Huitong Bridge in Longling County, Baoshan

? Malizhai Village, Yuanyang: A Hani Highland Hidden in 3,700 Terraces

One-Sentence Overview

Perched among 3,700 layers of rice terraces, Malizhai is a living textbook of Hani culture and a secret haven for photographers capturing the sea of clouds and glowing sunsets over Yuanyang’s iconic landscape.

? Location & Landscape

Province: Yunnan, China

County: Shengcun Township, Xinjie Town, Yuanyang County, Honghe Prefecture

Distance: 18 km from Old Yuanyang Town; 15 km from Xinjie Town

Altitude: From 1,100 m (valley) to 2,000 m (ridge), a vertical drop of 900 m

Navigation keywords: Yuanyang Malizhai or Malizhai Tea Factory Stop

? History & Heritage

Malizhai was founded in 1747 (Qing Dynasty) by six Hani families from “Zhulu Old Village.” Named after a towering chestnut tree near the site, it became an autonomous Hani village in 1952.
Today, with 813 households and 4,100+ residents, it remains a pure Hani ethnic settlement, recognized by scholars as a key dialect site for Hani Mandarin studies.

? Seasonal Landscape Calendar

? Top Photo Spots

? Malizhai Tea Factory Viewing Deck

Overlooking tens of thousands of terraces, it’s known as a “color-changing palette” after 4 PM as light shifts from white to pink to golden.

? Eagle’s Beak Cliff

1.5 km from the village, this 360° panoramic viewpoint frames Malizhai, Bada, and Shangmadian terraces all in one shot.

? Hani Mushroom House Hamlet

Authentic earth-wall, thatched-roof homes. Experience the firepit tea ceremony and ancient Hani song duets.

? Ancient Chestnut Tree

A 280-year-old giant requiring three people to encircle. Villagers hang colorful ribbons here for blessings.

?️ Immersive Activities

? Light Hiking

Tea Factory → Eagle’s Beak → Shangmadian | 6 km loop | ~2.5 hours

? Intangible Heritage Experiences

Spring Planting Festival (April): Learn seed throwing and sing “Planting Songs” with Hani grandmothers

New Rice Festival (October): Pound sticky rice, taste five-color rice, and dance with palm-leaf fans

? Photography Services

Local Hani guides offer aerial and time-lapse photography packages – ¥300/half day

? Educational Workshops

Hani farming & irrigation techniques

Building mushroom houses and traditional wooden water systems

? Getting There

By Car

Kunming → Chenggong Expressway → Yuanlv Highway → Xinjie → Malizhai Tea Factory
Distance: 360 km | Duration: ~4.5 hours

By Train + Bus

Kunming South → Mengzi Station (High-speed, 2 hours)

Mengzi North Bus Station → Yuanyang Nansha (2 hours)

Carpool to Xinjie (1 hour) → Village shuttle to Malizhai (20 minutes)

Scenic Shuttle (Peak Season: Nov–Mar)

Circular tourist bus route: Xinjie – Malizhai – Bada, ¥20/person

ℹ️ Visitor Info

? Entry & Hours

Terrace & viewing deck ticket: ¥30

Free parking | Open all day

? Where to Stay

Tea Factory Guesthouses: ¥120–¥260/night, with terrace views

Mushroom House Homestays: ¥80–¥180/night, with firepit experience

? What to Eat

Hani Chili Chicken, Red Rice from Terraces, Flower-field Fish

Average cost: ¥50–¥70 per person

? Best Time for Photography

Sunrise: 06:30–07:30 @ Tea Factory Viewing Deck

Sunset: 17:30–18:30 @ Eagle’s Beak Cliff

⚠️ Travel Tips

Morning temperatures in winter can drop 15°C – bring a warm jacket and anti-slip shoes

Respect Hani customs – do not enter firepit areas in mushroom houses without invitation

? Final Takeaway

At Malizhai Village, one shutter click can capture 280 years of Hani heritage and 3,700 steps of terraced beauty—a perfect blend of human story and natural wonder, waiting to be framed in your lens.