[2025 Danzhai Attraction] Travel Guide for Gaoyao Terrace (Updated Apr)

Danzhai, Guizhou at a Glance: An Efficient Guide to Exploring Miao Culture Nestled among the mountains and waters of southeastern Guizhou, Danzhai is a treasure trove for culture and nature enthusiasts, where Miao ethnic heritage, intangible cultural heritage crafts, and natural beauty intertwine. Transportation Quick Guide - Getting there: Fly to Guiyang Longdongbao Airport and transfer (2.5h); take high-speed rail to Kaili South Station, then a 1-hour drive; self-driving via Xiamen-Chengdu or Yu'an Expressway takes about 2.5 hours. - Local travel: Taxis and buses are convenient in town. Since attractions are scattered, renting a car (300 yuan/day) or self-driving offers more freedom. Must-Visit Highlights Experience batik and Miao embroidery at Wanda Town and watch the "Splendid Danzhai" show; climb Longquan Mountain in April-May to see azaleas and sea of clouds; capture sunrise at Gaoyao Terraces in spring and autumn; visit Guizhou's second-largest waterfall, Paiting, in summer; experience intangible cultural heritage at Shiqiao Village (papermaking) and Kala Village (birdcage crafting). Culinary Delights Savor the tangy and spicy sour fish soup, Miao-style cured meat with sticky rice, and tender fighting chicken. Fill up on colorful sticky rice, rice tofu and other snacks, or challenge yourself with beef or lamb tripe if you dare. Accommodation Recommendations For a resort experience, choose Wanda Jinhua Hot Spring Hotel; for terrace views, stay at Yunqi Guesthouse; for a cultural experience with good value, try Shiqiao Village Papermaking Inn. Practical Tips Best times to visit: April-May for flowers, September-October for autumn colors, July-August for cool weather and waterfalls. Pack for temperature variations in mountainous areas and bring rain gear. Respect local customs and ask before taking photos of people. Don't miss the lusheng dance and long-table feasts if you visit during Miao New Year or Harvest Festival. 2-3 Day Compact Itinerary Day 1: Arrive and explore Wanda Town, stay overnight Day 2: Longquan Mountain sunrise → Gaoyao Terraces → Shiqiao Village → Kala Village Day 3: Hike to Paiting Waterfall before departure The poetry and vibrancy of Danzhai await your personal experience! Check the weather and arrange transportation before you go. Start your journey now!

March in Guizhou is a time of vibrant spring, with nature awakening from its winter slumber. During this season, Guizhou's rice terraces, as if gently brushed by nature's paintbrush, present picturesque scenes of breathtaking beauty. From the spectacular sea of clouds at Jiabang Rice Terraces to the crystal-clear streams flowing through Gaoyao Rice Terraces, the scenery is simply captivating. This article provides a comprehensive travel guide to Guizhou's rice terraces, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of these cloud-kissed wonders this spring. I. Overview of Guizhou Rice Terraces Guizhou's rice terraces are among the most beautiful in China. Their unique geographical location and climatic conditions have created a magnificent landscape of cascading, layered terraces. These terraces not only possess exceptional aesthetic value but also embody a rich agricultural heritage and historical significance. March is the rice-planting season in Guizhou, and the verdant terraces shimmer under the sunlight, resembling a giant artist's palette. II. Recommended Rice Terrace Attractions 1. Jiabang Rice Terraces • Location: Located in Jiabang Township, Congjiang County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. • Features: Jiabang Rice Terraces are renowned for their breathtaking sea of clouds. Every morning, layers of mist envelop the terraces and Miao stilt houses, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Additionally, after the terraces are filled with water, they glisten under the sun like shattered mirrors, offering a mesmerizing spectacle. • Viewing Time: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (August to October). • Tickets and Transportation: Adult tickets are CNY 80 per person, and discounted tickets are CNY 50 per person (e.g., for student ID holders). From Guiyang, take the high-speed train to Congjiang Station, then transfer to a bus to Jiabang Rice Terraces. Visitors driving themselves should be aware that the mountain roads are steep, and driving within the scenic area is not permitted. Cars must be parked in the free parking lot, and visitors can then take a shuttle bus to tour the area. 2. Gaoyao Rice Terraces • Location: Located in Gaoyao Village, Longquan Town, Danzhai County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. • Features: Gaoyao Rice Terraces stretch from the mountaintop to the foot of the mountain, following the natural contours of the slope. Crystal-clear streams flow down from the mountain, cascading into the terraces, creating a scene of captivating beauty. • Tickets and Transportation: Free admission. Visitors can choose to take the Danzhai Tourist Line (from Yougong Square, Wanda Town, Danzhai to the Gaoyao Viewing Platform) or drive themselves. III. Rice Terrace Travel Guide 1. Best Viewing Time • March is the rice-planting season in Guizhou, and the verdant terraces shimmer under the sunlight, making it one of the best times to visit. • Additionally, autumn is another excellent time to visit, as the rice paddies ripen and turn a beautiful golden hue, covering the mountainsides. 2. Viewing Routes • For Jiabang Rice Terraces, visitors can follow the viewing platforms to enjoy the scenic beauty of the terraces from different angles. The No. 1 Dongpeng Terrace offers the best sunrise views, while the No. 6 Viewing Platform, being the highest, is one of the best spots for both sunrise and sunset viewing. • For Gaoyao Rice Terraces, visitors can walk along the mountain streams, enjoying the beautiful sight of water flowing into the terraces. 3. Agricultural Culture Experience • Within Guizhou's rice terrace scenic areas, visitors can also participate in agricultural activities, such as catching fish in the rice paddies, to experience the local traditional farming culture firsthand. 4. Accommodation and Dining • There are a variety of accommodation options near Guizhou's rice terrace scenic areas, ranging from high-end hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Visitors can choose the most suitable accommodation based on their budget and needs. • For dining, restaurants and guesthouses within the scenic area offer catering services. Visitors can savor local specialties, such as Jiabang's signature rice flower fish. IV. Important Notes 1. Safety First: Please prioritize safety when visiting the rice terraces. Exercise caution when walking along the edges of the terraces to avoid slipping and falling. 2. Respect Local Culture: Within Guizhou's rice terrace scenic areas, visitors should respect local traditions and customs. Refrain from damaging the terrace ecosystem and surrounding vegetation. 3. Eco-Friendly Travel: Please maintain environmental hygiene and avoid littering. Opt for low-carbon and environmentally friendly transportation methods, such as public transportation, whenever possible. Conclusion Guizhou's rice terraces in March offer a picturesque and captivating spectacle. From the sea of clouds at Jiabang Rice Terraces to the clear streams of Gaoyao Rice Terraces, the scenery is truly unforgettable. Come to Guizhou and experience the breathtaking beauty of these cloud-kissed wonders!

🍂Dear friends, you must visit Danzhai in Guizhou in early autumn! This place is a hidden gem. ✨ Gaoyao Terraces✨ The picturesque Gaoyao Terraces look like a giant golden tapestry in early autumn. The layered terraces shimmer under the sunlight, creating a dazzling spectacle. From the viewing platform, it feels like you're in a beautiful painting. Walking on the ridges, you feel the soft soil underfoot, see the heavy rice ears in front of you, and hear the farmers' songs, immersing yourself in the joy of harvest. ✨ Wanda Danzhai Tea Garden✨ This place is shrouded in mist all year round and is known as the 'Hometown of Selenium-Rich Zinc Tea in China.' In early autumn, the tea trees are lush, and the air is filled with a faint tea fragrance. You can pick tea leaves by hand, experience the fun of tea making, taste fresh tea, and enjoy the gifts of nature, with a refreshing and sweet aftertaste. Find a sunny afternoon, sit quietly in the tea room of the tea garden, and enjoy the tranquility and comfort. ✨ Paiting Waterfall✨ Known as the 'First Waterfall in Eastern Guizhou.' In early autumn, the water volume is abundant, cascading down from a height with a deafening roar, like a symphony of nature. Standing in front of the waterfall, feeling the cool splashes, all worries seem to flow away with the water. The area is undeveloped, retaining its original natural appearance, making it a great place to cool off and enjoy the scenery. The surrounding mountains and forests are also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. ✨ Danzhai Mercury Mine Site✨ Once known as 'Little Hong Kong of Danzhai,' it is one of the well-preserved mercury mines in China in terms of architectural style and industrial facilities. Although it has ceased production, the site remains as a unique cultural heritage. Walking through it feels like traveling back in time to the industrial boom era. It is an important place for studying China's industrial history. ✨ Danzhai Wanda Town✨ When you come to Danzhai, you must visit Danzhai Wanda Town. It is the transit station of the Danzhai trip, based on the traditional architectural features of the Miao and Dong ethnic groups, integrating folk intangible cultural heritage and modern tourism facilities. You can stroll along the lakeside trail, experience bamboo rafting, leisure pedal boats, and other water activities, taste local delicacies, and enjoy a leisurely time. 💕Early autumn in Danzhai is full of charm. Whether it's the golden waves of rice in Gaoyao Terraces, the misty tea fragrance in Wanda Danzhai Tea Garden, the roar of Paiting Waterfall, the historical imprints of Danzhai Mercury Mine Site, or the leisure of Danzhai Wanda Town, you can feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. This autumn, come to Danzhai and experience the unique charm of early autumn!💃

🏞️ Hidden in the magical land of Guizhou lies a breathtaking terrace field yet to be discovered by the masses - the Gao Yao Terraces. Located in Danzhai County, it is as famous as the well-known Jiabang Terraces, but still retains its original tranquility and beauty. 🌾 The terraces here cascade from the foot of the mountain to the top, with a total of 48 layers and a height difference of over 500 meters. Standing on the viewing platform and looking into the distance, it feels like being in a flowing landscape painting. 🌿 The terraces are not only a visual feast but also a crystallization of the wisdom of the local Miao people over thousands of years. Fish are raised in the terraces to prevent pests, eliminating the need for pesticides, ensuring ecological balance. The rice and rice flower fish produced are delicious and healthy. 🏡 Entering the Gao Yao Miao Village, you will see traditional wooden houses with tiled roofs and stilted buildings, and you can also taste authentic Miao cuisine. The villagers are warm and hospitable, making you feel the strong human touch. 🌟 Autumn is the best time to visit, when the golden rice fills the terraces, creating a stunning view. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and experience true rural life, the Gao Yao Terraces are definitely worth a visit! 🔍 If you are interested in such hidden gems, remember to follow me for more off-the-beaten-path recommendations in Guizhou! Let's explore the next destination together!✨