Niujiaozhai Town of Yuanyang County, Honghe
Chinese Name: 红河元阳牛角寨乡
English Name: Niujiaozhai Town of Yuanyang County, Honghe
Keywords: Hani folk culture and buildings, the terraces
Location: located in the west of Yuanyang County
Admission Fee: ¥0
Opening Hours: All Day Long
Niujiaozhai Township, Yuan Yang County, Honghe
Niujiaozhai Township is a rural township under Yuan Yang County in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Located in western Yuan Yang, it borders Xinjie Town to the east, Shalatuo Township to the west, Panzhihua Township to the south, and Honghe County’s Jiayin Township to the north. Covering a land area of 116.87 km², it sits at an average elevation of 1,550 meters and features a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct vertical climatic zones. Below is a comprehensive overview:
I. Geography and Natural Features
- Location and Terrain
Niujiaozhai lies at the foot of the western Guanyin Mountain, characterized entirely by steep mountainous terrain. Its elevation ranges from 800 meters to 2,682 meters, forming a unique “no-flat-land” landscape. It is part of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Terraced Fields
Niujiaozhai is famed for its “Red Terraces.” During the water-filled period (especially around the Spring Festival), the terraces display vibrant hues of red, yellow, and green due to duckweed growth. Under sunset glow, they resemble a “painted canvas.” Though smaller in scale compared to iconic sites like Tiger Mouth and Duoyishu, the terraces here are intricately patterned and photogenic year-round. - Ecology
With a forest coverage rate of 42.8%, the area boasts natural attractions like mountain springs, waterfalls, and pristine forests. Wildflowers and greenery flourish in spring and summer, enhancing its ecological charm.
II. Culture and Ethnic Heritage
- Multi-Ethnic Community
The township is predominantly inhabited by the Hani (60.7%) and Yi (32.3%) ethnic groups, alongside Dai, Zhuang, and Han communities. Traditional mushroom-shaped houses and Hani farming and ritual practices are preserved here. - Ethnic Unity
A “Ethnic Unity Covenant” stone tablet (carved in 1953) at the entrance of Yanji Village symbolizes local solidarity. Dashunzhai Village, a provincial ethnic unity demonstration site, hosts cultural festivals like the “Lychee Festival” and “September Harvest Celebration” to foster cross-cultural exchange. - Markets and Cuisine
The Niujiaozhai Market offers a glimpse into local life, featuring red rice, ethnic handicrafts, and live barbecue stalls. Must-try dishes include grilled pork with red rice noodles and red rice jelly, collectively known as the “Red Rice Trilogy.”
III. Economy and Key Industries
- Agriculture and Terrace Economy
- Red Rice: Cultivated across 8,000+ acres, annual output reaches ¥24.3 million. The “rice-fish-duck” integrated farming model boosts ecological and economic returns (¥13,000 per acre).
- Organic Tea: 5,000 acres of tea plantations produce “Titian Xiufeng” green tea, EU organic-certified and exported globally.
- Fruits: Lychee, citrus, and sugarcane plantations span 12,000 acres, driving rural income growth.
- Rural Tourism
Leveraging terraces and ethnic culture, the township is developing eco-tourism with visitor centers, viewpoints, and immersive experiences like farming activities and festivals, fostering an “agriculture + tourism” model.
IV. Travel and Logistics
- Best Seasons
- November to March: Prime time for terraces’ reflective beauty, especially during Spring Festival.
- Winter: Ideal for sunrise/sunset views and sea-of-clouds landscapes.
- Transportation
- External: Take buses from Kunming South Bus Station to Yuan Yang (5–6 hours), then hire local transport.
- Internal: Explore terraces via hiking or chartered vehicles (e.g., Niujiaozhai to Tiger Mouth routes).
- Accommodation
Farmstay guesthouses dominate the area, while boutique homestays are available near Xinjie Town. Engage in Hani family experiences and savor local specialties like red rice and rice-field fish.
V. Social Development and Infrastructure
- Livelihoods: In 2023, the per capita income of households lifted out of poverty reached ¥17,310. A “Party-led + cooperative” model boosts rural revitalization, with collective village incomes exceeding ¥2.2 million annually.
- Infrastructure: Road accessibility reaches 53.9%, with upgraded power grids, markets, and water supply systems improving living standards.
Niujiaozhai Township exemplifies the synergy between terraced ecology, ethnic traditions, and modern agriculture, emerging as a model for rural revitalization in Honghe. Visitors here witness the harmony of ancient farming heritage and contemporary progress, immersed in landscapes where nature and culture intertwine.
