Day One: Laohuzhui Sunset – A Magnificent Prelude to Yuanyang Terraced Fields
Kunming - Yuanyang
From Kunming to Yuanyang County, it's about 205 kilometers. Besides self-driving, a direct long-distance bus from Kunming to Yuanyang is the most convenient option. It's recommended to book tickets in advance through "Yunnan Ticketing Network" or "Ctrip". Choose a bus around 8 AM; the journey takes about 6.5 hours, allowing you to arrive in Yuanyang in the afternoon.
Upon arriving in Yuanyang, it's recommended to stay in guesthouses near Yuanyang Old Town, such as "Yuanyang Wanshan Resort Hotel" or "Huawowo Guesthouse". These accommodations are only a 20-minute drive from Laohuzhui Scenic Area.
Laohuzhui Scenic Area, as the core area of Yuanyang Terraced Fields, boasts over 14,000 mu (approx. 933 hectares) of continuous terraced fields, and is recognized by photography enthusiasts as the best sunset viewing spot in Yuanyang. It's advisable to arrive at the scenic area 2 hours before sunset to secure the best position. As the sun sets, the layers of terraced fields transform with changing light and shadow, displaying splendid colors of gold, red, and blue, like a painter's palette on the earth.
Tip: The scenic area ticket costs 70 RMB/person and includes a joint ticket for attractions like Duoyishu and Bada. It's recommended to bring a telephoto lens and a tripod, and wear non-slip shoes.
Day Two: Duoyishu Sunrise – A Visual Feast of World Heritage
Depart at 5:30 AM for Duoyishu Terraced Fields – the core area of the UNESCO World Heritage Honghe Hani Terraced Fields. The viewing platform is divided into three levels: the upper level is suitable for panoramic shots, the middle level for portraits with the terraces, and the lower level allows for a close-up appreciation of the terraces' grandeur.
At sunrise, tens of thousands of terraced fields simultaneously reflect the morning glow, combined with the flowing sea of clouds, creating a spectacular "terraces above clouds" phenomenon. The best photography season is from November to April of the following year, especially during the irrigation period from January to February.
After 9 AM, head to Qingkou Hani Folk Village. This well-preserved Hani village features:
- Mushroom House Cluster: Experience traditional Hani dwellings
- Village Sacred Forest: Learn about Hani nature worship
- Water Mills and Water Mortars: Experience traditional agrarian civilization
- Hani Culture Museum: Gain in-depth understanding of Hani migration history and agricultural culture
In the afternoon, proceed to Bada Hani Terraced Fields. This terraced cluster, covering 950 hectares and featuring over 3,700 steps, extends from an elevation of 800 meters to 2,000 meters, making it one of the most visually impactful attractions in Yuanyang. It's recommended to arrive before sunset to admire the stunning view of "sunset rays piercing through the sea of clouds and scattering over the terraces".
In the evening, take a bus to Jianshui (approx. 3-hour drive), and it's recommended to stay in a characteristic guesthouse within Jianshui Ancient City.
Day Three: Jianshui: Cultural Gem of Southern Yunnan – An Architectural Feast Spanning Millennia
Jianshui Ancient City, a National Historical and Cultural City, preserves a large number of ancient buildings from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In the morning, it's recommended to start your tour from Chaoyang Tower, an ancient city gate tower built 28 years earlier than Tiananmen, making it a landmark of Jianshui.
Zhu Family Garden is a must-visit attraction. This Qing Dynasty mansion, covering over 20,000 square meters, is known as the "Grand View Garden of Southern Yunnan", featuring:
- "Three Vertical, Four Horizontal" Layout: 42 courtyards, 214 rooms
- Exquisite Wood and Stone Carvings: Especially those featuring plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums
- Water Stage: Jianshui folk songs are performed at fixed times daily
- Garden Hotel: Parts of the area have been converted into a boutique hotel, offering the unique experience of staying within a cultural relic
Other recommended attractions:
- Jianshui Confucius Temple: The second largest Confucius Temple nationwide
- Shuanglong Bridge: A 17-arch ancient bridge from the Ming and Qing dynasties
- Tuanshan Village: A World Monument Fund architectural heritage site
Food Tips
Yuanyang Specialties:
- Hani Dipping Sauce Chicken
- Terraced Field Fish
- Bamboo Rice
Must-Try in Jianshui:
- Jianshui Grilled Tofu (recommended by "A Bite of China")
- Steam Pot Chicken (prepared with Jianshui purple pottery steam pot)
- Caoya Rice Noodles
- Yanwo Crisps
Kunming Food Hubs:
- Nanping Street: Home to famous old brands of Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles
- Xiangyun Food City: A comprehensive collection of local snacks
- Guandu Ancient Town: Traditional snacks like Baba (griddle cakes) and pea jelly
- Xinying Area: Emerging food street district
Recommended Bars & Nightlife
Kunming Nightlife:
- O'Reilly's Irish Pub: The first Irish pub in South China, with live music every Thursday
- Camel Bar: A bar attached to a youth hostel, a gathering spot for international backpackers
- Cobra Disco: The hottest nightclub in the city, open until 4 AM on weekends
Jianshui Night Tour:
- Zitao Street Night Market: The best place to experience Jianshui's nightlife
- Xiaogui Lake: A concentration of lakeside bars and tea houses