Hani Rice Terraces
Rice calendar
Tap a month to see how the terraces look. Dates are typical and change a little from year to year and field to field.
In Yuanyang County, in the south of Yunnan province, the Hani people have farmed the steep slopes of the Ailao Mountains for around 1,200 to 1,300 years. In some places the terraces climb in more than 3,000 levels from the valley towards the forest.
Forest, village, terraces, water
The landscape works as one system. Forests at the top, above about 2,000 metres, catch the rain and mist. Villages sit on the slopes below them, and the terraces run down towards the valley. Channels carry water from the forest through the villages and into the fields, one level after another. For the Hani, rice is part of their culture, beliefs and calendar.
In 2013, 16,603 hectares of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The season of mirrors
After the harvest, water is kept in the fields through the cool season. At sunrise and sunset, the flooded terraces reflect the sky and turn pink, orange and gold. Use the rice calendar above to see when this happens.
Visiting tips
- The most famous viewpoints are busiest at sunrise and sunset. Arrive early for a good spot.
- Mornings in the flooded season can be cold and foggy, so bring warm layers.
- Stay in a village guesthouse to see daily life in the terraces.
Key facts
| Location | Yuanyang County, Honghe, Yunnan, China |
| Built by | The Hani people |
| Age | About 1,200–1,300 years |
| Terrace levels | Over 3,000 in some places |
| UNESCO World Heritage | Since 2013 (16,603 ha) |