Yunhe Terraces
云和梯田
The largest terraced fields in East China, with more than 700 tiers built over a thousand years, these are a famous spot for photographing sea-of-clouds scenes in southern Jiangnan.
The Yunhe Terraces are located in Chongtou Town, Yunhe County, Lishui. Cultivation began in the early Tang dynasty and flourished in the Yuan and Ming periods. The site covers about 51 square kilometers, with elevations ranging from about 200 to 1,400 meters, and at its most, there are over 700 tiers. They are counted among China's most beautiful terraced fields and are the largest terraced landscape in East China. The highlights include viewpoints such as Jiuqu Yunhuan, Meiyuan Terraces, Qixing Dun Viewing Platform, and Yunshang Terraces. At dawn, clouds often roll over the terraces, and combined with She minority villages, bamboo groves, and morning mist, it makes a classic photography subject. In April and May, when the fields are flooded for planting, the terraces look like rows of mirrors, reflecting the evening glow at dusk. In late September and October, the rice turns golden, and occasional snow falls in winter. It is recommended to stay in a guesthouse on the terraces and get up before dawn to wait for the sunrise and sea of clouds at the viewpoint. Scenic area tickets and shuttle buses are charged separately (prices are as announced by the scenic area), and a visit takes about half a day to a full day. Getting there: from Lishui Station or Yunhe Station, a taxi takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and driving is the most convenient. Note: the viewpoints are cold in the early morning, so bring a jacket in autumn and winter. The terrace ridges are narrow, so do not walk into the fields.
Opening hours
All day (scenic area ticketing about 07:30–17:00; check official sources)