Taiyang Laozhai Village of Daping Town in Yuanyang County, Honghe

Geographic Location

Taiyanglaozhai Village is located in Daping Township (大坪乡), 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), China. It lies in the southern section of the Ailao Mountains (哀牢山脉) at an altitude of about 1600–1800 meters and represents a core area of the Hani Terraces (哈尼梯田). The village is surrounded by layers of terraces and misty clouds, resembling a fairyland.

From large to small location hierarchy:
China → Yunnan Province (云南省) → Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) → Yuanyang County (元阳县) → Daping Township (大坪乡) → Taiyanglaozhai Village (太阳老寨村)

History and Culture

Taiyanglaozhai is an ancient Hani (哈尼族) village with a history spanning several centuries. Generations of villagers have cultivated terraces here, forming a unique "forest-village-terrace-water system" ecological structure. In 2013, the Honghe Hani Terraces (红河哈尼梯田) were listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, with Taiyanglaozhai as an essential part.

Folk Culture

Hani Festivals:

• Ang Ma Tu Festival (昂玛突节) – Worship of the village deity, celebrated in the first lunar month
• Kuzhazha Festival (苦扎扎节) – June New Year, celebrated in the sixth lunar month
• October New Year (十月年) – Hani New Year, celebrated in the tenth lunar month

Traditional Music and Dance:

• Hani Polyphonic Folk Songs – National Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Lezuowu Dance (乐作舞) – A communal circle dance

Traditional Architecture:

• Mushroom Houses (蘑菇房) – Thatched roofs and timber-mud construction

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Climate: Subtropical mountain climate with mild temperatures year-round and abundant rainfall.

Best visiting seasons:

• November to March – Terraces filled with water, creating stunning mirror-like reflections
• April to May – Spring plowing and rice planting, vibrant green fields
• September to October – Golden rice harvest

Rainy Season Notice: June to August is the rainy season; bring rain gear.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Times

• Taiyanglaozhai Terraces Viewing Platform – Best at sunrise/sunset
• Ancient Sacred Trees in the Village – Centuries-old trees used for rituals
• Hani Ethnic Museum – Learn about Hani farming culture
• Hiking Trails – Village → Terraces → Forest (2–3 hours)

Transportation

From Kunming (昆明):

• High-speed train/bus to Mengzi City (蒙自市) (2.5 hrs) → Transfer by shuttle to Yuanyang County (元阳县) (1.5 hrs) → Chartered car to Taiyanglaozhai (太阳老寨) (1 hr)

Self-driving:
Kunming → Yuanyang (about 5 hrs via G8011 expressway)

Within the village:
On foot or rent a local motorbike

Local Cuisine Recommendations

• Hani Dipping Chicken (哈尼蘸水鸡) – Free-range chicken with secret dipping sauce
• Terrace Red Rice (梯田红米饭) – Local specialty staple
• Bamboo Tube Roasted Pork (竹筒烧肉) – Fragrant and smoky
• Sour Bamboo Fish Soup (酸笋煮鱼) – Sour and spicy Hani-style soup

Shopping Recommendations

• Handmade Hani Clothing – Beautiful embroidery
• Terrace Red Rice – Eco-friendly and healthy
• Bamboo Crafts – Baskets and carrying frames

Accommodation Suggestions

• Hani Homestays – Mushroom house conversions, authentic experience
• Yuanyang County Hotels – More comfortable, 1-hour drive

Travel Tips

• Respect local customs: Avoid touching ritual sites.
• Eco-friendly travel: Do not litter; protect terrace water systems.
• What to wear: Anti-slip shoes – terrace ridges can be slippery.

Suggested Itinerary (from small to large area)

Day 1:
Taiyanglaozhai Terrace Sunrise → Village Hike → Experience Hani Feast

Day 2:
Daping Township Market → Yuanyang Hani Terraces (Duoyishu, Bada)

Day 3:
Return to Mengzi / Kunming (optional visit to Bisezhai Railway Station (碧色寨火车站))

Taiyanglaozhai Village is a living museum of Hani Terrace culture, offering not only breathtaking natural beauty but also deep ethnic heritage. Whether you're a photographer, cultural enthusiast, or a traveler seeking peace, you'll find a spiritual home here. Come and explore this miraculous “sculpture of the earth”!