Dongchuan Red Land (Chinese Name: 东川红土地) is located in the northeast, over 200 km from Kunming City, at an altitude of 1,800 to 2,600 metres (5,900 to 8,500 feet).
The red lands you’ll see before you is the result of the high temperatures and rainy conditions typical of Dongchuan, Yuann. They are rich in iron and aluminum, with characteristics also of strong acidity and heavy clay.
This area is regarded as having some of the best red soil that is so plentiful in the Yunnan highland. According to experts, it is the second-best example of red land in the world, after Rio in Brazil.
Dongchuan Red Land is a rising tourism star, loved by photographers and backpackers, and praised as "God's palette.” These red lands, extending for nearly 50 kilometers (30 miles), are striking and distinctive.
Although discovered in the mid-1990s, the exact location has been kept secret among a few Chinese photographers who scooped award-winning photos here.
Those visiting for the first time will be deeply impressed by the sumptuous scenes. The lands, in deep red, bright red and purple, spread across thousands of mountains.
When the winds blow, the plants in the fields dance tenderly, forming a fascinating picture drawn by nature itself. From a distance, it looks like an oil painting.
It’s difficult to put into words how amazing these landscapes are, but breathtaking and wonderful certainly come to mind. Resembling famous artwork, like Van Gough’s paintings.
The Van Gough’s here are the local people, who have helped to create this natural phenomenon. Through their ploughing, growing and harvest, they have, unintentionally, created the scenes.
Dongchuan Red Soil is becoming one of the most beloved paradises of photographers and fans from across the world.
Attractions
'Sunset Valley'(Luoxiagou 落霞沟)
Surrounded by mountains, Luoxiagou resembles a sunken depression from a distance. Traditional local villages adorn the colourful fields. A great place for photography blockbusters that you should not miss.
The 'Hit Horse Hole' Sunrise (Damakan 打马坎)
A vast array of red fields are here, in the arms of continuous mountains which meet the skyline.
Huashitou Country, Xinxiang Town, Dongchuan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
（云南省昆明市东川区新乡镇花石头村）
- Transportion: Chartering a vehicle from Kunming to Huagou costs.
- The most suitable time for Dongchuan Red Land photography is during May to June and September to December, different season can see different scenery.
- Opening Hours: all-day
- Ticket Price: free
