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Golden getaways herald holidays (04/04/27)

Yuanyang terraced fields

Many regard The Great Wall as a symbol of China. The terraced-field scenery pictured left is another. The terraced fields of Yuanyang in Southwest China's Yunnan Province have been inscribed as a World Heritage since January 2002.

Lunar Chinese New Year is the best time for photographers and those intrigued by ethnic culture to visit.

The terraced fields of the Hani ethnic group in Yuanyang County are spectacular. The fields stretch from the foot of the mountain to the summit, like thousands of silver stairs.

The smaller plots are only several square metres in size, while the larger ones are half a hectare.

The terraced fields total hundreds of hectares.

The best place to view the terraced fields is in the south of Yuanyang County, where the mountains are covered with terraces extending 2,000 metres, from the mountain top down to the valley.

To get there, first go to Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan Province. The air ticket is about 1,400 yuan (US$168) leaving from Beijing and the train costs 450 yuan (US$54) for a sleeping berth.

Bus routes run daily between Kunming and Yuanyang County. It costs 50 yuan (US$6) to 60 yuan (US$7) each way.

After getting to Yuanyang, rent a taxi for a day for about 120 yuan (US$14). Wear low-heeled shoes. All the roads to the fields are zigzag muddy lanes. Take food with you as there's nowhere offering dining services in the mountain.

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