Luosiwan of Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Luosiwan (螺蛳湾) of Dongchuan Red Land (东川红土地) is located in the Hongtu Scenic Area (红土地风景区) on Provincial Road 101 in Xintian Township (新田乡), Dongchuan District (东川区), Kunming (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It serves as the first stop for visitors entering the Red Land and is the first scenic view encountered when traveling from Kunming to Dongchuan via dirt roads.
Scenic Overview
Luosiwan is a popular photo spot in the Red Land, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Standing on the path in Luosiwan, visitors can gaze down at a winding mountain road that spirals gracefully up from the foot of the mountain. The land features vast, spiral-patterned mounds of soil in vibrant colors, dividing the entire expanse of the Red Land into irregularly shaped color blocks, forming a stunning visual masterpiece.
Moreover, the parking area at Luosiwan includes Zhang’s Courtyard (张家大院), a picturesque location that remains completely natural. The meals served here are delicious, providing visitors with a great place to rest and savor local cuisine. Here, guests can experience the grandeur and tranquility of the Red Land while enjoying an immersive experience of local rural life and natural beauty.
In summary, Luosiwan is a key attraction in Dongchuan Red Land, drawing numerous visitors to admire and photograph its unique natural landscapes and cultural scenery. Whether to appreciate the beautiful views or to engage with local culture, Luosiwan is an excellent destination worth visiting.
Geographic Significance
Luosiwan is part of the Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Area (东川红土地景区). It is famous for its distinctive geographical features and natural landscapes, serving as an essential site for tourists exploring the characteristics of the Yunnan Red Soil Plateau. The vibrant, spiral-stacked colors create unique visual effects, and from the paths of Luosiwan, one can see the winding road climbing up the mountain, immersing visitors in a vibrant tapestry of colors.
A Photographer’s Paradise
Luosiwan is not only a visual feast but also a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Here, one can capture the changing scenery of the Red Land under various lighting conditions and through different seasons. From September to December each year, part of the Red Land is turned over, awaiting planting, while another part is already sown with green barley or wheat. From a distance, it appears as if the heavens have brushed on colorful patches, a spectacle enriched by the blue sky, white clouds, and ever-changing light, creating a magnificent scene of the Red Land.
Additionally, Luosiwan serves as a window into local culture and customs. It is home to an ancient sand pine tree (沙松树), reportedly over a thousand years old, known as the “Old Dragon Tree” (老龙树). This tree once died for three years but later sprouted new shoots, earning it the reverence of local villagers as a divine protector of the area.
In summary, Luosiwan of Dongchuan Red Land is not only a showcase of nature’s craftsmanship but also a tranquil and uplifting travel destination. Whether for photography enthusiasts or nature explorers, it is an exceptional destination that should not be missed.
Luosiwan of the Red Land is on the way to Kunming (昆明), and it’s one of the scenic spots of Dongchuan Red Land. After enjoying the sunset at Damakan (大马坎), it is advisable to head to Luosiwan; you won’t regret it. In the morning, the Red Land of Luosiwan is bathed in sunlight, with the mountain tops emerging from the fog. The Red Land resembles a colorful cloth left behind by the gods, a fairyland created by the hardworking people of Dongchuan.