We provide Private Tours specifically for Foreigners
Dongchuan Red Land is located in the northeastern part of Kunming. Because the soil is rich in iron and aluminum, the earth has oxidized to form a dazzling crimson color. From a distance, the blue sky, white clouds, green crops and red earth merge to create a spectacular landscape unparalleled throughout the world. The sites of interest throughout Red Land are dispersed. Starting from the fork in the road near Huashitou Village, visitors may choose to go to Redland Town, to Dongchuan District, or to the Kunming Sanlu Highway. These three routes connect the main scenic spots and form three main lines of exploration: the northwest line, the northeast line and the south line. In recent years, Dongchuan Red Land has become a paradise for photography lovers.
Depart from Kunming to Dongchuan Red Land will take around 3 hours. Arriving at the first stop, the Luoxiagou Scenic Spot. Visitors will be greeted by a magnificent view of terraced fields. The terraces, with their red soil backdrop, are like a giant work of art created by nature. The early morning light casts a soft glow over the area, making it an ideal spot for photography.
Note: Luoxiagou has seasonal highlights. In February–March, the terraces are covered with rapeseed flowers, creating a golden contrast against the red soil. In May, when the terraces are filled with water for rice planting, the water reflects the sky and the terraced lines look like a lute under the light, offering a unique view. In September–October, the terraces turn golden as the rice ripens, creating another striking color combination.
Next, we will proceed to the Jinxiuyuan (Splendid Garden) Scenic Spot. This place is a veritable palette of nature. The red soil here is interspersed with patches of yellow, green, and purple, creating a mesmerizing pattern that seems to have been painted by a master artist. The guide will introduce the different soil types and how the local climate and vegetation contribute to this amazing color display.
Note: Jinxiuyuan's colors are most vibrant in seasonal transitions. From late March to April, the fields are dotted with yellow rapeseed flowers. From May to June, potato flowers bloom across the fields, adding delicate white and purple hues. From September to December, buckwheat and rapeseed flourish, painting the land with golden and green strokes that contrast vividly with the red soil.
Have lunch at a local farmhouse in the scenic area. The farmhouse cuisine in Dongchuan is rich in local flavors. Specialties include Dongchuan mutton, which is tender and flavorful, cooked in a unique local style. Another must-try dish is the buckwheat cake with honey. Old Grandma's Potato (a mashed potato dish with a special local flavor) is also a popular choice, smooth and savory.
Visit the Millennium Dragon Tree. This ancient fir tree stands alone in the middle of the red land, with a history of over a thousand years. It is regarded as a "sacred tree" by the local villagers. Surrounded by the vast red soil, the tree forms a striking visual contrast, and its unique shape makes it a great subject for photography.
Head to the Luoshawan (Snail Bay) Scenic Spot. As the name suggests, the land here is shaped like a snail shell, with concentric circles winding up the hillside. From the viewing platform, tourists can have a panoramic view of this unique landform. The red soil, with its smooth curves and patterns, looks like a natural sculpture.
Note: Luoshawan's red soil curves are most distinct in dry seasons (October to April). During summer (July–September), the area is covered with green crops, which creates a softer color contrast.
Proceed to the Damakan Scenic Spot, which is famous for its sunset views. As the afternoon progresses, the sun starts to lower in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the red land. The red soil seems to glow under the sunlight, and the distant mountains and villages are bathed in a soft, golden hue.
Note: Damakan's sunsets dazzle year-round, but autumn-winter (October–February) brings clearer skies and low sunlight that makes the red soil glow brighter. In summer (June–August), the sunset is often accompanied by dramatic cloud formations, adding depth to the scene.
After enjoying the sunset, we will return back to Kunming City.