Wang Yuanyuan

    cheekywang@hotmail.com

    NEAR Ailao Mountain along the banks of Honghe River in Yunnan Province are millions of acres of agricultural and ecological wonders, including Honghe Hani Terrace. Although it may not be widely known, the magnificent man-made landscape recently was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travelers looking for a unique trip this summer could get on a train and explore the beautiful scenery and mysterious Hani culture in Yunnan.

    Terraced wonders

    Located in Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province, Honghe Hani Terrace is a collective masterpiece by the Hani people. For thousands of years, local Hani have made full use of the area’s geological and climactic conditions to create a perfect interaction between human civilization and the natural environment.

    The terrace enjoys a long history, with the earliest written records dating back more than 1,300 years.

    Stretching along the southern banks of Honghe River, the terrace occupies vast areas in the mountainous region. In Yuanyang County alone, there are more than 170,000 mu (11,333 hectares), with the largest single section spanning more than 10,000 mu. From the foot of the mountain to the very top, there are as many as 3,000 terrace folds.

    Hani Terrace is also famous for its beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, forests and misty waters in the Ailao Mountain area.

    The region changes colors with the change of seasons, making it a beautiful site for Chinese landscape painting. The best months to visit the terrace are March, April, September and October.

    Ethnic culture

    The Hani people have lived in mountainous areas 800 to 2,500 meters above sea level for thousands of years, and focused their energies and wisdom on terraces.

    The terraces are amazing examples of combining local climate, geology, ecology and human activities. The Hani have created a huge irrigation network on mountains in the area, with innumerable channels and trenches linking the terraces where water flows from higher folds to lower ones, and then finally into the river again.

    Many local people continue to live traditional lifestyles. Their festivals, costumes, songs, dances and literature are all centered around the terraces, revealing their spirit of harmony with nature.

    When visiting Hani Terrace, having a meal with fish from the terraces is a must-do experience. Meals with edible wild flowers and bugs also can be found.