Dongchuan Red Land (东川红土地), located in Yunnan, China, is renowned as one of the most magnificent red earth landscapes in the world. Centered around Huagou Village and the Huashitou area, this stunning region spans over 20 square kilometers of vibrant red terraced fields. The area’s warm and humid climate contributes to the unique soil composition, where iron oxidizes and gradually accumulates, resulting in its striking hues.
The breathtaking scenery of Dongchuan Red Land is characterized by the diverse array of crops grown throughout the year. Different crops take turns showcasing their beauty – some are harvested, while others are being plowed or planted. This cycle breathes life into the once-dormant red earth. Additionally, the ever-changing clouds over the plateau, coupled with varying sunlight conditions, create a dramatic contrast that enhances the region’s visual appeal, producing a multitude of artistic effects.
Travel Information about Dongchuan Red Land
Ticket Information and Visiting Hours
Admission Fee: There is no entrance fee to view the Red Land.
Opening Hours: All viewing areas of the Red Land are open for photography throughout the day.
Best Times for Photography
The ideal times to capture the beauty of Dongchuan Red Land are from mid-May to early June and from late October to mid-November. During summer, you can witness the blooming potato flowers and ripening wheat, creating a picturesque landscape. In autumn, some areas are plowed and waiting to be planted, while others showcase lush green barley or wheat, along with the unique white rapeseed flowers that thrive in Yunnan, offering a rich tapestry of colors.
Location and Transportation
Location: Dongchuan Red Land is situated in the town of Hongtu, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Kunming City.
By Bus: Take a bus from Kunming North Bus Station to Dongchuan, which takes about 2.5 hours. From Dongchuan Rural Bus Station, you can take a minibus to Red Land, which will take around 1.5 hours.
By Private Car: If you choose to hire a car from Kunming to Hongtu, the cost is approximately 200 RMB. There are many buses running from Kunming to Dongchuan from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, departing from Dongju Bus Station.
Attraction Rating
- Cultural Experience: ★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★★★
- Excitement: ★★★
Highlights of Dongchuan Red Land
Dama Kan
Dama Kan is a charming village located just 5 kilometers from Huashitou Village. The best time to experience its beauty is early in the morning, just before sunrise. From the high slopes along the road, visitors can overlook Dama Kan Village, which is nestled amidst the surrounding red earth. The sight of rising smoke from the village’s kitchens creates a tranquil and picturesque rural landscape, enhanced by the shimmering poplar trees illuminated by the first light of day.
Throughout the seasons, different patches of land on the slopes showcase a vibrant array of colors, as diligent farmers work the fields, planting and harvesting crops. If the terraced fields of Yuanyang are compared to the flowing ribbons of the celestial maidens in Dunhuang, then the red land of Dama Kan resembles the multi-colored stones used by Nüwa to mend the sky, leaving a lasting visual impact on all who visit.
Qicai Po (Colorful Slope)
Qicai Po, or Colorful Slope, is one of the most famous attractions in the Dongchuan Red Land, located just about 2 kilometers from Jinxiu Garden. This scenic area offers a unique vantage point, as it is situated on elevated terrain that allows for breathtaking views of the surrounding red earth.
From the summit of Qicai Po, visitors can gaze down at the vibrant red soil, which presents a dazzling array of colors. The natural landscape appears like a watercolor painting, spilling towards the horizon in a mesmerizing display of hues. From a distance, it resembles a masterpiece created by the heavens, with bright and inviting color blocks that captivate the eye with their beauty and graceful curves.
Moonlight Fields (Yueliang Tian)
Moonlight Fields, located about 20 kilometers from Huashitou Village, is a stunning scenic area featuring terraced fields that cascade down the landscape. The most remarkable aspect of this site is a particular rice paddy that resembles a jade pipa (a traditional Chinese musical instrument), creating an enchanting illusion as if it were a heavenly treasure fallen to earth.
This is one of the few areas around Dongchuan where rice can be cultivated, reminiscent of the famous Yuanyang Rice Terraces, albeit on a smaller scale. In spring, visitors can witness the beauty of the flooded paddies, while autumn transforms the fields into a breathtaking sea of golden rice. The nearby canyons add to the allure, providing a striking backdrop that enhances the picturesque lines and layers of the terraces, making it an ideal spot for capturing stunning photographs.
Music Score Hollow (Yuepu Ao)
Music Score Hollow, located next to Huashitou Village, is renowned for its stunning red land scenery characterized by smooth and elegant lines. In this picturesque landscape, the furrows and ridges formed by the farmland resemble a beautiful musical staff, with vibrant hues representing the melodious notes of nature.
The elements that create this “musical score” are actually ordinary crops, yet they transform into a colorful symphony of nature, contrasting with the traditional black-and-white staff we typically see on paper. Photographers will find this location particularly inspiring, as it provides ample opportunities to capture breathtaking images that showcase the harmonious interplay of agriculture and the natural environment.
Jinxiu Garden (Jinxiu Yuan)
Jinxiu Garden, located to the north of Huashitou Village, is celebrated as a masterpiece of China’s red land, renowned for its vibrant colors and beautiful layers. The landscape here is strikingly sudden, capturing visitors’ attention in a way that evokes a sense of winding paths leading to hidden wonders, offering a profound artistic impact that resonates deeply with the soul.
This pure natural artistry is a rare treasure, one that even the most skilled artists struggle to replicate. The rich palette of colors blends together in a harmonious and romantic display, creating a scene that is both breathtaking and evocative. As the wind sweeps across the red fields, the crops sway gracefully, enhancing the vibrant colors and infusing the landscape with dynamic energy.
Visitor Guide for Dongchuan Red Land
Accommodation Near Dongchuan Red Land
The villages surrounding the Dongchuan Red Land have recently seen a rise in cozy guesthouses and inns converted from local homes. These accommodations are budget-friendly and often offer meals and guiding services at reasonable prices.
Kunming Hongtu Summer Hotel (昆明红土盛夏酒店): Located in Huashitou Village, the heart of the Red Land scenic area, this hotel boasts complete facilities and convenient transportation. The hotel’s garden features fresh, healthy vegetables, allowing guests to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals made from local produce.
Kunming Hongjing Xuan Hotel (昆明红景轩酒店): Situated within the Red Land scenic area, this hotel combines dining and accommodation, offering a comfortable stay with elegant surroundings. The well-equipped rooms are kept clean, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors.
Cuisine in Dongchuan Red Land
The culinary scene in Dongchuan Red Land is predominantly characterized by spicy flavors, with rice noodles being a popular and affordable staple often found in small local eateries. Representative dishes include Red Braised Beef (红焖牛肉), Clear Soup Boiled Lamb (清汤煮羊肉), and Stir-Fried Dried Chili Beef (干辣椒炒牛肉干). Most guesthouses in the area serve meals at reasonable prices, and you’ll find plenty of local restaurants in the villages around Dongchuan, ensuring you can savor the authentic flavors of the region.
Photography Tips for Dongchuan Red Land
Capturing the stunning landscapes of Dongchuan Red Land requires a bit of luck, much like any photography adventure. Here are some prime spots and tips for your photography journey:
Dama Kan Village: For beautiful shots, head to the high slopes along the road just before sunrise. The serene view of the village surrounded by red earth is captivating.
Qicai Po (Seven-Color Slope) and Jinxiu Garden: These areas feature vast, undulating hills with varying colors throughout the seasons, offering excellent opportunities for dynamic landscape photography.
Yue Liang Tian (Moonlight Field): This unique terraced rice paddy is the only one in the area where rice is cultivated. Visit in spring to capture the flooded fields, or in autumn for the vibrant golden hues.
Yuepu Ao (Music Score Hollow): Located next to Huashitou Village, this spot offers picturesque scenes similar to Qicai Po and Jinxiu Garden, showcasing the harmonious lines of farmland.
Dushu (Lonely Tree): Also known as the Sacred Tree, this ancient and massive pine tree stands solitary on a hill, symbolizing the resilience of the land.