Overview:

The Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Yunnan, China is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It consists of thousands of rice terraces that were built by the Hani people over hundreds of years. In recognition of their architectural feat, the Yananyang Rice Terraces were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. Located in southern Yunnan, the Yuanyang Rice Terraces cover over 16,000 hectares of land, majority of which is agricultural land. Its terraced landscape is renowned for its grandiosity and the clever way the Hani people created a suitable environment for farming amidst the vertical slopes of the Ailao Mountains. The terraces are watered by rivers, springs and rainwater that is channeled from the mountain slopes. Other than rice, the Hani people also grow apples, oranges and other crops in the terraces. Visitors to the Yuanyang Rice Terraces can enjoy a mesmerizing view of the terrace landscapes that stretch far into the horizon. Best time to visit the terraces is in winter when the terraces are filled with water which further enhance the beauty of the scenery. It is also possible to take a hike around the terraces and to visit some of the Hani minority villages in the area. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. Picturesque landscapes: The Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Yunnan are characterized by beautiful views and emerald-green paddies. The terraces are incredibly steep, with many stair-step formations cut into cliffs and hillsides. 2. Unique farming technique: The terraces have been in existence for more than 1,200 years, and are considered to be an important example of traditional farming techniques in China. 3. Dramatic sunsets: Yunnan is known for its sunsets, and the Yuanyang Rice Terraces are the perfect place to see this in action. After the sun sets, the sun’s rays dance through the valleys, creating a dramatic and beautiful scene. 4. Rich cultural heritage: Many of the villages surrounding the terraces have a long and vibrant past, and still practice traditional customs. This includes Hani ethnic handicrafts, artwork, and architecture. 5. UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2013 the Yuanyang Rice Terraces were officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The terraces are now protected and cared for, and attract visitors interested in the unique culture and landscape of the region. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

The Rice Terraces of Yuanyang (China) have a long history, stretching all the way back to the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Although the exact origin of the rice terraces is unknown, there is evidence of cultivation on the terraces from this era. The rice terraces were mainly developed and constructed during the Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644) and the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911). During this period, the slope, irrigation, and terracing were all improved and constructed, contributing to the famous Yuanyang Rice Terraces. The terraces reached their peak of development over the next 500 years under the rule of the Hani people. They constructed a complex irrigation system with over 200 water channels and 1600 dams to bring water from the surrounding mountains. The Hani people also built the villages and homes that can still be seen today on the terraces. During the 19th century, due to population pressure, the terraces became largely abandoned, but the Hani people have preserved their traditional customs and lifestyle in the area over the centuries. In 2000, the Rice Terraces of Yuanyang were designated as a UNSECO World Heritage Site. They remain a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight, with fields of bright emerald green paddies stretching out over the rolling hills as far as the eye can see. The terraces are still farmed today by the Hani people, and they are a popular tourist destination in Yunnan Province. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. More than 2,000 years of local history are stored in the terraces. 2. It has a unique landscape with more than 13,000 wooden-pole terraces and over 6,000 acres of paddy fields. 3. The area is home to over 20 ethnic minority groups, most of them from the Hani and Yi nationalities. 4. The terracotta-colored rice terraces are a masterpiece of human labor and industry as they essentially form a stairway to the sky. 5. The patterns of the terraces extend from hillsides all the way up to the mountaintops, and vary in shape. 6. In 2013, the rice terraces were inscribed onto UNESCO's World Heritage List. 7. The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are known for being the grandest, most spectacular, and most well-preserved in all of China. 8. The terraces rely on a sophisticated irrigation system implemented by the Hani people, known as the Duoyishu Water-Distribution System. 9. The water conservation system uses bamboo and wood to channel the water from rivers and streams to the fields, and is still in use today. 10. The terraces can be seen in their full glory after the rainy season in June and July, when the entire landscape turns into a shimmering bed of saffron and gold. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era