As of today, out of season, returns ~November. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Each year the Hani-managed rice terraces around Yuanyang, Yunnan are intentionally flooded before planting.
When the terraces hold water they form thousands of shallow mirrors that reflect sky color and light, producing dramatic sunrise and sunset scenes across a stepped landscape.
The best photographic windows are weather- and irrigation-dependent and occur in the cooler months.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Duoyishu (Duoyishu Viewing Area) |
| Bada Scenic Viewpoint |
| + 2 more spots, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.