Baoshanzhai Rice Terraces (保山寨梯田) are located in the southern part of the Ailao Mountains (哀牢山) in Yuanyang County (元阳县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). They are part of the Laohuzui Scenic Area (老虎嘴景区), which lies about 50.5 kilometers south of Yuanyang County seat and approximately 20.5 kilometers from Xinjie Town (新街镇), the old town center. The terraces of Baoshanzhai cling to the eastern side of the Laohuzui Scenic Area, forming a crescent-shaped “ladder to the sky” across seven semi-circular mountain ridges, offering highly aesthetic appeal.
History and Culture
The Baoshanzhai Rice Terraces (保山寨梯田) are one of the many remarkable rice terraces cultivated by the Hani people (哈尼族) in the Ailao Mountains for over 1,300 years. Adapting to the terrain and utilizing the area’s unique geographic and climatic conditions, the Hani developed a distinctive “forest–village–terrace–water system” ecological structure. This system not only showcases their wisdom but also reflects a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Local Customs
The Laohuzui Scenic Area (老虎嘴景区), where Baoshanzhai is located, is a Hani ethnic settlement preserving many traditional customs. Festivals such as the “Ten-Month New Year” (十月年) and “Worship of the Village Forest Deity” (祭寨神林) are joyful and peaceful celebrations. One of the area’s key cultural experiences is the Hani Long Street Banquet (哈尼族长街宴), where visitors can taste traditional delicacies.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Baoshanzhai Rice Terraces (保山寨梯田) lie in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, characterized by mild weather and abundant rainfall, with an average annual temperature of around 15°C. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the terraces are filled with water, creating stunning light reflections and frequent sea-of-clouds phenomena.
