Shangmadian Terraces (上马点梯田) are located in the southern section of Ailao Mountain (哀牢山), 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). These terraces are part of the Bada Scenic Area (坝达景区), situated southeast of Xinjie Town (新街镇). They are approximately 15 kilometers from the old county seat (Xinjie Town) and about 43 kilometers from Nansha (南沙), the new county seat of Yuanyang.
History and Culture
Yuanyang Terraces (元阳梯田) are a remarkable achievement cultivated by the Hani people (哈尼族) over more than 1,300 years. As a key section of this heritage, the Shangmadian Terraces also embody rich historical and cultural value. Utilizing the unique terrain of Ailao Mountain, the Hani people created a distinctive four-element integrated landscape of “forest–village–terrace–water system.”
Folk Customs
The Bada Scenic Area, where Shangmadian Terraces are located, is home to many Hani communities and preserves a wealth of traditional Hani customs. Visitors can experience local festivals such as the Kuzhazha Festival (矻扎扎节) and the Village Sacred Forest Worship Ceremony (祭寨神林), as well as traditional lifestyles.
Climate and Best Visiting Time
Shangmadian Terraces have a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by mild temperatures and abundant rainfall, with an average annual temperature of about 15°C. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the terraces are filled with water, creating excellent conditions for photography and frequent sightings of sea clouds.
