Why the
Yuan Yang Rice Terraces
are special

Not only are the Yuan Yang rice terraces among the world's largest and most spectacular rice terraces, they are the least known among them, which keeps the tourist count low. You get an extra sense of adventure when you are there.

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Yuan Yang rice terraces
tips & insights

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Visitors

Although few general tourists have visited the Yuan Yang rice terraces, many photographers have because of the thrilling beauty of the landscape.

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Seasonal

The landscape changes vividly through the year.

Winter and early spring
The paddies are flooded. This creates the reflecting pool effect, a photographer's dream (see photo).

In the summer
The paddies are luxuriantly green with growing rice stalks.

After the fall harvest
The paddies become naked bare earth.

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Ecology and land preservation

The rice farmers have had to practice those concepts centuries before they were widely accepted around the world. Without hard work maintaining the terrace walls and irrigation system, the precious top soil would wash down the hillsides into the rivers.

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Hike carefully

The steep rice terrace paths can be quite slippery. Wear appropriate shoes or boots.

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Villages

Visit some of region's many ethnic minority villages and markets where locals wear their colorful traditional costumes.

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Nearest major city

The Yuan Yang rice terraces are about 300 kilometers (180 miles) south of Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province.

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Pronunciation guide

Yuan Yang:   you'ahn yah'ng

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©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications