Dongchuan Red Land in China: the natural masterpiece of Yunnan

Are you dreaming of unique and striking landscapes? Travel with us in the heart of Yunnan, China, to discover the extraordinary destination of Dongchuan Red Land!

Have you ever imagined the world as a huge blank canvas and nature as the work of inspired painters? It is in any case the feeling that one can face the contrasts and colors of the spectacular landscapes of Dongchuan Red Land, in the Chinese region of Yunnan in the southeast of the country.

This destination is slowly known by some curious and passionate about photography, but still few tourists venture into this beautiful region quite remote from traditional circuits.

You are planning a trip to the Yunnan area, in China ? Let yourself be charmed by the atmosphere of Dongchuan Red Land, its colorful fields and picturesque villages!

In the footsteps of Dongchuan Red Land, China

Dongchuan Red Land is nicknamed “God’s Magic Paper” as it looks like a palette of paint, all colors. It is on a mountainous terrain about 1800 m at altitude, about 220 kilometres northeast of the city of Kunming. The warm and wet climate of the region has made the soil rich in iron minerals that have infiltrated and oxidized into the earth over the years, until the color changed in reddish brown. The Yunnan region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, and the Red Land of Dongchuan is the perfect example!

Dongchuan Red Land focuses around Hongtudi (Hongtudi Zhen), or red land in Chinese, and Huashitou . It extends over several hundred square kilometres, and is considered one of the world’s largest red lands. Its fields of red earth in terraces change color over the seasons and depending on the cultures, thus offering an exceptional natural mosaic. It is recommended to spend one to two days to have time to visit the different places of interest and to immerse yourself in the unique and authentic atmosphere of this earth.

What's behind Dongchuan Red Land in China?

Well arrived in Dongchuan Red Land? Here are some essential places not to miss on the Red Earth:

• Shuipingzi

Also called “the fields of the moon”, these fields in terraces are more colorful to the moonlight, hence this nickname. The rice fields are irrigated so very colourful in spring, and golden in autumn.

• The village of Luoxiagou

Meanings “valued sunset” in Chinese, the village is — as its name suggests — an ideal place to watch the sunset in Dongchuan Red Land. The small traditional villages surrounded by fields, whose colours constantly evolve with the weather, make it an exceptional place.

Note : Dayakou can also be a good alternative to watch the sunset!

• The ancient tree of Lao Long

This tree of several thousand years is rooted on a hill east of the village of Huashitou. It is considered sacred by some local populations.

• Yuepuao, or “hollow music”

Located near the village of Huashitou, Yuezpuao is one of the most photogenic places in Dongchuan Red Land. There are villages, small forests and coloured terrace fields similar to music scores. With the light of the twilight, the show is simply fascinating!

• Wafang Liangzi

Also called "the bridge of the house in mosaic", Wafang Liangzi is located south of Yuepuao and is a culminating point that will offer you a superb viewpoint. Same Luosiwan , or “River Snail Bay”, appreciated for its snail-shaped fields.

• Damakan

Damakan is about 10 kilometers from Huashitou. You will be able to see a vast expanse of red fields in the mountains. It is considered the best spot to observe sunrise.

• Qicaipo

Also named “the slope with seven colors”, it is possible to admire the fields of 7 different colors, when the season allows and the cultures are growing.

• Jinxiuyuan

Says “the garden of the embroidery”, Jinxiuyuan represents the Chinese countryside in all its splendour with its colorful hills sprinkled with trees, which extend up to the horizon. A superb panoramic view awaits you!

To go

How?

There are various ways to get to Dongchuan Red Land and access its spectacular landscapes from the city of Kunming:

• Bus

Head to the Kunming Nord bus station to take one of the 2 daily buses towards the village of Fazhe (departs to 7h50 and 8:30, to Huashitou.

Travel time is estimated at 4h and the rate is about 5.5€ .

Finally, if you want to go back to Kunming by bus, know that there are only 2 per day that pass through the village of Huashitou ( 8:30 and 9h40 ).

Note : it is recommended to indicate to the driver at the start that you want to go down to Huashitou!

• Taxi

Using a driver in Kunming will cost you on average between 13€ and 20€ By car. This estimate is only valid for 2 persons since the price increases beyond this number of passengers.

If you travel in a group or family, it will be best to opt for a minibus, for a fare between 25€ and 35€ On average.

• Car

car rental in Kunming to reach Dongchuan Red Land by your own means is the last option that offers to you. Count about 3:30 and between 20€ and 25€ rent a day.

Note : On site, call a driver or rent a car is recommended to move between the different points of interest.

When?

This destination is splendid all year round, and each season brings its lot of beautiful surprises. In the spring, just after the plough, the fields are related to their most beautiful flowers (sharpen flowers...) and colors (red earth, golden wheat, barley, green seeds...).

In the summer you can admire the fields of corn, buckwheat or white rapeseed flowers at a loss of sight. But the periods that make unanimity are May and the months September to November . Just after the rains, the fields take bright colors, thus offering incredible decors!

But we must know that the colors of the fields also depend, and above all, on the cultures of the year and the brightness. Each visitor attends a unique show! The sunset is usually a privileged moment to enjoy a beautiful light and admire the contrasts of Dongchuan Red Land landscapes. The hardest will be to choose the best view!

To sleep

On site

The facilities to accommodate tourists are still few in the area but it is advisable to spend a night there in order to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the place at different places and times of the day.

The villages of Hongtudi and Huashitou are to be preferred as they are well located in relation to the multiple sites of interest. You will find mainly private accommodations (bedrooms) where it is also possible to eat, some hotels and Airbnb .

Among the hotels we can recommend Kunming Jindong Hotel and Kun Ming Yingju Inn , to 20€ About the night. If you would like to find other properties at the best prices in the region, don’t hesitate to use one Compare hotels .

Note : every year, the Chinese are on national holiday 1 to 7 October and a week between 21 January and 19 February , following the date of the new Chinese year (gold week of the year of the new Chinese moon). During these “gold weeks”, the tourist places are usually very frequented by the Chinese and it becomes essential to book their accommodation in advance.

To eat

On site

If you have opted for a room at home, we can only recommend you stay there to eat your meals. Alternatively, you will find small local or family restaurants where to taste the dishes of the Dongchuan region (muchon, potatoes, noodles...). Some hotels also have their own restaurant.

What budget to visit Dongchuan Red Land in China?

The visit of the fields in itself is free of charge, so just take into account the journey to go there, accommodation on site, as well as your meals to know the approximate budget of such a trip.

In other words, the estimated budget for a trip to Dongchuan Red Land including a trip to Kunming, your trips between the sites, one night on site and three meals is between 70€ and 100€ , depending on the selected options.

To take in my backpack

Before you go to discover this incredible region, know that you will find yourself in the mountains. In other words, even in the middle of the summer, temperatures can considerably decrease, especially at night, and the wind can be very present. Similarly, UV rays can be very strong during sunny days.

Also note that you will find yourself in an area where local populations speak only very rarely English and where tourists are not so many. Taking into account all this, we suggest you take with you:

• A French dictionary – Chinese
• A camera
• Hot clothes, especially if you plan to be there at sunset or sunrise
• Sunglasses
• A hat or a cap
• Solar cream
• Water

What I can discover in the region

If you have a little time to spend in the Yunnan region, you can enjoy it to visit:

• Kunming, nicknamed “the city of eternal spring”
• The Stone Forest located near Kunming
• The snowy mountain of Jiaozi (4330 meters), located about 160 kilometers from Kunming
• The big waterfalls of Jiulong
• Yuanmou Land Forest