Dongchuan Red Land Private Tour

10 hours

Easy

Discover the stunning landscapes of Dongchuan Red Land on a private day trip from Kunming. Admire the terraced fields, the red soil, and the unique landforms.

Explore the Dongchuan Red Land on a full-day tour from Kunming. Admire the red soil, terraced fields, and the Millennium Dragon Tree. Enjoy a local lunch and see the sunset over the red land.


Depart from Kunming in a private vehicle to the Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Area which will take around 2.5 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 layers of the terraces, combined with the green crops growing on them, create a vivid contrast of colors. The early morning light casts a soft glow over the area, making it an ideal spot for photography.


Next, 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. Foreign tourists can take a leisurely stroll along the viewing paths, getting up close to the unique landforms. The guide will introduce the different soil types and how the local climate and vegetation contribute to this amazing color display.


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. The buckwheat cake has a slightly rough texture but is very nutritious, and the sweet honey adds a wonderful contrast in taste. 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. The tree's gnarled branches and massive trunk tell the story of its long existence. 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.


Proceed to the Pumakhan 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. After enjoying the sunset, return back to Kunming City.

What's included?
    • Private Vehicle with Pickup/Dropoff
    • Customized Itinerary
    • English-speaking private guide (option)
    • French/German/Italian/Spanish/Russian guide (extra fee)
    • Malay/Indonesian/Thai/Vietnamese/Khmer guide (extra fee)
    Exclusions
      • Entrance & Admission fees
      • Tips and gratuities
      • Meals and beverages
      • Personal Expenses
      Please note

        When booking a Dongchuan Red Land private tour, here are some important things to consider:


        BEST TIME TO VISIT

        • September to December
          • The most vibrant red hues appear after the rainy season, with clear skies.
        • May to June 
          • Another good time when crops start growing, creating colorful patchwork fields.
        • AVOID January to March
          • The fields are mostly barren, and visibility can be poor due to fog.


        WEATHER & CONDITIONS

        • Unpredictable Weather
          • Sudden rain or fog may affect visibility.
        • Cold Mornings & Evenings
          • Bring warm clothing, especially in winter.


        PHOTOGRAPHY CONSIDERATIONS

        • Best Time for Photos
          • Sunrise and sunset for dramatic lighting.
        • MUST-VISIT SPOTS:
          • Qicaipo (Seven-Color Slope) - Ideal for morning shots.
          • Jinxiu Garden (Embroidery Garden) - Best for sunset views.
          • Damakan - Famous sunrise spot.


        PRIVATE TOUR BENEFITS

        • Flexible Itinerary-  Adjust stops based on weather and lighting conditions.
        • Local Guides -  Can take you to lesser-known viewpoints.
        • Comfortable Transport - Avoids the hassle of public buses.
        • Private Tours - Offer more flexibility with stops at the best viewpoints.


        ADDITIONAL COSTS

        •   Entrance Fees - While there’s no official ticket for the area, some villages may charge a small fee for access to certain viewpoints.
        What to bring
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