2 Days Dongchuan Red Land Tour from Kunming
Tour Overview
The 2-day Dongchuan Red Land Tour is one of the famous Yunnan photography tours. It can not be missed for photographers. Dongchuan, a rural place in the Wumeng Mountainous area,...
Code of Tour: YET0000003467
Length of Travel: 2 Day
Destinations of Tour: Kunming-Dongchuan Red Land - Kunming
Departure City: Kunming
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour:
Features of Tour: Nature scenery Photograph tours
The 2-day Dongchuan Red Land Tour is one of the famous Yunnan photography tours. It can not be missed for photographers. Dongchuan, a rural place in the Wumeng Mountainous area, about 180 km north of Kunming, becomes very famous among Chinese photographers for its red soil(also called red land). Within several dozens of miles radius from Huashitou Village, the most beautiful attractions of Dongchuan Red Land are Damakan, Qicaigou, Jinxiu Yuan, Luoxiagou, Yuepuao, Ancient Tree, Luosiwan, etc. Most of them are comparatively concentrated. Have a leisure walk on the red land, watch the sunset and sunrise view of the red land, and take photos of the colorful fields. You will not leave here with regret.
Highlights:
- Spectacular Views: Marvel at the breathtaking scenery of villages and farmlands enveloped by the vibrant red land.
- Photography Tour: Capture the unique beauty of Dongchuan’s red soil and terraced fields with plenty of time for photography.
- Sunrise and Sunset: Experience and photograph the magical sunrise and sunset views over the red land.
- Leisure Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks on the red land, soaking in the picturesque landscapes and tranquil atmosphere.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Kunming-Dongchuan
- Day 2: Dongchuan-Kunming
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Kunming-Dongchuan
Sightseeing and Activities:Dongchuan Red Soil, Huagou village, Ancient Dragon Tree, the sunset view of Luoxiagou Valley
Accommodation: Dongchuan
Meals: Lunch,dinner
Pick up from your hotel in Kunming ,drive to Dongchuan Red Land area within about 3.5 hours (180km). After your lunch on the way, when you get to Red Land area, visit Huagou village where many photographers gathered to seize the beauty of the red land, then visit the Ancient Dragon Tree, it is the place for local people to sacrifice. Afterwards, you will pass Luoxiagou Valley and enjoy spectacular views onto the villages and farmlands surrounded by red land. The sunset atmosphere in the evening turns the splendid views to an even more remarkable event, offering almost endless opportunities to photography enthusiasts. Afterwards we enjoy a typical local dinner and stay overnight in Dongchuan.
Morning:
- Pick-Up: You will be picked up from your hotel in Kunming.
- Drive to Dongchuan: Travel approximately 180 km (about 3.5 hours) to the Dongchuan Red Land area.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch en route to Dongchuan.
Afternoon:
- Huagou Village: Upon arrival in Dongchuan, visit Huagou Village, a popular spot for photographers capturing the stunning red soil landscape.
- Ancient Dragon Tree: Explore the Ancient Dragon Tree, a culturally significant site where locals perform traditional sacrifices.
- Luoxiagou Valley: Continue to Luoxiagou Valley to admire the picturesque views of villages and farmlands surrounded by vibrant red soil.
Evening:
- Sunset View: Experience the dramatic sunset over the red land, providing exceptional photography opportunities as the evening light enhances the landscape.
Dinner and Accommodation:
- Local Dinner: Savor a typical local dinner featuring regional specialties.
- Overnight Stay: Spend the night in Dongchuan at a local guesthouse or hotel.
Day 2 Dongchuan-Kunming
Sightseeing and Activities:The sunrise view of Dongchuan Red Soil
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Get up early when the sun is rising over Dongchuan Red Land in the morning.Enjoy the sunrise (if weather allows) at Damakan; then the colorful Qicai Po, Luosi Wan, Waliang Houses and Jinxiuyuan;View from distance, the hills and fields appear in all kinds of red colors. You will watch local peasants doing their farm work. Going ahead along the road to Yuepu Ao , then, you will get to Wangfang Liangzi. It is supposed that the small village is well-known for locating on the hill of the mountain. After the tour, drive back to your hotel in Kunming.
Service ends.
Early Morning:
- Sunrise at Damakan: Rise early to witness the sunrise over Dongchuan Red Land at Damakan (weather permitting). The early morning light offers a unique perspective on the landscape.
Morning:
- Scenic Spots: Visit colorful locations such as Qicai Po, Luosi Wan, Waliang Houses, and Jinxiuyuan. From a distance, the hills and fields display a range of red hues.
- Local Peasants: Observe local peasants going about their farm work as you explore the area.
Midday:
- Yuepu Ao: Continue along the road to Yuepu Ao and then to Wangfang Liangzi, a hilltop village known for its scenic location.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch in Dongchuan before departing.
Return:
- Drive Back: After the tour, drive back to your hotel in Kunming, where the journey concludes.
Recommended Hotels
| Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostels |
| Dongchuan | Millennium Hotel Fuqing | Shanju Hotel | Spring and Autumn Hotel | Dongchuan Hongyun Hotel |
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
Travel Tips for Sunrise and Sunset Viewing of Dongchuan Red Land
Dongchuan Red Land is renowned for its vibrant red soil and stunning landscapes, making it a photographer’s paradise, especially during sunrise and sunset. Here are some travel tips to make the most of your sunrise and sunset viewing experience:
Day 1: Sunset Viewing
- Arrive Early: Start your journey from Kunming early in the morning to reach Dongchuan Red Land by mid-afternoon. This will give you enough time to check into your accommodation and head out to sunset viewing spots.
- Best Sunset Spots:
- Luoxiagou (Luoxia Valley): This is one of the best places to capture the sunset. The golden light during sunset reflects beautifully on the red soil and terraced fields, creating a magical view. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to find a good spot.
- Damakan Village: Another popular spot for sunset, with its terraced fields and rolling hills bathed in the evening light.
- Photography Gear: Bring a tripod for steady shots and a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the vast landscape. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors and contrast.
- Warm Clothing: Evenings can get quite chilly, especially after sunset. Bring a jacket or sweater to stay comfortable.
- Stay Until Blue Hour: The period right after sunset, known as the blue hour, offers soft, beautiful lighting. Consider staying a bit longer to capture this serene ambiance.
Day 2: Sunrise Viewing
- Early Start: Wake up early, ideally around 5:00 AM, to reach the best sunrise viewing spots before dawn. Sunrise usually occurs between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM, depending on the season.
- Best Sunrise Spots:
- Damakan Village: It’s also an excellent spot for sunrise, offering panoramic views of the terraced fields as the first light hits them.
- Jinxiuyuan (Splendid Garden): Another prime spot for sunrise, known for its sweeping views of the colorful fields under the morning light.
- Check Weather Conditions: Sunrise and sunset views can be obstructed by fog or clouds. Check the local weather forecast the night before to increase your chances of a clear view.
- Bring Snacks and Water: Sunrise viewing might mean early breakfast, so bringing some snacks and water is a good idea to keep you energized.
- Patience is Key: Arriving early ensures a good spot, and waiting patiently as the light changes will reward you with the best photographic opportunities.
General Tips for Both Sunrise and Sunset Viewing
- Accommodation: Book a local guesthouse near the main viewing spots for convenience. This will save travel time and allow you to rest between sunrise and sunset sessions.
- Respect Local Customs: Dongchuan Red Land is home to local farmers. Respect their property and way of life while exploring and taking photos.
- Safety First: Some viewing spots can be steep or uneven. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and be cautious, especially in low-light conditions.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy and capture the stunning beauty of Dongchuan Red Land at both sunrise and sunset.
Im just gonna say it. I loved it. It was awesome. I love the food, the sight, the people there. And the agency was so considerate. They planned everything perfectly. I enjoyed the red land very much. The sky was clear, so I had my first panoramic view of sunrise of my life. I’ll never forget it. Besides, the hotel owner was so nice. He noticed my phone was dying and offered me his charger. I couldn’t be more grateful. And the guide was beyong professional. I love her voice. Hope I get to do this one more time soon.
It was so impressive for me to spend wonderful 2 days in Yunnan province. During this period, I visited Dongchuang, a famous city in red soil. First day, l leaved Kunming to Dongchuan and enjoyed the spectacular sunsets in Luoxiagou Vally. Besides, I also learned local culture about sacrifice such as the Ancient Dragon Tree. Second day, I had breakfast and lunch in here and visited the beautiful sunrise. During those 2 days, the services of agency and tuor guide are considerably considerate. Comparing to thouse world famous tourist attractions, Dongchuang may not as famous as them, but it is worthwhile for me to know Yunnan comprehensively.
It’s been a wonderful trip! I spent two days in Yunnan, where this travel agency provided excellent service for me. The first day in Dongchuan was undoubtedly a pleasure. As a photographer, I really appreciated the beautiful view there. I took like thousands of pictures; the sunset and the fields are so unforgettable. By the way, the dinner tasted very special. On the second day we had spotted the sunrise. To be honest, stepped on the red soil and watched the peasants do their farm work really made me feel calm. Of course, the hotels in both Dongchuan and Kunming are nice. The guide was also professional, he definitely knew Dongchuan and its red land very well. And again, thanks my travel agency for providing such a good service to me. Hope I can visit Kunming with you soon.
I had an amazing experience on this tour. The hotels were comfortable, the transportation was convenient. The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The scenic spots were breathtaking. The meals were delicious. The travel consultant was very helpful. The website of the travel agency is informative. I highly recommend this tour to others.