Aichun Village in Yuanyang County, Honghe

Overview

Aichun Village (爱春村) is located in the eastern part of Xinjie Town (新街镇), Yuanyang County (元阳县), Yunnan Province (云南省), approximately 29 kilometers from the town government center. It is well-connected to the town via Tanshi Road (弹石路) and is about 59 kilometers from the county seat of Nansha (南沙). Surrounding villages include Zhongqiao (中巧村) to the east, Yiwan Shui (一碗水村) to the south, Duoyi Tree (多依树村) to the west, and Dazha (大瓦遮村) to the north. The village comprises six groups of villagers, including Azhike (阿者科), Niuluopu (牛倮普), and Dayutang (大鱼塘).

Demographics

The village has a total of 491 households and a population of 2,671 residents, with the majority engaged in agriculture. There are 1,679 laborers, most of whom (1,368 people) work in the primary industry. Aichun Village covers an area of 11.16 square kilometers, with the village committee located at an elevation of 1,920 meters. The average annual temperature is around 14°C, and the annual rainfall is approximately 1,370 millimeters, creating favorable conditions for growing tea and various crops.

Agricultural Resources

The arable land in Aichun Village totals 2,972.73 acres, providing an average of about 1.1 acres per person. The village also boasts rich forest resources, covering 6,671.1 acres. According to 2007 data, the total economic income for the village reached 3.99 million yuan, with an average net income per farmer of 1,003 yuan. The primary sources of income for villagers are agriculture and animal husbandry, which support their livelihoods and development.

Attractions

Aichun Scenic Area (爱春景区) is located 30 kilometers east of Xinjie Town and 6 kilometers east of Duoyi Village (多依村). It is considered one of the best spots for photographing and viewing the blue rice terraces in Yuanyang. This area is part of Duoyi Village, predominantly inhabited by the Hani ethnic group (哈尼族). Notably, 75% of the scenes from the film "Stories of Yunnan" (云南故事) produced by Beijing Film Studio and 95% of the film "Cherry" (樱桃) shot by Shanghai Film Studio were filmed here.

Best Times for Photography

During winter, the best time to view the rice terraces is from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, and in spring, it is from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. On clear days, the terraces exhibit a remarkable blue hue that captivates visitors. This phenomenon can sometimes be accompanied by a sea of clouds, adding to the unique charm of the landscape.

Key Scenic Spots

1. Dayutang (大雨塘)
2. Aichun Scenic Area (爱春景区)
3. Azhike Scenic Area (阿者科)
4. Longshu Scenic Area (龙树)
5. Dazha Scenic Area (大瓦遮)

Photography Tip: When taking photos here, avoid using polarizing filters.

How to Get There

By Bus

1. Take a bus from Kunming South Passenger Station (昆明南部客运站) to Yuanyang. Buses depart daily at 10:20, 12:30, and 19:00, with a ticket price of 139 yuan per person, and the journey takes about 5-6 hours.
2. Many buses from Kunming South also head to Nansha Town (南沙镇), which is well-connected to Xinjie. Microbuses operate between the two locations (10 yuan per person, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM).
3. Once in Xinjie Town, you can take a minibus to the scenic area for 5-10 yuan.

By Private Car

• Hiring a vehicle for a day trip to the rice terraces costs about 300 yuan, while trips to Laohuzui (老虎嘴) are around 100 yuan, and half-day excursions to Duoyi Tree for sunrise viewing cost approximately 150-200 yuan.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The scenic area is open year-round, but the best times for photography are during the spring and winter months when the terraces are most colorful.
• What to Bring: Bring appropriate clothing for the climate, camera gear for photography, and snacks or drinks.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and the natural environment to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Aichun Village offers a beautiful blend of cultural heritage, agricultural richness, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-visit destination in Yunnan Province.