Bada Rice Terraces

坝达

The Yuanyang terraces' largest elevation drop and most layers, with over 3,000 tiers stretching from 800 to 2,000 meters. The Bada viewing platform is the top choice for sunsets and seas of clouds.

Bada scenic area lies in Bada Village, about 14 km east of Xinjie Town. The terraces climb in tiers from the Mali Village valley at the foot of the mountain, with an elevation difference of over 1,000 meters and more than 3,000 tiers. It is the most spectacular Hani terrace area and the best expression of terraces like a ladder to heaven. The viewing platform stands on a ridge beside the road, facing a broad expanse of terraces to the southwest. In the afternoon, when the sunlight slants across, the flooded terraces look like a thousand mirrors. At sunset, the sky and water turn pink and orange, making it Yuanyang's classic sunset spot. In winter, clouds surge through the valley and drift across the terraces, a particularly stunning sight. Near the platform are Hani villages including Quanfuzhuang and Mali Village, where you can walk down to see the mushroom houses and cooking smoke. Admission is included in the Yuanyang Terraces combined ticket (100 yuan). Standalone admission is about 60 yuan (the same ticket as Duoyishu). The site is open all day, and arriving 2 hours before sunset is best. Transport: a hired car from Xinjie Town takes about 30 minutes, and from Duoyishu about 20 minutes. On the road to Duoyishu, itineraries typically schedule Bada for sunset in the afternoon and Duoyishu for sunrise the next morning. Notes: the platform sits beside the road, so watch for passing vehicles. After sunset the mountain roads are dark and temperatures drop quickly, so bring a headlamp and a jacket. In peak season, front-row spots must be claimed well before sunset. Drones are restricted in the scenic area, so ask staff first.

Bada Rice Terraces

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