"National Geographic" didn't lie to me about the Yuanyang Rice Terraces in December

Yuanyang Rice Terraces, located in the southern Ailao Mountains of Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan, cover 170,000 mu hidden in the mountains and have been highly praised by National Geographic 🥰! From December to March, the mirror-like reflections 🌈 and color changes of the terraces are unique in the world. 🙋🏻‍♀️ For those planning to visit Yuanyang Rice Terraces this year, be sure to like ❤️ and save this guide!! ⏰ Best viewing period: 🔥 November to March during the flooding period is a must! The flooded fields reflect light like shattered mirrors, and in December you can capture the unique red terraces (enhanced by duckweed). 📸 Three must-see viewing spots: 🔹 Terraces The sea of clouds and terraces combo is unbeatable! Get there early from 5:30 to 7:00 AM to catch the sunrise, with morning mist floating between the ridges like a fairyland. 🔹 Terraces The sunset highlight! From 5:00 to 6:30 PM, the terraces are dyed orange-red by the setting sun, breathtakingly beautiful. 🔹 Bada Terraces The widest view, overlooking more than 3,000 mu of terraces with very three-dimensional lines. 💡 Tips: Wearing white or red clothes is very photogenic. Stay near the scenic area for easy early starts. Don’t miss the Hani mushroom houses. 🚗 Transportation guide It’s recommended to fly into Kunming, Yunnan. The transportation is convenient, flights are frequent, and off-peak travel is relatively cheap. There are many options whether joining a tour or hiring a car. ✅ Classic 7 days 6 nights itinerary: DAY❶: Kunming airport/train station pickup → hotel check-in DAY❷: Kunming → Dongchuan Red Land → Luosi Bay → Lepu Ao → Wafang Liangzi → Luoxia Valley DAY❸: Damakan → Qicaipo → Jinxiu Garden → Mile Dongfengyun → Kaleidoscope Art Museum DAY❹: Mile → Puzhehei Scenic Area → Roam Puzhehei → Qinglong Mountain sunset DAY❺: Puzhehei → Mengzi Bisezhai → Yuanyang Rice Terraces → Laohuzui/Bada Terraces sunset DAY❻: Duoyishu sunrise → light terrace hiking → Azheke → Aicun Blue Terraces → Jianshui Ancient City City walk DAY❼: Dian-Yue Railway Lin’an Station → Seventeen-Arch Bridge → Fuxian Lake → Kunming dispersal ❤️ Warm tips: For early terrace sunrises, wear non-slip shoes and a warm jacket is essential. The peak travel season is around the Spring Festival, so hotel 🏨 accommodations and itinerary arrangements ✅ need to be booked at least one month in advance❗❗ 🙋🏻‍♀️ Planning to travel to Southeast Yunnan? Message me 💌💌 Outdoor Travel with your [travel dates + number of people] to get itinerary and discount quotes~ 🔥 Southeast Yunnan 5-9 day itineraries are now on hot pre-sale, hurry and book your trip with me!!