Why Do Photographers Love Yunhe Rice Terraces? Revealing the Best Shooting Locations & Times!
🌾 Yunhe Rice Terraces Travel Guide 🌾 — China's Most Beautiful Terrace Paradise ☁️
Located in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, Yunhe Rice Terraces are acclaimed as one of "China's most beautiful terraces," with distinct scenery across four seasons, like a palette on the earth 🎨. Whether it's sunrise over sea of clouds, golden waves of rice, or silver landscapes after snowfall, the beauty is breathtaking!
📍 Basic Information
- Address: Chongtou Town, Yunhe County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province
- Best Seasons:
- 🌸 Spring (Mar-May): Water-filling period, mirror-like terraces reflect the sky, dreamlike scenery.
- 🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug): Lush greenery, layers of emerald terraces.
- 🍁 Fall (Sep-Nov): Golden rice, rich harvest colors.
- ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb) (after snow): Silver landscape, like an ink painting.
- Admission: 💰80 yuan (includes terraces + Baiyin Valley scenic area)
🚗 Transportation
1️⃣ Self-driving (recommended): About 4 hours from Hangzhou, about 3 hours from Wenzhou, navigate to "Yunhe Rice Terraces Scenic Area."
2️⃣ High-speed rail + bus:
- High-speed rail to Lishui Station → Bus to Yunhe County (about 1.5 hours) → Taxi or shared car to scenic area (30 minutes).
3️⃣ Charter/shared car: Find local drivers in Lishui or Yunhe County, about 💰200-300 yuan/day.
🌄 Must-Visit Spots
1️⃣ Jiuqu Yunhuan (Best viewpoint for sunrise and sea of clouds) ☀️
- Arrive at 5-6 AM to see mist and morning sun over terraces, like a fairyland!
2️⃣ Baiyin Valley (Ancient village + waterfall) 🏡
- Preserves original She ethnic culture, perfect for hiking, with bamboo forests, streams, and ancient houses along the way.
3️⃣ Qixing Dun (High-altitude observation deck) 🌌
- Panoramic views overlooking the entire terraced landscape, ideal for sunset and stargazing photos.
4️⃣ Kenggen Stone Village (800-year-old village) 🏘️
- Stone paths, old houses, mountain springs, experience slow living.
🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
1️⃣ Terrace-side guesthouses (views from your window)
- Such as "Yunyi's Courtyard" and "In the Fields," prices around 💰400-1000 yuan/night.
2️⃣ Baiyin Valley/Kenggen Stone Village guesthouses (rustic experience)
- More affordable, around 💰200-500 yuan/night.
3️⃣ Yunhe County hotels (good value)
- Suitable for budget travelers, enter the scenic area the next morning.
🍜 Food Recommendations
1️⃣ Yunhe stream fish 🐟 (local specialty, fresh and tender)
2️⃣ She ethnic black rice 🍚 (wrapped in bamboo leaves, fragrant and soft)
3️⃣ Highland vegetables 🥬 (fresh and sweet)
4️⃣ Farm-raised chicken soup 🍲 (flavorful broth, tender meat)
📌 Travel Tips
✅ Sunrise is a must-see: Check weather in advance, sunny day + morning mist = stunning views!
✅ Clothing suggestions: Comfortable sneakers 👟 (walking required in terraces), bring a jacket 🧥 for temperature differences between morning and evening.
✅ Photography equipment: Wide-angle lens + tripod for better sunrise/starry sky shots 📸.
✅ Avoid peak seasons: More tourists during National Day/May Day holidays, weekdays or weekends recommended.
✅ Eco-friendly travel: The terraces are agricultural heritage treasures, please don't step on the rice fields!
🌟 Recommended Itineraries
1-day tour:
- Morning: Jiuqu Yunhuan for sunrise → Baiyin Valley hike → Lunch at Kenggen Stone Village → Qixing Dun for sunset.
2-day tour:
- Day 1: Jiuqu Yunhuan + Baiyin Valley → Stay at terrace guesthouse;
- Day 2: Qixing Dun sunrise → Leisurely tour of Kenggen Stone Village → Return trip.
Yunhe Rice Terraces are a perfect combination of nature and agricultural civilization, worth visiting whether for photography, hiking, or simply unwinding! ✨
📷 Bring your camera and capture the poetic beauty of these terraces!