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Introduction & Highlights

Dongchuan is located in a warm and humid environment. The iron in the soil is slowly oxidised and deposited, gradually forming dazzling colours. It all creates the landscapes making up the Dongchuan Red Land you will see before you today.

This areas boasts the most concentrated, typical and characteristic red land of the Yunnan red earth plateau, regarded as the most impressive in China.

You will discover it around 200 kilometres away from Kunming, and around 40 to 50 kilometres from Dongchuan.   

During September to December each year, the glaring red land, green vegetable plots, unique shape and beautiful figure are set off by the blue sky, white cloud and special light. It all provides a dream-like view, that is sure to mesmerise you.

(link to the Page of -Dongchuan Red Land.)

https://www.visityunnanchina.com/attractions/natural-attractions/dongchuan-red-land

Best time to photograph

Suitable all year round, particularly during the morning and at night! Late May to mid-June and mid-October to mid-November are particularly good times to visit. These months are when farmers go to harvest, turning the soil and sowing seeds. There are more clouds in the sky, making it easier to capture some striking photo images. Two days after the rain clears up, the sun is especially red.  

Average shooting time

It is best to visit for two to three days, to ensure that you get the best light and photography opportunities.  

Best Scenic Sites

Luoxiagou (Sunset Valley) 落霞沟

The most beautiful scenery is situated at Luoxiagou, also called Xiantangdi (Sunken Depression). The lands of this site are surrounded by mountains and hills; they look like a sunken depression from a distance.

Together with red lands, some are covered in green crops, adding to the visual stimulation you will find here. The only challenge for you will be to capture the full extent of this beauty through the lens.

Transportation

Suggest to hire a car.

Hiring a car to explore this area is recommended.

Start from Kunming, drive along Kunqu Expressway and Songwait Expressway, X077, and you will reach this distance over a 150 to 200 kilometers route. Renting a car with a driver from Kunming will cost around 200 Yuan.  

Accommodation

You can pick a homestay in Luoxiagou (Sunset Valley) or Huashitou (Flower Stone Village).

Food

Dongchuan Potato, Dongchuan Noodles, Dongchuan Lamb are among the local, traditional foods waiting to tantalise your tastebuds!