Huagou Village of Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming

Chinese Name: 东川红土地花沟村
The village is about19.18 square kilometers, at an altitude of 2100m. The annual average temperature is about 14 ℃, and annual rainfall is1100 mm. It’s suitable for palnting crops, medicines and others. The total cultivated area of the village is 2270 mu, and the woodland area is about 10100 mu.In 2006, the total economic income of the village was 305,000 yuan.The village belongs to the poor village, and the farmer's income is mainly from cultivating.

The red land in Huagou village is seen as the most magnificent place except the one in Rio DE janeiro. There are many photographers gathering here to seize the beauty of the red land. It’s the one of the main attractions of Dongchuan Red Land.

Location

Huagou Village is an administrative village under Hongtuzi Town in Dongchuan District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province. It is located 25 kilometers from the township government office and is accessible via paved and cement roads. The village is bordered to the east by Xundian Jinyuan Township, to the south by Xundian Fengyi Township, to the west by Xundian Lianhe Township, and to the north by Xintian Village within the same county. The village includes eight village groups: Dahongdi, Huagou, Xingu, Dapingtan, Dongguawan, Xintang, Luye, and Huashitou. The village has 495 households and a total population of 1,983, all of whom are engaged in agriculture. It has 1,499 laborers, all working in the primary sector.

Area and Climate

The village covers an area of 19.18 square kilometers, with an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level. The average annual temperature is 14°C, and the average annual precipitation is 1,100 millimeters. This climate is suitable for growing grains, medicinal herbs, and other crops. The village has 2,270 acres of arable land, with a per capita arable land area of 1.17 acres, and 10,100 acres of forest land. In 2006, the village's total economic income was 3.05 million yuan, and the per capita net income of farmers was 1,361 yuan. Huagou Village is classified as a poverty-stricken village, with the main source of income coming from agriculture.

Cultural and Geographical Features

Dongchuan Red Soil is renowned for its striking red land, which, apart from the red soil in Rio de Janeiro, is considered one of the most impressive in the world. Every year, many photography enthusiasts gather here to capture its breathtaking beauty. The term "Dongchuan Red Soil" generally refers to the red earth surrounding Huagou Village and Huashitou Village within a 20-square-kilometer area, with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,600 meters. Key scenic spots include the Colorful Slope, Jinxiu Garden, Luoxia Gorge, and Music Score Hollow. This red soil is rich in iron and aluminum, with low organic matter content, high acidity, and imbalanced clay composition. It is highly infertile, with underlying pebbles, and is suitable for growing cold-resistant and drought-tolerant crops like buckwheat and highland barley.

Awards

In November 2021, Huagou Village was included in the Yunnan Province 2021 Annual Beautiful Village Suggested List (Provincial Level).

How to Get There

• By Car: Drive from Kunming to Dongchuan District. The journey covers approximately 200 kilometers and takes around 4-5 hours. From Dongchuan, follow local signs to Huagou Village.
• By Public Transport: Take a bus from Kunming to Dongchuan. Upon arrival in Dongchuan, you may need to hire a local taxi or arrange transportation to the village.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring and Autumn (April to October): These seasons offer the best weather for exploring the red soil landscape and enjoying outdoor photography.
• Winter (November to February): Winter provides clear skies and a unique view of the red soil against the crisp, cold weather. However, be prepared for colder temperatures.

Travel Tips

1. Weather Preparation: Bring warm clothing and be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations, even during summer. The temperature can drop significantly in the evening.
2. Photography Tips: The red soil landscape is best captured in the early morning or late afternoon when the light enhances the vibrant colors. Bring a good camera and tripod for the best shots.
3. Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions. The area is largely agricultural, and interaction with local farmers can provide insights into traditional farming practices.
4. Accommodation: Accommodations may be limited in the village, so plan ahead and consider staying in nearby towns or Dongchuan for more options.
5. Health and Safety: Carry sufficient water and snacks, and be cautious of the uneven terrain when hiking or exploring the area.