Tasa Rice Terraces in Honghe County, Honghe

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The Tasa Rice Terraces (他撒梯田) are located in Tasa Village (他撒村), Jiayin Township (甲寅乡), Honghe County (红河县), Yunnan Province (云南省), known as the “Home of Palms.”
The village covers 10 square kilometers at an elevation of 1,950 meters, with an average annual temperature of 14°C and annual rainfall of 1,310 millimeters, making it ideal for growing rice, corn, soybeans, potatoes, and cassava. Tasa Village has 1,275 households and a population of 6,384, most of whom are engaged in agriculture.

Scenic Beauty

Among the many rice terraces in Honghe County (红河县), the Tasa Rice Terraces are considered the most beautiful. Spanning over 2,000 acres, they form a vibrant tapestry of colors and patterns across the landscape. The terraces vary in size and elevation, weaving intricate lines that create a breathtaking panorama.

From the Shier Longquan Viewing Point (十二龙泉观景点), visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the U-shaped valley filled with terraces. Clouds, palm trees, reservoirs, and forests enhance the scenery.

At an altitude above 1,800 meters, the terraces contain over 5,000 steps, sustaining more than 10,000 Hani people (哈尼族) in Jiayin. During the autumn harvest, golden rice fields glisten under the sun, reflecting the joy and traditions of the Hani people.

Traditional Practices

Rice-fish farming is a time-honored practice of the Hani people (哈尼族), reflecting their sustainable use of terrace resources. After planting rice, fish fry are released into the paddies, where they feed on pests and weeds. The fish waste fertilizes the fields, improving rice growth. By harvest season, both rice and fish are ready, providing a “dual harvest.”

This method demonstrates the harmony between humans and nature, ensuring food security while enhancing economic returns for the community.

On June 22 of this year, the Yunnan Hani Rice Terraces (云南哈尼梯田) were officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photography Highlights

When visiting Tasa Village (他撒村), travelers often associate it with the Twelve Dragon Springs (十二龙泉), Baishi Mountain (白石山), and the cherry blossom palm views at Tasa Rice Terraces.

The Cherry Blossom Palm Rice Terrace Scenic Area (樱花棕榈秀梯田景点), located 5 kilometers from the Jiayin Township government, features terraces lined with cherry blossoms and palm trees. At sunset, golden rays shine through the clouds, creating spectacular photography opportunities.

Best Photography Seasons

• Optimal Season: Winter
• Best Time for Photos: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

How to Get There

By Long-distance Bus: Take a bus from Kunming (昆明) to Honghe County (红河县), which takes around 6–7 hours.

Local Transportation:

• Buses run regularly from Honghe bus station to Tasa Village (他撒村).
• Taxis can also be hired for direct travel to the terraces.

Travel Tips

• Photography Gear: Bring a quality camera or smartphone, especially for sunset shots.
• Local Cuisine: Try Hani-style grilled fish and traditional rice dishes.
• Accommodation: Guesthouses or hotels in Jiayin Township (甲寅乡) offer convenient stays.
• Best Time to Visit: Autumn is spectacular during harvest, winter provides unique perspectives, spring brings lush greenery, and summer is vibrant and lively.