Hani Essence: A 4-Day Journey through Yuanyang Terraces and Hani Culture
$1504
Welcome to our in-depth Hani cultural tour! In this 4-day, 3-night trip, we’ll guide you through the terraced fields, the most iconic symbol of Hani culture. The best time to visit the terraces is from November to April each year. We'll take you to admire the Yuanyang Terraces, known as the "Mirror of the Sky" and "Palette of Colors." We’ll explore the survival wisdom embodied in the harmonious “forest–village–terraced fields–water system.” We'll also take you to participate in one of the most distinctive culinary activity—the Long Street Banquet.
Itinerary Summary
Admire the breathtaking beauty of the Yuanyang Terraces at different times of day; trace the formation process of the terraces; explore the ancient Azheke village; try on traditional Hani clothing; savor the Long Street Banquet.
Daily Itinerary
The hardworking and resourceful ancestors of the Hani people, for survival and development, carved out vast terraced fields along the mountainsides. Today, we will visit the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces, an iconic symbol of Hani culture with over a thousand years of history. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. From November to March each year, during the irrigation season, the Yuanyang Terraces are particularly breathtaking.
Chartered vehicle
Boutique guesthouse
No meals included on this day.
1. Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces
2. Dawazhe Viewpoint
- Today, we will depart from Kunming by chartered car to the Yuanyang Rice Terraces (approximately 330 km, about 5 hours).
In the morning, we will witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises over the terraced fields from the Duoyishu Viewpoint. Next, we will visit the blue terraced fields, a unique sight during the irrigation season. In the afternoon, we will visit the ancient Azheke village, a center of Hani culture, and explore its unique mushroom-shaped houses. In the evening, depending on our energy levels, we can either return to the guesthouse for rest or head to another viewpoint to enjoy the sunset over the terraced fields.
Chartered vehicle
Boutique guesthouse
No meals included on this day.
1. Sunrise viewing from Duoyishu Rice Terraces Viewpoint
2. Aichun Hani Rice Terraces
3. Azheke Village
- Please bring warm clothing, as temperatures in the early mornings of February and March can drop close to freezing.
This morning, we will revisit Azheke Village. Our guide will lead us to understand the principles of the four-element “forest–village–terraced fields–water system”. We will also learn from the Hani villagers how to make dipping sauce or pound glutinous rice cakes. In the afternoon, we will try on traditional Hani costumes for photos and learn the Lezuo dance. In the evening, we will enjoy a lively and delicious Hani long street banquet.
Chartered vehicle
Boutique guesthouse
Dinner (Long Street Banquet)
1. Azheke Village
2. Hani Traditional Costume Experience
3. Learning the Hani Lezuo Dance
4. Enjoying the Hani Long Street Banquet
Today is the final day of the trip. We can either rest and pack our luggage at the guesthouse, or enjoy some free time. Afterwards, we will gather at the guesthouse at the scheduled time to return to Kunming Airport / High-Speed Railway Station.
Chartered vehicle
No meals included on this day.
- We can purchase local specialties such as terraced red rice, Hani fermented black beans, and dried wild mushrooms to take home.
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please send a scanned copy of the personal information page of your passport to your booking agent at least 15 days before departure, so that we can purchase your train tickets and make reservations for attractions..
3. Travelling in China will heavily rely upon using local payment apps – Wechat and Alipay for making payments. It’s essential to install them on your phone and have a data package ready prior to your travel. You shouldn’t rely on credit card for travel in China.
4. While travelling in China, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. You may consider installing a VPN to access those sites and apps.
5. Please note that there are some prohibited items for trains and flights in China.