1. Enjoy the spectacular sunrise and sunset over the irrigated rice terraces in winter, but it really depends on the weather condition. It's great to have fog in the morning and  cloud at dusk in a sunny day.

The ideal spots to view the terraces at different time are scattered as below:
Sunrise: Duoyishu, 1 hour ride from Xinjiezhen; Qingkou, 15 minutes
Sunset: Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth, 1 hour) / Bada (1 hour), Longshuba (only accessible by foot in around 40 minutes from Xinjiezhen)

2. The most magnificent terraces are in Mong Peng, further on from the highway for another 11km. From here within 5km along the mountain side, you will see an unbelievable view of rice terraces, far more impressive than the one I'd seen in Sapa-Vietnam (personal opinion). Sun set is the best tine to come here. Also you can walk into the village around, very friendly people, mostly Yi minority. But don't hang around for too long since the last bus back to Yuanyang is at 18:00.

3. Visit some of region's many ethnic minority villages and markets where locals wear their colorful traditional costumes. Qingkou mushroom houses and Hani performance show, Shengcun market are perfect places to explore.

Anyway just walk any direction out of town and you will see rice terrace in whatever size & shape. They are great! From November till April while the fields are full of water, the rice terrace look like million of silver mirror : unbelievably shining! From may to October, it is all green like an ocean of grass: so comfortable to look at!

4. Markets are another highlight here, almost everyday you will find market somewhere with different minority. Since almost 80% of the women are still wearing their traditional dress, the markets are very colorful and they offer a good chance to get in touch with the locals.

4. Hike along the steep rice terrace paths, but be careful - they can be quite slippery.

Reminders
1. There are Yuanyang old city Xinjiezhen and Yuanyang new city Nansha. The former is your destination, which is 1hr  further uphill from Nansha. Nansha is usually very hot even in winter, you don't need to stop there, but it's a place your bus must pass through, be prepared of sweating.

2. During the Chinese Spring Festival vacation, the place is too crowded. You will be surprised to find out that there are so many photographers in China.