10 hours
Easy
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.
When booking a Dongchuan Red Land private tour, here are some important things to consider:
BEST TIME TO VISIT
WEATHER & CONDITIONS
PHOTOGRAPHY CONSIDERATIONS
PRIVATE TOUR BENEFITS
ADDITIONAL COSTS