 🚉 Travel Tips: Take the high-speed train to Qujing North in Yunnan, and a two and a half hour taxi ride will get you to Yuanyang. 💰 Average Spending: You can stay at local farm stays with an average spending of one hundred yuan. ✅ Must Experience: Watch the sunrise over the Duo Yi Shu, and admire the beauty of the blue terraces. The magnificent terraces of Yuanyang are a rare sight for city dwellers and are well worth the visit.

Due to its location in Duoyishu Village, Duoyi Tree Terrace is the best place to watch the clouds and sunrise. To get the best viewing point, you must get up early. The terraces are generally for photography enthusiasts. When we arrived, the observation deck had already set up various tripods. Watching the sunrise and sunset, there must be a good weather. When we went there, the dark clouds had slowly blown over, and after waiting for a long time, they did not disperse, nor did the clouds. I saw the beautiful sunrise taken by other people two days before departure. There is no harm without comparison. Villages and terraces built on the hills, people live in harmony with nature, forming a beautiful and magnificent picture.