Huashitou Village of Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Dongchuan Red Land is located in Hongtu Town (红土地镇), over 40 kilometers southwest of the Dongchuan District (东川区) in Kunming (昆明市). Within this region lies Huashitou (花石头), near the 109-kilometer milestone. This area encompasses nearly a hundred square miles and showcases the most concentrated, typical, and distinctive red earth found on the Yunnan (云南) Red Plateau.
Seasonal Beauty of the Red Land
From September to December each year, the landscape transforms as part of the red land is turned over and prepared for planting. Another section is already sown with lush barley or wheat and other crops. From a distance, this vibrant patchwork of color appears to be painted by the heavens, displaying an array of dazzling hues against the backdrop of blue skies, white clouds, and ever-changing beams of light. This combination creates a spectacular view that defines the essence of the red land.
The Significance of Huashitou Village
Huashitou Village serves as the heart of the Red Land. The name Huashitou translates to “colorful stones,” which are found abundantly throughout the village, earning it the affectionate moniker of “colorful stone” among the locals.
The Allure of Colorful Stones
These colorful stones maintain their elegant appearance throughout the year:
- Winter: Though winter has not yet passed, spring is approaching, and the air remains slightly cold. The colorful stones lie on the grassland like sleeping babies.
- Summer: In summer, these stones take on the persona of innocent and lively girls, attracting thousands of photographers from around the globe.
- Autumn: During autumn, the colorful stones resemble mature men, exuding a solemn presence that connects the red land to the crops, the sky, and the mountains. The landscape is adorned with abundant fruits.
- Winter: In winter, the colorful stones often don white coats with vibrant designs, further enhancing their beauty.
The Legend of the Colorful Stones
While Huashitou Village is not large, it is nestled within the Red Land Scenic Area (红土地景区) and is renowned for its unique geological features. The village is abundant in agate (玛瑙), which hides within hard pebbles. When illuminated by sunlight, these stones radiate a dazzling array of colors, leading locals to refer to agate as “colorful stones.” This is how the village derived its name.
Numerous legends surround the existence of these beautiful stones in such a highland area. The most plausible explanation suggests that they were once submerged at the bottom of a river. After geological changes elevated the plateau, the agates surfaced naturally. This phenomenon can be considered a precious gift from nature to humanity.
A Photographer’s Paradise
The beauty of Huashitou Village is accentuated by its concentration of the reddest and most stunning soils in all of Dongchuan. Photographers and artistic souls are enamored with this site, establishing numerous photography bases in the area.
The red land reaches its peak splendor after rainfall, when the soaked soil appears even more vibrant under the sun. The harmony between the red earth and the village creates a secluded paradise, enticing visitors to approach and explore further.
