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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Great experience in Shangri-La!
![]() We toured Shangri-La with our guide Peter. There were many last min changes to our itinerary due to inclement weather but Peter was very flexible and able to accommodate the requests. He was also very knowledgeable abt the area ans enthusiasm was great! Thank you for making our trip a memorable one, Peter! more
Mar 2025, L L
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Kunming, China Highlights
![]() We were in Kunming with May. She is excellent, both helpful, knowledgeable and personable. We would certainly recommend her to guide whoever goes to Kunming. more
Mar 2025, Chen Z
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9 Day Kuming to Shangri-la
![]() My friends and I had just completed a 9-day tour of Yunnan, customized for 4 of us; transport, accommodation, and itinerary, all meticulously arranged by Carrie of China Highlights. All the 4 local tour guides for the trip; Selina, Daisy, Martin and Peter were professional, knowledgeable and excellent. They made our trip very memorable, especially Daisy who took v nice photos of us and made a video of the places we visited with her in Dali. Thank you for the love and care showered on us. We are grateful ! more
Mar 2025, Celia Z
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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