The Ailao Mountain Range is a branch of the Yunling
Mountains. Its highest peak is 3,165 meters above sea level. The
mountain range, running northwest to southeast, is the dividing
line between the Hengduan Mountains valley in the west and the
plateau in the east of Yunnan, and stretches several hundred
kilometers to the Dawei Mountain, Huanglian Mountain and Fenshui
mountain nature preserves. The mountain enjoys plentiful rainfall
and has numerous springs and streams. In the autumn and winter,
the mountain is covered with mist, and in the spring, azaleas
bloom. In the forests, ancient pteridophyte lives, and rare
state-protected animals live peacefully.
Many ethnic groups live in the Ailao mountains. The
Dai ethnic group living on the river banks, have turned the poor
land along the river banks into rich farmland. The Yao ethnic
group live in the mild river valley, where many fruits and edible
mushrooms grow. The Yaos also have their own traditional medicinal
herbs. The Miao ethnic group live in the mountains. The Miao women
are good at tie-dying and embroidery. The Hani and Yi ethnic
groups live on the mountain sides. Their terraced fields are one
of the most inspiring scenes in southern Yunnan. They resemble
silver ladders, stretching from the foot of the mountains right to
the top. The fields, sometimes as large as a dozen mu and
sometimes as small as one to two square meters, are a unique
sight.
There are no historical records as to when terraced
fields were first used. However, according to ancient bronze ware
which depicts the ploughing techniques and folk customs of the Yi
and Hani ethnic groups, they surely have a long standing history.
The best place to view the terraced fields isin the
south of Yuanyang County, where the mountains are covered with
terraces extending 2,000 meters, from the mountain top down to the
valley. In winter and spring each year,the valley is filled with
heavy mist, and the two mountains are like islands floating in a
sea of cloud. Between the terraces, which reflect silver light,
are stretches of green tea plantations. With plenty of rain and
heavy mists, the Yunwu Tea (cloud and mist tea) produced in the
town by the Yi ethnic group is extremely refreshing. The Yis are a
people who love singing and dancing. Their dances imitate a hunt
and have36parts, describing the hunting activities of their
ancestors.
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