two-day Dongchuan Red Land Photography Tour

two-day Dongchuan Red Land Photography Tour

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If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take a two days photography tour to visit one of the most photo-genetic colorful land - Dongchuan Red Land. It boasts the most typical red soil in Yunnan's highland and it's definitely a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Visiting this area, you'll be deeply impressed by the painting-like scenery of deep red, green and orange spread over thousands of hills and mountains. It looks like a colorful picture drawn by nature, though the real creators are the local farmers who 'painted' this naturally beautiful picture over the centuries.

The best time for a photography tour in Dongchuan is between mid-May and early June as well as from mid-October until November. In the winter months roads to Dongchuan may be blocked due to snow and ice. The scenery though is not less spectacular.

Available options

Economy (no tour guide)

Dongchuan Photography Tour (economic accommodations)

Comfort (no tour guide)

Dongchuan Red Land Photography Tour with comfort accommodations

Comfort Plus (no tour guide)

Comfort plus accommodations

What's included

Private transportation and transfers, including pick-up and drop-off, with skilled driver

Accommodation including breakfast (as per chosen category, based on twin-bed room for 2 pax)

24/7 English speaking customer service

All taxes, fees and handling charges

2 bottles of drinking water per day

Meals listed in the itinerary

English speaking tour guide

What you'll see

Day 1: Kunming-Dongchuan

In the morning your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your centrally located hotel in Kunming and drive you to Dongchuan Red Land. It is located about 180 km from the city and you'll enjoy an authentic Chinese lunch on the way. As you enter the Red Land area, you'll pass Yuepuao and then visit the most impressive Luoxiagou Valley where you will enjoy spectacular views onto the villages and farmlands surrounded by red land. Stunning views turn into something even more remarkable with the sunset light, offering almost endless opportunities to photography enthusiasts. Afterwards you'll have a typical local dinner and stay overnight in Dongchuan.

Day 2: Dongchuan-Kunming

You'll get up early to watch the sun rising over Dongchuan Red Land in the morning. From a distance, the hills and fields appear in all kinds of red colors. The flowers blossom on hills and slopes and produce multicoloured scenery together with golden wheat fields waving in the breeze. After lunch you'll head back to Kunming, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.

If you would like to, we can add the visit to Xiaoshujin, a small village inhabited by Christian Miao minority, or Jiaozi Snow Mountain, the closest snow mountain to Kunming, it is almost on the way to Dongchuan. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more details!Important Info

What's not included

Flight tickets

Chinese visa

Tour guide

Meals not listed in the program

Personal travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for tour guide and driver (not requested, but highly appreciated)

Surcharges for upgrades from standard twin-bed rooms to double-bed rooms

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

About Kunming

Kunming, known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant climate year-round, is the capital of Yunnan Province in Southwest China. It's a gateway to the country's southwestern ethnic minorities and offers a blend of modern city life and rich cultural heritage.

Top Attractions

Dianchi Lake

A large, scenic lake near Kunming, known for its beautiful views and recreational activities.

Nature Half day to full day Free to explore, activities may have fees

Stone Forest (Shilin)

A UNESCO-listed geological wonder featuring towering limestone formations that resemble a forest made of stone.

Nature Full day ¥120-150

Yunnan Ethnology Museum

A museum showcasing the diverse ethnic groups of Yunnan, with exhibits on their history, culture, and traditions.

Cultural 2-3 hours ¥50

Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park)

A scenic park in the heart of Kunming, featuring a large lake, gardens, and walking paths.

Nature 1-2 hours Free, boat rides may have a fee

Kunming Golden Temple (Jindian)

A historic Buddhist temple complex with a rich history and beautiful architecture.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles (Guoqiao Mixian)

A famous Yunnan noodle dish served in a savory broth with a variety of toppings, including vegetables, meat, and eggs.

Noodle dish Can be customized to be vegetarian or vegan

Yunnan Rice Noodles (Mixian)

A popular Yunnan street food made with rice noodles, often served with a spicy broth and a variety of toppings.

Noodle dish Can be customized to be vegetarian or vegan

Steamed Chicken with Rice (Jiding Xiangguo)

A traditional Yunnan dish featuring steamed chicken served with rice, often flavored with local herbs and spices.

Main dish Contains poultry

Er Kuai (Yunnan Flatbread)

A crispy, savory flatbread often served with a variety of dipping sauces and toppings.

Street food Vegetarian (check for egg or dairy in specific varieties)

Popular Activities

Hiking Caving Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Tea tasting Boat rides Spas and wellness Parks and gardens

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

The weather is most pleasant during these seasons, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. It's ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Yunnanese (a dialect of Chinese), Various ethnic minority languages
English: Limited, especially outside of tourist areas and hotels

Currency

Renminbi (RMB) (CNY)

Time Zone

China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some precautions recommended for tourists

Kunming is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Kunming Changshui International Airport • 25 km from city center

By train

Kunming South Railway Station, Kunming Railway Station

By bus

Kunming West Bus Station, Kunming South Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It's the most convenient way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Wuhua District Panlong District Dongchuan District

Day trips

Jiuxiang Scenic Area

130 km from Kunming • Full day

A scenic area featuring limestone caves, rivers, and waterfalls, as well as traditional villages and local culture.

Dongchuan Red Land

200 km from Kunming • Full day to overnight

A scenic area known for its vibrant red soil, terraced fields, and picturesque villages. It's a popular spot for photography and outdoor activities.

Jianshui

160 km from Kunming • Full day to overnight

A historic town known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, traditional culture, and local crafts. It's a great place to experience the rich history and traditions of Yunnan.

Festivals

Kunming International Flower Expo • Annual, typically in March or April Torch Festival (Huosheng Jie) • Annual, typically in July or August (dates vary by ethnic group) Yunnan Ethnic Minority Cultural Tourism Festival • Annual, typically in September

Pro tips

Visit during the spring or autumn for the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Try the local street food and snacks, such as Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles and Yunnan Rice Noodles
Explore the city's many parks and gardens, such as Green Lake Park and Dianchi Lake
Take a day trip to nearby attractions, such as the Stone Forest or Jiuxiang Scenic Area
Learn some basic Chinese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture