Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Quzuo Village of Shaochong Town in Jianshui County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Quzuo Village of Shaochong Town in Jianshui County, Honghe.
Chinese Name: 红河州石屏县哨冲镇曲左村
English Name: Quzuo Village of Shaochong Town in Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Samazha Village of Shaochong Town in Jianshui County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Samazha Village of Shaochong Town in Jianshui County, Honghe.
Chinese Name: 红河州石屏县哨冲镇撒妈鲊村
English Name: Samazha Village of Shaochong Town in Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Lanniqing Village of Xiyi Town in Mile City, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Lanniqing Village of Xiyi Town in Mile City, Honghe.
Chinese Name: 红河州弥勒市西一镇滥泥箐村
English Name: Lanniqing Village of Xiyi Town in Mile City, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Jiale Village of Jinma Town in Luxi County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Jiale Village of Jinma Town in Luxi County, Honghe.
Chinese Name: 红河州泸西县金马镇嘉乐村
English Name: Jiale Village of Jinma Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Xiaohongxing Village of Baishui Town in Luxi County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Xiaohongxing Village of Baishui Town in Luxi County, Honghe.
Chinese Name: 红河州泸西县白水镇小红杏村
English Name: Xiaohongxing Village of Baishui Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Puze Village of Wujiepu Town in Luxi County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Puze Village of Wujiepu Town in Luxi County, Honghe.
Chinese Name: 红河州泸西县午街铺镇普泽村
English Name: Puze Village of Wujiepu Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Xiaoshama Village of Xiangyang Town in Luxi County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Xiaoshama Village of Xiangyang Town in Luxi County, Honghe.
Chinese Name: 红河州泸西县向阳乡小沙马村
English Name: Xiaoshama Village of Xiangyang Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit DaAding Village of Santang Town in Luxi County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in DaAding Village of Santang Town in Luxi County, Honghe.
Chinese Name: 红河州泸西县三塘乡大阿定村
English Name: DaAding Village of Santang Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture
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”!
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Talong Village of Yisa Town in Honghe County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Talong Village of Yisa Town in Honghe County, Honghe.
Chinese Name: 红河州红河县迤萨镇他竜村
English Name: Talong Village of Yisa Town in Honghe County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Asa Village of Jiayin Town in Honghe County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Asa Village of Jiayin Town in Honghe County, Honghe.
Chinese Name: 红河州红河县甲寅乡阿撒村
English Name: Asa Village of Jiayin Town in Honghe County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Xiaotuoshe Village of Dayangjie Town in Honghe County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Xiaotuoshe Village of Dayangjie Town in Honghe County, Honghe.
Chinese Name: 红河州红河县大羊街乡小妥赊村
English Name: Xiaotuoshe Village of Dayangjie Town in Honghe County, Honghe Prefecture
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Quzuo Village of Shaochong Town in Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture
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Jiale Village of Jinma Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture
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Xiaohongxing Village of Baishui Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture
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Puze Village of Wujiepu Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Puze Village of Wujiepu Town in Luxi County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe....
Xiaoshama Village of Xiangyang Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture
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DaAding Village of Santang Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit DaAding Village of Santang Town in Luxi County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe....
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...
Talong Village of Yisa Town in Honghe County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Talong Village of Yisa Town in Honghe County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe....
Asa Village of Jiayin Town in Honghe County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Asa Village of Jiayin Town in Honghe County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe....
Xiaotuoshe Village of Dayangjie Town in Honghe County, Honghe Prefecture
Plan your Honghe Ethnic Villages Tour to Honghe? Visit Xiaotuoshe Village of Dayangjie Town in Honghe County, Honghe which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Honghe....
Tips Before Travel
Bring copies of your passport
Don't assume you're restricted to the main hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, our tours can start from any city.
Register with your embassy
For your safety, please register with the Embassy.
Always have local cash
Exchange some local currency for your trip
Our Team
Fenggu Yingshan Tea House and Tea Culture Learning Lijiang
Charlie Lee-General Manager of Yaso Travel and Xilinshan Tea Company
Leon Liu-Network Engineer of Trans Asia Discovery
Vincent Zhao-French Market and the Founder of VoyagesYunnan.com
Gary Elliot-Shareholder of Trans Asia Discovery
Michael Huang-Excellent French and English-speaking Tour Guide in Yunnan
Stephane-Volunteer of Yaso Travel
David Yao-Lijiang Tour Operator of Yunnan Exploration
Cindy Cao-Yunnan Tour Operator
Xilinshan Tea House (Kunming, Yunnan)
Rachel Nan-China Tour Operator
Lydia Li-The Founder of Yunnan Exploration
Anna Chen-Yunnan Tour Operator
Kelly Yu-Yunnan Travel Consultant
Cloudy Fu-Website Editor of Yunnan Exploration
Cuiyuan Yang
Skye Zhang-website editor of Yunnan Exploration
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