3 Days Kunming Photography Tour to Dongchuan Red Land - God’s Palette

Welcome to Kunming, the Capital City of Yunnan Province! Upon arrival in Kunming, your guide will meet you at the airport/train station and escort you to your hotel. You can have a good rest in your hotel. You can explore on your own based on your arrival time. Feel free to seek practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Kunming is known as the "Spring City春城" due to its mild year-round climate, making it a popular destination for people from other cities to escape harsh winters or scorching summers. The pleasant climate also results in flowers blooming throughout the year, earning Kunming the nickname "Flower City花都". Kunming is the hometown of Zheng He (郑和1371-1433), the famous Ming Dynasty navigator who led seven voyages from 1405 to 1433, visiting numerous countries in Asia and Africa. Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape, cultural immersion, or a chance to explore breathtaking natural wonders and indulge in delicious Yunnan cuisine, Kunming has something to offer everyone.

Free Time Ideas:
1.Half-day Classic Kunming City Tour with Yuantong Temple (over 1,200 years old, the oldest Guanyin Temple in China), Green Lake Park (once a marshy bay of Dianchi Lake, local life), Kunming Old Street (Yunnan Rice Noodle, the former residence of Nie Er), Yunnan Impression (one of the representative's works by renowned local dance artist Yang Liping).
2.Explore Yunnan's Diverse Minority Cultures at Yunnan Ethnic Village, Yunnan Museum of Minority (closed on Mondays), and enjoy the scenic views at Haigeng Park near Dianchi Lake (Meet Black-Headed Gulls from Siberia in winter).
3.Enjoy a Kunming City Walk from Eastern and Western Pagodas (Landmarks in Kunming) to Jinma and Biji Archways (Symbols of Old Kunming), Kunming Flying Tigers Museum (Kunming Museum, Learn about a significant chapter in World War II), and Jingxing Flower and Bird Market (A calling card of the local life in Kunming).
4.Unveil the Amazing Yunnan Food by visiting Daguan Zhuanxin Farmers' Market (all kinds of delicious flowers, mushrooms, ferns, insects, Ham, Rushan cheese, local snacks) and try Yunnan cuisine while strolling around Nanqiang Pedestrian Street (since the Qing Dynasty) and Nanping Pedestrian Street (a historic old street).

Arrival Ideas:
Kunming serves as the gateway city to start a Yunnan Tour. It is a convenient base for exploring nearby top destinations, such as Dali Ancient Town, Dongchuan Red Land, Jiangshui Ancient Town (Zhujia Garden), Yuanyang Rice Terraces (Honghe Hani Rice Terraces), Xishuanbanna, and more. You can choose to reach Kunming by Flight or By Bullet Train.
By Air: Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) offers many direct international flights to destinations such as Laos (Vientiane), Thailand (Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Phuket), Vietnam (Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh), Cambodia (Siem Reap), Nepal (Kathmandu), India (Kolkata), Sri Lanka (Colombo), Japan (Tokyo), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Singapore. There are many direct flights between Kunming and China’s Top Tourist Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Hong Kong, and more. From Kunming, you can easily take a flight to top destinations in Yunnan, such as Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-la, & Xishuanbanna.
By Train: Kunming is served by Kunming Railway Station and South Railway Station. There are many high-speed trains connecting Kunming to other cities in Yunnan, such as Dali (2.5hrs), Lijiang (4hrs), Xishuanbanna (3.5hrs), as well as other cities in China, including Guiyang (2hrs), Chongqing (4hrs), Chengdu (5.5hrs), Guangzhou (7hrs), Hong Kong (7.5hrs), Beijing(11hrs), Shanghai(11hrs), etc. Additionally, there is a Kunming to Vientiane train (China-Laos Railway) that takes approximately 10 hours.

This morning, embark on a 138km (3-hour) drive to Dongchuan Red Land for a Kunming excursion. If the weather permits, you won't want to miss the chance to witness the brilliant sunset with the red soil as the background, creating an amazing "God's Palette".

Known as Photographer's Paradise, Dongchuan Red Land is a must-visit destination near Kunming. The soil, rich in iron oxide, exhibits a vivid red hue, especially after rainy days. In spring, the land flourishes with lush green crops, while summer unveils a stunning contrast between the red soil and golden crops. Autumn adorns the landscape with vibrant foliage. In winter, the absence of crops leaves the terraced fields peaceful, with clear skies ideal for capturing the unique beauty of the Red Land in a different light.

Additionally, you will discover the unique agricultural culture in Dongchuan Red Land, influenced by its dramatic red soil landscape and high altitude (1,800-2,600m). Take your time to interact with local farmers, you will gain insights into their adaptations to thrive in specific growing seasons, such as planting wheat in summer, buckwheat in autumn, potatoes in spring, and land rest during winter, allowing it to replenish nutrients for the upcoming spring season. Under the blue sky, upon the red soil, local farmers toil together as families, tending to their livestock and cultivating the land. Behind them, they leave rows of freshly turned soil. Children can also be seen in the terraced fields, helping adults with tasks within their capabilities.

As the Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Area is vast and scattered around, there are many Viewing platforms for you to explore based on your visit time, season, or interests. Here is an advised visiting order for your reference: Start with Yuepu Ao (乐谱凹, a landscape resembling a music-score-like hollow), then head to the Intersection of Road 107, followed by Hongtudi Daguan (Red Land Grand View 红土大观), Lao Longshu (Ancient Dragon Tree 老龙树, a 1,000-year-old Sacred Fir Tree), Luoxia Gou (Sunset Valley 落霞沟, known for its stunning sunset views), Yuepu Ao (乐谱凹, to capture the famous elder farmer with a pipe which is the symbol of Dongchuan Red Land), Luosi Wan (Screw Bay 螺蛳湾, known for winding roads and large spiral-colored land), and finally Wafang Liangzi (瓦房梁子, ideal for witnessing the sunset glow).

Today's highlight could be capturing the sunset at Luoxiagou and experiencing the sunset glow at Yuepu Ao, Luosiwan, or Wafang Liangzi after sunset. Ask your local guide to take you to the right places at the right times for the best shots. Don’t forget to try Dongchuan-grown baked potatoes with their 18 home-made sauces and pickles. You can also try Dongchuan Red Land's iconic cuisine, such as Dongchuan noodles, Dongchuan lamb, yak hot pot, dried yak meat, and buckwheat cakes dipped in honey.

Tips for Photography in Dongchuan Red Land:

1.Buckwheat and Potato Flowers & Unique Winter Scenes: March
Capturing fields blooming with buckwheat and potato flowers, bright and delightful with red and white patches. In some years, Dongchuan experiences snowfall, you may witness the red land is blanketed in white snow.

2.Most Vivid Colors: Late Spring (May-June)
This period offers a stunning combination of red earth, golden wheat from the previous harvest, and vibrant green potato seedlings.

3.Dramatic Landscapes: September - November
After the summer harvest, the land is plowed, exposing the vibrant red soil in its full glory. This creates a dramatic contrast with patches of golden buckwheat, white winter rapeseed flowers (canola), and green potato seedlings.

4.Light, Timing & Weather
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the most favorable lighting conditions for capturing the rich colors of the landscape. According to the locals, the third day after rainfall is said to be the most beautiful time for the red earth. The land, soaked by the rain, appears more vibrant and lustrous under the sunlight. Don't limit yourself to sunrise and sunset. The landscape can offer different moods throughout the day.

This morning, you will enjoy a half-day tour of Dongchuan Red Land for Wonderful Vistas of Color before heading back to Kunming for departure. You will wake up early to explore the unique landscape of colorful earth and capture an artistic sunrise shoot at Damakan. Just imagine, for thousands of years, local farmers have worked on this red land, generation after generation. The photos you take will not only capture moments of light and colors but also preserve the history of the Dongchuan Red Land.

Here is an advised visiting order for your reference: Damakan (打马坎; Sunrise, cooking smoke, and red soil are the 'Three Wonders' of this place) - Qicaipo (七彩坡; Resembling a rainbow falling onto the earth) - Jinxiuyuan (锦绣园; acclaimed as a representative work of the red earth, colorful world) - Intersection of Road 107 (View Flower Stone Village花石头村; The road, terraced fields, and Hua Shi Tou Village form a beautiful picture) - Hongtudi Daguan (Red Land Grand View 红土大观; pine forest and the majestic red earth intertwine). After that, head back to Kunming.

Then, time to say goodbye to Kunming, the Spring City. Though it is time to end your 3 Day Kunming Dongchuan Red Land Tour today, you will have some free time in Kunming and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport/train stations for your next destination. 

Extension Ideas:
1.If you prefer to spend more time in Kunming, you can add a one-day tour to include the Stone Forest (World Heritage Site) and Western Hill (Xishan Dragon Gate, Taoist Grotto, Bird’s Eye View of Dianchi Lake).
2.If you wish to extend your trip and explore other highlighted parts of Yunnan, such as Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Jianshui, Dongchuan Red Land, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la, Xishuangbanna, and more, we can help you with the arrangements.
3.If you plan to continue your exploration to other cities in China, such as Chengdu, Lhasa, Xian, Beijing, and Shanghai, or even take a train from Kunming to Vientiane to start your Laos Tour, please feel free to let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist you with travel arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Yunnan tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!