Southeast Yunnan: Yuanyang Rice Terraces + Red Land
Discover Yunnan’s most photogenic gems! Capture the mirror-like Yuanyang Rice Terraces from dawn to dusk, wander through Jianshui’s ancient alleyways steeped in Ming-Qing history, and witness the fiery hues of Dongchuan’s red soil contrasting with golden fields. This tour blends dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage, offering endless inspiration for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The tour starts and finishes in Kunming.
Tour Highlights
- Capture the gorgeous flooded rice terraces from dawn to dusk.
- Experience the Hani minority culture and tribes.
- Photograph the ancient architectures, gardens and bridges in Jianshui.
- Meet the palette of nature in Dongchuan.
Cities Covered: Kunming - Yuanyang - Jianshui - Dongchuan
Tour Type - Private
It will just be you, your guide and driver in the group.
Best Season - December to April
6 days / 5 nights
Fitness level - Medium
Walk up to 3-5 kilometers per day.
Drone friendly - Partial
You are free to fly in all places listed in the itinerary.
What's included
- English-speaking photo guide
- Private transport
- 5-night accommodation (best in local)
- Inclusive entrance fees to photography locations
- Kunming Train Station/Airport pick-up & transfer
Not included
- Arrival and departure flight/train
- Meals (lunch & dinner)
- Gratuity for local guide and driver
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: Kunming Arrival
Upon your arrival in Kunming, your guide will pick you up from the airport.
You will stay overnight in Kunming.
DAY 2: Kunming - Yuanyang
After breakfast, drive for 5-6 hours to the Yuanyang rice terraces.
Upon arrival at the scenic area, check in at your accommodation. Then, head to the Bada viewpoint to capture the stunning sunset over the flooded rice terraces.
Overnight stay in Yuanyang.
DAY 3: Yuanyang
Start early to arrive at the Duoyishu viewpoint one hour before sunrise. This spot is one of the most photogenic for rice terrace photography. As the first light touches the mirror-like fields, you'll be amazed by the stunning view. During sunrise, the villages are often surrounded by morning mist, adding a mysterious atmosphere.
After breakfast, take a stroll through the Hani minority village to photograph the mushroom rooms, millstones, waterwheels, village paths, and the Hani tribe's way of life.
In the late afternoon, head to another viewpoint to capture the sunset over the rice terraces.
Overnight stay in Yuanyang.
DAY 4: Yuanyang - Jianshui
We’ll start with another sunrise session at Duoyishu view point, as the weather can vary each day, allowing you to continue photographing the stunning rice fields.
After a short break at the hotel, we’ll drive for 2-3 hours to Jianshui Ancient City.
We’ll wrap up the day with a sunset session at the Double Dragon Bridge, followed by an evening walk through Jianshui’s ancient streets to experience the local nightlife.
Overnight in Jianshui.
DAY 5: Jianshui - Red Land
In the morning, explore the ancient Zhu's Family Garden and photograph the traditional Chinese architecture, intricate wood-carved doors and windows, and the beautiful courtyards.
Then, drive for 4-5 hours to Dongchuan Red Land to capture the colorful farmlands in a local village.
You’ll also have the opportunity to photograph an elderly man in the village with his dogs and sheep.
Overnight stay in Dongchuan.
DAY 6: Sunrise and departure
Capture the stunning red land and village scenery at sunrise.
After breakfast, we’ll drive for 2.5 hours to Kunming, where I’ll drop you off at the airport for your departure.
Camera gears for this trip
- Two cameras: one for wide angle lens and one for zoom lens
- Wide angle 24-70mm or 16-35mm; zoom lens 70-200mm - most commonly used
- Tripod and head light
- Polarizer filter (optional)
Hi there!
We are glad to meet you in Yunnan
Come join the tour custom-designed by Mercier Zeng and bring great shots home together!
