Dongchuan District
Dongchuan District
A visit to the Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Area (东川红土地景区) is incomplete without a stop at Wangfang Liangzi (瓦房梁子). This location is renowned as a frequent spot for the old star of Dongchuan, and many visitors remember him fondly. Previously, a high school classmate of mine visited and even encountered the old gentleman along with his partner and granddaughter. Unfortunately, during our recent visit, the old man had passed away. His image, clad in a long sheepskin coat (大羊袄) and holding a long pipe (长烟), remains etched in our memories.
Scenic Beauty of Wangfang Liangzi
Wangfang Liangzi is the first scenic spot encountered on the journey from Kunming (昆明) to Dongchuan.
As you continue along the road after passing Yuepuao (月破坳), you will arrive at Wangfang Liangzi. This small village is notable for its hillside location, offering breathtaking views of both the nearby and distant red lands. Visitors are often captivated by the stunning landscape, which showcases the vibrant red soil that the region is famous for.
Local Culture and Interaction
Interestingly, while exploring Wangfang Liangzi, you may encounter local Yi people (彝族) dressed in traditional sheepskin coats and carrying portable long pipes . These locals are generally friendly and enjoy posing for photos with visitors, with the picturesque Red Land serving as a stunning backdrop. It is customary to offer a small token of appreciation, as being a “model” for photographs deserves recognition and reward.
Ideal Sunset Viewing
Wangfang Liangzi is undoubtedly an excellent spot to enjoy the sunset. Due to its elevated terrain, you can gain a panoramic view of the beauty of Yuepuao, providing a perfect setting for capturing the vibrant colors of dusk as they illuminate the landscape.
Early Life and Introduction to Wood-carving
Xu Zhenghai (徐正海), a Han Chinese born in 1953, hails from Shanmu Village (杉木村), Shanmu Township (杉木乡), in Dongchuan District (东川区), Kunming. Growing up in a humble farming family, Xu’s early years were marked by hard work on the family farm. Despite his challenging circumstances and not completing his elementary school education, he was drawn to the craft of wood-carving, following in the footsteps of his father. Xu began learning wood-carving at a young age, dedicating himself to the craft that would shape his life.
Mastery of Wood-carving and Artistic Contribution
Xu Zhenghai is renowned for his skill in folk wood-carving, an essential and revered tradition in Dongchuan. In the early years of his craft, Xu primarily focused on carving religious statues, particularly Buddhist icons, as well as images of deities and ancestors. This practice was deeply rooted in the local customs, where villagers would request wood-carved statues for their homes to honor various gods, ancestors, and spirits.
His wood-carving creations are known for their intricate details and local cultural significance. Xu’s works, including statues such as Lingguan Buddha (灵观佛祖), Xu Gongming Ancestor (徐公民祖), Guanyin of the Child-giving (送子观音), and Wealth God (财神), reflect not only his technical mastery but also the region’s rich folklore and spiritual traditions.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Xu Zhenghai’s work plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the folk wood-carving tradition of Dongchuan. His pieces are not only functional religious artifacts but also valuable cultural expressions that contribute to the identity of the local community. Each piece he creates carries the unique cultural imprints of his village, making his carvings both distinctive and significant in the region’s artistic history.
As an inheritor of this craft, Xu is deeply committed to passing his knowledge on to the next generation. His work has helped maintain the relevance of wood-carving in the community, ensuring that this ancient art form continues to thrive.
Early Life and Interest in Yi Folk Art
Wang Youcai (王财友), born in 1958, is a native of Muduo Village (木多村), Awang Township (阿旺乡), in Dongchuan District (东川区), Kunming, Yunnan. He is a skilled artisan and a respected inheritor of the traditional craftsmanship of Yi ethnic minority (彝族) folk musical instruments and other cultural artifacts. Growing up with an interest in music, Wang was motivated by the decline of local Yi craftsmanship, particularly the loss of traditional musical instrument-making knowledge.
Mastery in Yi Folk Musical Instrument Craftsmanship
In 1974, Wang Youcai began dedicating himself to the study and reproduction of Yi folk musical instruments, tools, and women’s headdresses. Largely self-taught, Wang learned traditional Yi techniques from local elders and through hands-on practice. Over the years, his craftsmanship expanded to include a variety of Yi ethnic instruments, including:
- Lusheng (芦笙) – a traditional bamboo pipe instrument
- Suona (唢呐) – a wind instrument with a distinct, high-pitched sound
- Kouxian (口弦) – a mouth harp
- Textile tools, such as weaving looms and spinning wheels
- Waist mats (腰毡) – a traditional accessory used by Yi women
Wang’s work is admired for its authenticity and precision, as he revives and preserves techniques that were at risk of being lost. His instruments are not only functional but also carry cultural significance, reflecting the rich heritage of the Yi people.
Legacy and Cultural Contribution
Wang Youcai’s dedication to the preservation of Yi folk craftsmanship has made him a key figure in the cultural life of Dongchuan District. His work helps maintain the traditions of the Yi people, not only by producing high-quality musical instruments but also by passing his skills down to the next generation.
His contributions have gained recognition within the local community, where his instruments are used in traditional ceremonies, festivals, and performances. Wang continues to research, create, and share his expertise, ensuring the survival of Yi folk art for future generations.
The news was updated on February 27, 2019.
Actually, this idea comes from Sun Haiping, the first Party Secretary of the working team to Guangzhong Village, which helps the local fight against poverty. Since Sun shouldered the poverty alleviation task in 2017, he has been attracted by the amazing scenery there. The lucid waters and lush mountains arouse his panting interests.
At the end of 2017, Sun invited Lai Weiquan, a Malaysian painting master to draw the first mural in Guanzhong, which was named “Towards a new life”. In March 2018, Lai came to the village again and created a new painting “My childhood”.
During the Spring Festival of this year, Lai Weiquan came to the village with another painter Lu Fangzhou. Both of them share the similar painting style which perfectly matches the view of the village. This time, ten murals were painted. These efforts are bringing more tourists to the village for taking photos.
Winter is a decent time to travel Yunnan. The weather in Yunnan is good enough with bright sunshine, azure sky and less rainfall. Flowers are in full bloom, and you may feel like it is in spring not in winter. Usually, Kunming serves as the first stop of Yunnan trip due to its convenient transportation and pleasant weather. If you are a shutterbug, Dongchuan Red Land and Yuanyang Rice Terraces must be included on your list. On the way, you can pay a visit to the “First Wonder of the World” – Stone Forest and experience the profound cultural deposits of the ancient town of Jianshui. 
Highlights of Kunming Winter Tour
Kunming City
With its perpetual spring-like weather which provides the ideal climate for plants and flowers, Kunming is known as the “Spring City”. The warm sun in winter is more attractive, so it is suitable for sunbathing. Every winter, black-headed gulls from Siberia fly to Kunming and settle in Green Lake and Dianchi Lake, , forming a harmonious scene of human beings and nature. So from November to January, it’s the best time to watch thousands of black-headed gulls gathering above your head.
Besides, you can visit the highlights of Kunming city, such as Birds and Flowers Market, Jinma Biji Archway, Nanping Street, Yuantong Temple, Western Hills, Yunnan Ethnic Villages, etc.
Read more about Kunming City Travel Guide.
Dongchuan
Dongchuan, is a district of and the northernmost county-level division of Kunming city, which is famous for Dongchuan Red Land. Due to the warm and humid climate, the iron in the earth has been oxidized and deposit year after year. Every September to December, the bright red land with various crops, blue sky, white cloud and unpredictable light form the spectacular scenery hence the name ‘God’s Palette’. Thus it is a paradise for photographer.
Read more about Dongchuan Red Land Travel Guide.
Shilin
Shilin Yi Autonomous County is a suburban county under the jurisdiction of Kunming city. The Stone Forest is the most famous attraction of Shilin County. It contains Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone Forest and Naigu Stone Forest, all of which feature stones in various formations. Winter is the low season, but it’s more suitable to visit due to fewer tourists and enjoyable weather! If you will have a sunny day, you could take awesome pictures with light and dark effects.
Read more about Stone Forest Travel Guide.
For more information, please read How to Plan a Kunming Tour?
Highlights of Jianshui Winter Tour
Jianshui County is a county under the administration of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, which belongs to the subtropical south of Yunnan with nice and warm climate. So the best time to visit Jianshui is March to April and September to November, the climate is temperate at these months. Trying to avoid summer and autumn when raining and hot during the same period.
Jianshui is famous for Jianshui old town, Shuanglong Bridge, Jianshui Confucius Temple, Zhu Family Garden, Tuanshan Village, etc. Jianshui old town is renowned as “Museum of Ancient Buildings and Residential Houses”, with ancient buildings and architectures dated back to over 1,200 years ago.
Read more about Jianshui Travel Guide.
Highlights of Yuanyang Winter Tour
Yuanyang County is one of the counties under the administration of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture. It becomes well-known for its spectacular rice terrace. Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces is marked by spectacular terraces that cascade down the slopes of the towering Ailao Mountains to the banks of the Honghe River. Part of the area in Yuanyang now owns the 45th World Heritage Site in China. It is available to visit Yuanyang all year round, but the best time to visit Yuanyang is in winter(from November to next April). In winter, there is only water in paddy field. With the change of sunray, terrace presents different beautiful scenery. Sea of cloud often appears at these months.
With a long history of more than 1300 years, the Best-known terraces include Laohuzui(Tiger Mouth) Rice Terrace, Duoyishu Rice Terrace, Bada Rice Terrace and Longshuba Rice Terrace. Every year, a crowd of photographers are attracted by the spectacular view of Yuanyang terrace like sunrise, sunset, sea of cloud. More and more people admire the charm of Yuanyang rice terrace.
Read more about Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Travel Guide.
Recommended Winter Tour to Kunming -Jianshui-Yuanyang
3 Days Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Photography Tour from Kunming
3 Days Jianshui and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Group Tour
5 Days Kunming and Dongchuan Red Land Tour
6 Days Yunnan Small Group Tour with Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
6 Days Kunming Yuanyang Jianshui Photography Tour with Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
8 Days Yunnan Photography Tour with Dongchuan Red Land and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces
Read more about Kunming Tour Packages.
Read more about Dongchuan Red Land Tour Packages.
Read more about Shilin Tour Packages.
Read more about Jianshui Tour Packages.
Read more about Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Tour Packages.
Book the Shiji Lijing Hotel in Dongchuan District and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions around the Guesthouse. Check the Rooms Types, Prices, guest Reviews, Breakfast, Dining, Facilities of Shiji Lijing Hotel in Dongchuan District. Discover genuine guest reviews of the comfy rooms along with the latest prices and availability – book now.
Chinese Name: 昆明东川世纪丽晶大酒店
English Name: Shiji Lijing Hotel in Dongchuan District, Kunming
Address in English:
Address in Chinese: 昆明市东川区兴玉路5号
Book the Deyuelou Theme Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions around the Guesthouse. Check the Rooms Types, Prices, guest Reviews, Breakfast, Dining, Facilities of Deyuelou Theme Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land. Discover genuine guest reviews of the comfy rooms along with the latest prices and availability – book now.
Chinese Name: 昆明东川红土地得月楼主题酒店
English Name: Deyuelou Theme Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Address in English:
Address in Chinese: 昆明 东川区 红土地镇花沟村委会花石头小组
Book the Wanda Tourism Park Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions around the Guesthouse. Check the Rooms Types, Prices, guest Reviews, Breakfast, Dining, Facilities of Wanda Tourism Park Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land. Discover genuine guest reviews of the comfy rooms along with the latest prices and availability – book now.
Chinese Name: 昆明东川红土地万达旅游园
English Name: Wanda Tourism Park Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Address in English:
Address in Chinese: 昆明 东川区 红土地镇花沟村新沟组28号
Book the Batian Manor Holiday Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions around the Guesthouse. Check the Rooms Types, Prices, guest Reviews, Breakfast, Dining, Facilities of Batian Manor Holiday Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land. Discover genuine guest reviews of the comfy rooms along with the latest prices and availability – book now.
Chinese Name: 昆明东川红土地八天庄园度假酒店
English Name: Batian Manor Holiday Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Address in English:
Address in Chinese: 昆明 东川区 红土地镇花石头小组52号
Book the Hongtu Gaoyuan Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions around the Guesthouse. Check the Rooms Types, Prices, guest Reviews, Breakfast, Dining, Facilities of Hongtu Gaoyuan Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land. Discover genuine guest reviews of the comfy rooms along with the latest prices and availability – book now.
Chinese Name: 昆明东川红土高原酒店
English Name: Hongtu Gaoyuan Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Address in English:
Address in Chinese: 昆明 东川区 红土地镇花沟村17号（红土地景区）
Book the Qicai Renjia Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions around the Guesthouse. Check the Rooms Types, Prices, guest Reviews, Breakfast, Dining, Facilities of Qicai Renjia Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land. Discover genuine guest reviews of the comfy rooms along with the latest prices and availability – book now.
Chinese Name: 昆明东川红土七彩人家
English Name:Qicai Renjia Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Address in English:
Address in Chinese: 昆明 东川区 红土地景区花石头村花秧段大丫口 ，近摄影基地
Book the Wenxin Home Hostel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions around the Guesthouse. Check the Rooms Types, Prices, guest Reviews, Breakfast, Dining, Facilities of Wenxin Home Hostel in Dongchuan Red Land. Discover genuine guest reviews of the comfy rooms along with the latest prices and availability – book now.
Chinese Name: 昆明东川红土地温馨家园民宿
English Name:Wenxin Home Hostel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Address in English:
Address in Chinese: 昆明 东川区 红土地镇花沟村委会花石头小组旅游示范村（近新杨线）
You Might Like
- 1 Day Dali Pilgrimage Tour to Weishan Old Town and Weibaoshan Daoist Mountain
- 7 Days Shangri-La Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng Village Trekking Tour
- 7 Days Dali-Shaxi-Lijiang Cycling Tour along The Ancient Tea Horse Caravan
- 9 Days Yunnan High Speed Train Tour from Vientiane (Laos) to Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri La
- 14 Days Mongolia-China-Laos Self-Driving Tour from Erenhot-Chengdu and Mohan
- 2 Days Yingjiang County Birding Tour
- 1 Day Kunming City Birding Tour
- 9 Days Yunnan Golf Tour to Kunming, Dali and Lijiang
Wafang Liangzi Village of Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
A visit to the Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Area (东川红土地景区) is incomplete without a stop at Wangfang Liangzi (瓦房梁子). This location is renowned as a frequent spot for the...
Xu Zhenghai – Inheritor of Folk Wood-carving in Dongchuan District, Kunming
Early Life and Introduction to Wood-carving Xu Zhenghai (徐正海), a Han Chinese born in 1953, hails from Shanmu Village (杉木村), Shanmu Township (杉木乡), in Dongchuan District (东川区), Kunming. Growing...
Wang Youcai – Inheritor of Yi Folk Musical Instruments in Dongchuan District, Kunming
Early Life and Interest in Yi Folk Art Wang Youcai (王财友), born in 1958, is a native of Muduo Village (木多村), Awang Township (阿旺乡), in Dongchuan District (东川区), Kunming,...
Murals bring a new look to poverty-stricken village
The news was updated on February 27, 2019. Zheng De is from Guanzhong Village, Dongchuan District of Kunming City, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan province. At the beginning of...
Best Yunnan Winter Tour to Kunming-Dongchuan-Shilin-Jianshui-Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces
Winter is a decent time to travel Yunnan. The weather in Yunnan is good enough with bright sunshine, azure sky and less rainfall. Flowers are in full bloom, and you may...
Shiji Lijing Hotel in Dongchuan District, Kunming
Book the Shiji Lijing Hotel in Dongchuan District and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions...
Deyuelou Theme Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Book the Deyuelou Theme Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist...
Wanda Tourism Park Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Book the Wanda Tourism Park Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular...
Batian Manor Holiday Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Book the Batian Manor Holiday Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular...
Hongtu Gaoyuan Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Book the Hongtu Gaoyuan Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist...
Qicai Renjia Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Book the Qicai Renjia Hotel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist...
Wenxin Home Hostel in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Book the Wenxin Home Hostel in Dongchuan Red Land and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist...
Tips Before Travel
Bring copies of your passport
Don't assume you're restricted to the main hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, our tours can start from any city.
Register with your embassy
For your safety, please register with the Embassy.
Always have local cash
Exchange some local currency for your trip
Our Team
Fenggu Yingshan Tea House and Tea Culture Learning Lijiang
Charlie Lee-General Manager of Yaso Travel and Xilinshan Tea Company
Leon Liu-Network Engineer of Trans Asia Discovery
Vincent Zhao-French Market and the Founder of VoyagesYunnan.com
Gary Elliot-Shareholder of Trans Asia Discovery
Michael Huang-Excellent French and English-speaking Tour Guide in Yunnan
Stephane-Volunteer of Yaso Travel
David Yao-Lijiang Tour Operator of Yunnan Exploration
Cindy Cao-Yunnan Tour Operator
Xilinshan Tea House (Kunming, Yunnan)
Rachel Nan-China Tour Operator
Lydia Li-The Founder of Yunnan Exploration
Anna Chen-Yunnan Tour Operator
Kelly Yu-Yunnan Travel Consultant
Cloudy Fu-Website Editor of Yunnan Exploration
Cuiyuan Yang
Skye Zhang-website editor of Yunnan Exploration
Customize a Trip
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once enquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.
Latest Articles
Yunnan Travel from Dalian of Liaoning
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Datong of Shanxi
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Fuzhou of Fujian
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Guangzhou of Guangdong
2025-06-14Contact Info
