Located in Chongtou Town, Yunhe County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, Yunhe Rice Terraces is a national 5A-level scenic area. Covering 51 square kilometers (20 sq.km core area) with 36,000 acres of terraces at altitudes up to 1,400m, it's one of China's largest and highest rice terrace systems, acclaimed as "China's Most Beautiful Terraces".
History & Culture
Dating back to early Tang Dynasty (1,000+ years), these terraces represent farming wisdom of She and Han ethnic groups. Ming Dynasty county records document how ancestors cultivated mountainsides against harsh conditions.
Ancient villages like Meiyuan and Kenggen preserve complete farming systems including rice-fish symbiosis and terrace duck farming. The annual "Plowing Festival" (lunar June 6) is listed as national intangible cultural heritage.
During WWII, this area was part of revolutionary base where General Su Yu led Red Army operations. Ancient paths between terraces are called "Red Army Trails".
Main Attractions
Nine-Turn Cloud Ring Platform
Best viewing spot at 1,200m altitude, offering panoramic views of layered terraces. At dawn, sea of clouds creates dreamy landscapes with villages, making it photographers' paradise.
Silver Valley
Named after ancient silver mines, featuring unique terrace clusters and waterfalls. The famous "Seven Stars Chasing Moon" consists of seven circular terraces resembling fallen stars.
Kenggen Stone Village
An 800-year-old She ethnic village with silver-ore stone houses, preserving ancient mine sites, tea workshops and traditional papermaking - a living museum of mountain farming culture.
Local Cuisine
Yunhe Snow Pear
Geographical indication product known for large size and sweet juice. Local farmhouses make pear syrup and juice; autumn offers picking experiences.
Terrace Blossom Fish
Unique carp feeding on rice blossoms, with tender non-fishy meat. Recommended: hotpot with mountain herbs at "Cloud Five Days" restaurant.
Ticket Information
Entrance: ¥80 (includes main sites, valid 2 days). Half price for seniors over 60, free for over 70s and children under 1.2m. Shuttle bus: ¥30 (daily).
Recommended Route
2-day itinerary: Day1: Visitor Center → Nine-Turn Cloud Ring (sunrise) → Seven Star Mound → Meizhu Village → Silver Valley → Kenggen Village (overnight). Day2: Kenggen → Red Army Trail hike → "Rice Life" restaurant (farming experience) → Return. Allow 10-12 hours.
Transportation
- High-speed rail: To Lishui Station, then scenic shuttle (1.5hrs)
- Drive: From Hangzhou via Changshen Expressway (~4hrs)
- Bus: From Lishui West Bus Station to Chongtou
- Flight: Nearest Wenzhou Longwan Airport (3hr drive)
Must-See Spots
- Nine-Turn Cloud Ring: Best sunrise/cloud sea views
- Silver Valley: "Seven Stars" terraces and waterfalls
- Kenggen Stone Village: Living She ethnic museum
- Meiyuan Village: Well-preserved farming culture
Travel Tips
- Best periods: May-Jun (water-filled) & Sep-Oct (harvest)
- Arrive at viewpoints by 4-6am for sunrise photography
- Stay in terrace-side lodges for starry nights/morning mist
- Wear anti-slip hiking shoes for narrow ridges
- Try seasonal farming activities (transplanting/harvesting)
Precautions
- Weak signal in terraces - download offline maps
- Do not damage crops or farming structures
- Bring windproof jacket for mountain temperature drops
- Elderly/children need escort on steep paths
- Drone flying prohibited in scenic area