Panzhihua Town of Yuanyang County in Honghe Prefecture

Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡) is located in the southern part of Yuanyang County (元阳县), within the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province. Its coordinates range between 102°38′ to 102°49′ east longitude and 23°01′ to 23°61′ north latitude. It borders Xinjie Town (新街镇) to the east, separated from Huangmaoling Township (黄茅岭乡) and Ezhaxiang Township (俄扎乡) by the Tengtiao River (藤条江) to the south, adjacent to Niujiaozhai Township (牛角寨乡) to the west, and again borders Xinjie Town (新街镇) to the north. The township is 21.6 kilometers from the Yuanyang County seat and covers a total area of 85.13 square kilometers. Surrounded by mountains and characterized by undulating terrain, the terraced fields cascade with the natural contours of the land, forming a stunning landscape that plays a vital role in the cultural landscape of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces (元阳梯田).

Culture and History

Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡) boasts a long history and is home to various ethnic groups including the Hani (哈尼族) and Yi (彝族). These diverse cultures have coexisted and flourished together. The Hani people, one of the primary ethnic groups in the area, have cultivated terraced fields for generations, creating a rich and brilliant terrace culture. Their way of life is closely tied to the terraces—from field reclamation, rice cultivation, to irrigation—each process reflects the Hani people’s deep wisdom and respect for nature. The Yi people have also left a significant cultural mark on the area through their customs and artistic expressions, enriching the region’s cultural diversity.

Local Customs

Traditional Festivals

The Hani “Kuzhaza Festival” (矻扎扎节) is a distinctive celebration in Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡). During the festival, Hani people wear brightly colored traditional clothing and hold grand sacrificial ceremonies to pray for good harvests and the safety of people and livestock. Activities such as swinging and log-grinding competitions bring vibrant energy to the festival.

The Yi people’s Torch Festival (火把节) is also celebrated with great enthusiasm. At night, people carry torches and dance around bonfires, symbolizing the driving away of evil and welcoming light and prosperity.

Traditional Dance and Music

The Hani “Palm Fan Dance” (棕扇舞) is unique, with dancers using palm fans to mimic animals and farming scenes. The dance is lively and filled with the essence of daily life, expressing the Hani philosophy of harmony with nature.

The Yi “Axi Moon Dance” (阿细跳月) is joyful and energetic. People of all ages hold hands and dance together to the sounds of moon lute and sanxian (三弦), reflecting the Yi people’s optimistic and cheerful spirit.

Traditional Handicrafts

Hani traditional clothing features exquisite embroidery, often inspired by nature and mythology. Every stitch tells a story of heritage and belief. Yi silverware is equally remarkable—intricately designed headpieces, necklaces, and bracelets reflect both the artistic craftsmanship and the cultural values of the Yi people.

Weather and Best Travel Time

Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡) enjoys a subtropical mountain monsoon climate, with average annual temperatures between 16°C and 20°C. The best time to visit is from November to March, during the dry season when there’s less rainfall and ample sunshine. The terraced fields shine under the sunlight, creating colorful, mirror-like vistas—ideal for sightseeing and photography. This period also coincides with many local festivals, providing travelers the chance to immerse in the region’s vibrant culture.

Recommended Attractions and Visit Duration

Panzhihua Terraces

These grand and awe-inspiring terraces are most beautiful at sunrise when the first golden rays reflect on the water surfaces, and mist curls around the hills like a fairyland. Recommended visit time: 2–3 hours. Visitors can walk along the field ridges and enjoy stunning sunrise views from observation decks.

Mengpin Terrace Viewpoint

An ideal spot to appreciate the layered beauty of the terraces. From above, the curving lines of the fields merge with surrounding villages and forests to form a pastoral painting. Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours, especially at sunset.

Yi Ethnic Villages

These villages retain traditional Yi architecture and customs. Tourists can explore unique earthen dwellings and observe traditional crafts such as Yi embroidery and bamboo weaving. Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours for a deep cultural experience.

Transportation

Getting There

By Air:
Fly to Honghe Mengzi Airport (红河蒙自机场), approximately 130 km from Yuanyang County (元阳县). From the airport, take a direct shuttle to Yuanyang (2–3 hours). Hiring a private car is more flexible but more expensive.

By Train:
Take the train to Jianshui Station (建水站). From there, head to the Jianshui Bus Station and transfer to a bus bound for Yuanyang. Buses are frequent and the ride takes about 2 hours.

Getting Around

Once in Yuanyang County (元阳县), take a bus from the county station to Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡). Since buses are limited, it is best to check the schedule in advance. Local microvans or taxis are more direct but pricier. Within Panzhihua, visitors can rent motorcycles or take rural shuttle vehicles to reach various attractions conveniently.

Local Cuisine

• Terrace Red Rice (梯田红米):
  Rich in minerals and nutrients, this rice emits a fragrant aroma when cooked and has a soft, glutinous texture. It can also be made into sweet red rice cakes.
• Terrace Duck (梯田鸭):
  Raised in the terraced paddies, the meat is tender and flavorful. Popular preparations include roasted duck with crispy skin and braised duck with rich aromas.
• Hani Style Dipping Vegetables (哈尼族蘸水菜):
  Fresh vegetables are eaten raw and dipped in a Hani-made sauce crafted from chili, Sichuan pepper, ginger, garlic, and coriander. The flavor is tangy, spicy, and refreshing.
• Yi Pork Chunks (彝族坨坨肉):
  Made with freshly boiled pork chunks, the meat is tender and served with a flavorful Yi-style dipping sauce—a strong representation of the local culinary culture.

Shopping

• Hani Embroidered Clothing (哈尼族刺绣服饰):
  Known for its vivid colors and intricate designs, ideal for both daily wear and souvenirs.
• Yi Silver Jewelry (彝族银饰):
  Handcrafted with finesse, items like necklaces and bracelets are not only beautiful but collectible.
• Red Rice Products (梯田红米及红米制品):
  Bring home some red rice or try products like red rice wine and red rice cakes.
• Local Agricultural Products (特色农产品):
  Mushrooms, black fungus, and honey from the region are organic and of high quality—perfect gifts or pantry additions.

Accommodation

• Panzhihua Township Guesthouses (攀枝花乡客栈):
  Mostly family-run, affordable, and offer an immersive rural living experience. Some also serve local cuisine.
• Xinjie Town Hotels (新街镇酒店):
  Located nearby, with more accommodation options ranging from budget to mid-range. Facilities are more complete and travel is convenient.
• Hotels in Yuanyang County (元阳县城酒店):
  For those who prefer more comfortable lodging, hotels in the county seat offer better services and amenities. However, allow time for travel to and from Panzhihua.

Travel Tips

• Respect Ethnic Customs:
  As a region inhabited by ethnic minorities, it’s important to respect local customs and beliefs. Follow instructions during festivals or performances and avoid disruptive behavior.
• Protect the Terraces:
  The Hani Rice Terraces are a World Heritage Site—do not trample on them or litter.
• Safeguard Belongings:
  During peak seasons, be cautious in crowded areas such as markets and festivals. Keep your phone, camera, and wallet safe.
• Polite Photography:
  Always ask for permission before photographing locals or cultural events.
• Traffic Safety:
  Local roads are mountainous and complex. If renting a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and ride safely.