Capture "God's Palette of Colors"
Only the red land in Brazil can rival it. The rich iron deposits in the soil have been gloriously exposed for thousands of years as local people worked on this land generation after generation. This is Dongchuan Red Land — "the palette of colors placed on Earth by God".
On this 3-day Kunming and Dongchuan Red Land tour, you will visit the highlights of Kunming City and then head north for the unique landscape of colorful earth. Enjoy the most artistic sunrise and sunset shoots, and also encounter authentic rural life photo ops on China's greatest red land.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Maximize Your 2 Days to Photograph Dongchuan Red Land at 5+ Viewing Points
Your local guide will take you to the right places at the right times for the big scenic area's best shots.
Prepare your camera and take photos of beautiful views at sunrise and sunset.
Visit the Earliest Guanyin Temple with 1,200 Years of History
Discover the three main branches of Buddhism in one temple: Chinese, Tibetan, and Theravada Buddhism.
You can also burn incense and make a wish (prayer) there like a local.
Record Locals' Daily Life with Your Camera at Green Lake Park
Feel local people's happiness when they dance in traditional dress together.
China Highlights' Special Discovery Experiences
Take some photos of local life at beautiful Beihe Village, which is generally not visited by tourists.
Taste Dongchuan-grown baked potatoes with their 18 home-made sauces and pickles.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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We had a great experience with China Highlights in Yunnan. The itinerary was well executed with good tour guides. I'd like to commend Lulu in particular, our tour guide in Kunming. She handled our family of 9 quite well and was very knowledgeable and helpful. more
Jun 2025, John Z
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Kunming and Yunnan China Highlights guide Lulu
Our time in Yunnan and Kunming was too short. We had a knowledgeable guide from China Highlights named Lulu. For English speakers Lulu majored in English. Our driver Mr. Han had very nice vehicle for us and like all the drivers with China Highlights his driving was fantastic. Lulu was patient for we were a bit stiff from 5 days of intense hiking prior to arriving at Kunming. The hotel: Cachet Boutique Hotel was perfect. The buffet breakfast was appropriate for Western and Eastern visitors. And the hotel restaurant/Biergarten had tasty German food options. The area around our hotel was easy to navigate and we were located within walking distance of the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway. The highlight of our trip to Yunnan province was the Ancient Stone Forest. It was peaceful, and I love how they name many stone structures. It is a manageable walk / hike for all ages in my opinion. For birdwatchers they have boards listing local birds. After the Forest we stopped at a point and eat restaurant-Fabulous. My husband was a happy man with his duck meal. Kunming parks and people very friendly. Lulu's friend has a wonderful tea distribution shop- wish we had room in our suitcases to load up on some of the wonderful teas she showed us. The tea shop owner was very informative. Lulu's friend studied tea production, distribution, and everything tea at University. I highly doubt we have a tea degree in the US. Due to colder temperatures the Jacaranda trees were just beginning to bloom the day before we left the area. Lulu was determined to find me some blooming jacaranda-and luckily she tracked down a few locations. more
Jun 2025, Mara K
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Unforgettable experiences in China!
Amazing experiences in Yunnan & Gaungix province with China Highlights. Memories for a lifetime!Our family group of 11 felt much joy, guidance, and knowledge from our local expert guides. Such wisdom & care from Rachel(Lijiang), Lee(Dali), May(Kunming), and Lele (Guilin & Yangshuo). Thank you! They are the best! Beyond exceeded our expectations in the best possible ways!! Highly recommend!! more
Jun 2025, May L
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Meet your private guide at the airport. Visit Yuantong Temple, and see the three main branches of Buddhism — Chinese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Theravada Buddhism — meet together there. Walk around Green Lake Park, where you are likely to find local people in traditional dress dancing together. You are welcome to join them.
Drive from Kunming to Dongchuan. Have a lunch in a local restaurant and try the famous snacks of Dongchuan.
The key to touring Dongchuan Red Land (photography-wise) is visiting the right place at the right time. Enjoy the views and take pictures at Luoxiagou and Luosiwan in the late afternoon. Capture the sunset at Wafang Liangzi and catch the sunset glow at Yuepuao after sunset.
See a sunrise at Damakan and then take pictures at Jinxiuyuan and Qichapo. Take the chance to photograph local life in a photogenic and peaceful traditional village — Beihe Village, a place generally not visited by travelers, on the way back to Kunming. Not listed as a Dongchuan attraction, Beihe is an untouched village set against the background of a red-field hill.
We'll get you back to Kunming airport for your departure.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: km-5