Yunnan, the most southwestern province of China, is home to mild weather, diverse culture, delicious foods, and stunning scenery. Winter is a decent time to travel Yunnan. The highest mountains and the coldest temperatures in winter can be experienced in the northern part of Yunnan which borders Tibet. However, travelling around Lijiang, Dali and Kunming of the central Yunnan would be a great experience. The weather is good enough with bright sunshine, azure sky and less rainfall. Flowwers are in full bloom, and you may feel like it is in spring not in winter. Below we introduce you the top destinations to visit Yunnan in winter.

Top 1: Xishuangbanna – the Kingdom of Animals and Plants

Located south of the Tropic of Cancer, Xishuangbannan enjoys the tropical monsoon climate. November to next May is dry season with cool weather so that it is the hot tourism season. Try to avoid the peak holidays due to crowded Chinese tourists such as Chinese Spring Festival (usually in late Jan or early Feb.) While if you would like to taste the rich tropical fruit here, traveling during the period from June to September is a good choice. Please read more about Xishuangbanna.

Tips for the Visit

Highlights: Wild Elephant Valley, Menglun Botanical Garden, Wangtian Tree, Manting Park, Dai Village
Recommended Tour Length: 3~4 days
Recommended to Visit with: Kunming, Lijiang, Dali
Things to Do: See tropical rain forest and experience unique ethnic customs

Recommended Tours:

4 Days XishuangBanna Hiking Tour to Ganlanba Basin and Mekong River
4 Days Best XishuangBanna Tropical Forest and Ethnic Minorities Discovery
7 Days Kunming, XishuangBanna and Puer Family Tour with Tropical Forest and Ethnic Culture Discovery
8 Days South Yunnan Ethnic Minority Discovery and Tropical Forest Photograph Tour

Please read more about Xishuangbanna Tours.

Top 2: Kunming – the Spring City

With its perpetual spring-like weather which provides the ideal climate for plants and flowers, Kunming is known as the “Spring City”. 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. Besides, Dongchuan Red Land and Jiaozi Snow Mountain are worth visiting. Read more about Kunming.

Tips for the Visit

Highlights: Stone forest, Dongchuan Red Land, Dianchi Dam, Jiaozi Snow Mountain
Recommended Tour Length: 2~4 days
Recommended to Visit with: Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-la, Yuanyang, Xishuangbanna
Things to Do: See black-headed gulls, sunbathing, visit Dongchuan Red Land and Jiaozi Snow Mountain

Recommended Tours:

1 Day Kunming City Discovery Tour
2 Days Kunming Dongchuan Red Land and Jiaozi Snow Mountain Tour
5 Days Kunming Spring City and Luoping Rapeseed Flowers Photography Tour
6 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang Tour

Please read more about Kunming Tours.

Top 3: Dali – Nanzhao Kingdom with Bai Culture

Dali is one of the earliest cradle of Yunnan culture and created glorious Dali Kingdom. Walking around Dali, you will witness the magical power and charm with your own eyes. Dali has around 126 days in the year with temperatures around 18-21℃(54-66 F) which is the most appropriate temperature for taking a break. In addition, it enjoys abundant sunshine which is most welcome during the winter months thanks to its high altitude. Please read more about Dali.

Tips for the Visit

Highlights: Dali Ancient Town, Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas, Xizhou Ancient Town
Recommended Tour Length: 2~3 days
Recommended to Visit with: Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La
Things to Do: See natural scenery, explore history and ethnic culture

Recommended Tours

1 Day Dali to Lijiang Tour with Shaxi Old Town and Shibaoshan Mountain
2 Days Dali Cycling Tour around Erhai Lake
4 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Group Tour
6 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang Tour

Read more about Dali Tours.

Top 4: Lijiang – Highlights of Yunnan Tour

As a popular destination in Yunnan, Lijiang is considered as a fairyland blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow mountains and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by Naxi ethnic minority. In winter, Lijiang enjoys more sunshine than other seasons. Choosing a favorable local guesthouse and having a warm sun bath on a sling chair is a perfect way to spend your holiday in Lijiang. Please read more about Lijiang.

Tips for the Visit

Highlights: Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lugu Lake
Recommended Trip Length: 2~4 days
Recommended to Visit with: Shangri-La, Dali, Kunming
Things to Do: Visit snow mountain, explore ancient town and discover ethnic culture

Recommended Tours

1 Day Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Tour with Impression Lijiang Show
2 Days Lijiang Lugu Lake Tour and Matriarchal Society Discovery
3 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour

Read more about Lijiang Tours.

Top 5: Shangrila – Eden in Dream

Northern Yunnan, which borders Tibet, has the highest mountains and the coldest winter temperatures. If you would like to visit Haba Snow Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain(Lijiang) and other snow mountain, winter is a good time to visit. Otherwise, you should prevent to go north to Shangri-La or Deqin. Read more about Shangrila.

Tips for the Visit

Highlights: Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery, Tiger leaping Gorge
Recommended Trip Length: 3~5 days
Recommended to Visit with: Kunming, Lijiang, Dali
Things to Do: See natural scenery and explore Tibetan culture

Recommended Tours

1 Day Lijiang to Shangri-la Tour with The First Bend of Yangtze River and Tiger Leaping Gorge
2 Days Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain Tour from Shangri-La
4 Days Shangri-La City Tour
8 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Overland Tour

Read more about Shangrila Tours.

Top 6: Yuanyang – Paradise for Photographer

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. 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. If you want to experience rice transplanting, come and visit Yuanyang Terraces in late April.

Tips for the Visit

Highlights: Sunrise, Sunset, Rice Terrace
Recommended Trip Length: 3 days or longer
Recommended to Visit with: Kunming, Jianshui
Things to Do: See the spectacular scenery of terraces and explore Hani culture

Recommended Tours

3 Days Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Photography Tour from Kunming
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 Yuanyang Tours.

Top 7: Western Yunnan – New Land of Yunnan Tour

Including Dehong, Baoshan, Lincang and Nujiang, Western Yunnan belongs to the subtropical monsoon climate and the subtropical monsoon rain forest climate. It is located in the low-latitude plateau region, where there is no severe heat in summer and no severe cold in winter, and the four seasons are like spring. Tengchong, Ruili, Mangshi are top destinations of western Yunnan tours.

Tips for the Visit

Highlights: Menghuan Grand Golden Pagoda, Mengbanaxi Rare Park, Tengchong Volcano Park, Rehai Hot Spring
Recommended Trip Length: 3 days or longer
Recommended to Visit with: Dali, Lijiang, Kunming
Things to Do: See volcanic geology, discover rainforest and explore ethnic culture

Recommended Tours

10 Days West Yunnan Birding Tour with Gaoli Gongshan Mountain, Tongbiguan Nature Reserve and Ruili Tropical Forest
11 Days West Yunnan Overland Tour
13 Days West Yunnan Overland Indepth Tour

Read more about Dehong Tours, Baoshan Tours, Lincang Tours and Nujiang Tours.

Keep Reading:
How to Plan a Kunming Tour?
How to Plan a Dali Tour?
How to Plan a Lijiang Tour?
How to Plan a Shangrila Tour?
How to Plan Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Tour?
How to Plan a Honghe and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Photography Tour?
How to Plan a Xishuangbanna Tour?

Chinese Name: 昆明东川红土地红土人家酒店
English Name: Red Soil Home Inn in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming
Address in English:
Address in Chinese: 昆明 东川区 红土地镇花石头村52号 ，近035县道

The Red Land Villa Hotel（昆明红土人家酒店） was set up since 2006 and  decorated in 2014. There are 20 rooms available with different kinds. It’s equipped with wireless network, air-condition, water heater, independent washroom and available water of 24-hours. It’s 30 square meters for each room. Welcome to Yunnan! Welcome to the Red Land!

Add: No.52, Huashitou Village, Red Land town, Dongchuan District(东川区红土地镇花石头村52号）

Tele: 15288366915

The Best Time to Visit Dongchuan Red Land in Kunming
Dongchuan Red Land is mainly consisted of Damakan, Qicaipo, Jiuxiuyuan, Luoxiagou, Luosiwan, Yuepuao, Guoditang,etc.  The best time to visit Dongchuan is from May to June and from September to December. The snow landscape is also glamorous in March if it snows.

The Dongchuan Red Land is located to the northeast of Kunming, within the Dongchuan District of Kunming City. It lies approximately 250 kilometers by road from Kunming to the center of the scenic area. The main attractions are situated at altitudes ranging from 1,800 to 2,600 meters. The red soil, formed under the hot and rainy conditions of Dongchuan, contains high amounts of iron and aluminum, with low organic content, high acidity, and heavy clay composition. This vast area, extending for nearly a hundred kilometers, represents the most concentrated, typical, and distinctive red land of the Yunnan Red Plateau. Against the backdrop of blue skies, white clouds, and ever-changing light, the red land forms a spectacular landscape. In the scenic area grows a solitary pine tree, belonging to the fir family, said to be over a thousand years old. After dying for three years, it sprouted new shoots, and the local villagers, who call it the “Old Dragon Tree,” believe it protects the local community. When visitors went to the Old Dragon Tree, they were suddenly met with thunder and heavy rain, only for the clouds to clear and the sun to shine moments later—a rare auspicious sign, said to occur only once every few decades.

Best Time to Visit Dongchuan Red Land:

The best seasons for photography on the Red Land are from May to June and September to December. Additionally, the snow scenery in March is also quite beautiful. Different seasons offer different views, with the land appearing most red in the one or two days following heavy rain.

Dongchuan Red Land is world-renowned for its unique red soil and colorful agricultural landscapes. Due to seasonal changes and different farming activities, the Dongchuan Red Land showcases different captivating sceneries in each season. Here are the scenic characteristics of the Dongchuan Red Land throughout the four seasons:

Dongchuan Red Land In Spring (March, April, May)

The buckwheat flowers and potato flowers spread over the hill, the colors are bright and distinctive. It will snow in March, don’t miss the good chance to enjoy the red land with snow.

• Scenic Features: Fields filled with blooming buckwheat and potato flowers, with bright red and white patches creating a delightful contrast. Spring is the sowing season, and the freshly plowed red soil contrasts sharply with the fresh green seedlings. At this time, the fields are not yet fully covered by crops, the red soil is vibrant, the sky is blue, and the scenery is as colorful as an oil painting.
• Representative Spots: Qicaipo and Lepu’ao. The terraced fields and colorful soils in these areas are ideal for spring photography.

Dongchuan Red Land In Summer (June, July, August)

The buckwheat is ready to be harvested, the red land is covered by the golden buckwheat. The soil is tilled by farmers and gets very red. If the second day is sunny, it is exactly an palette in the sun.

• Scenic Features: Photographs of striped, reflective plastic mulch that resemble woodcuts. In summer, the crops are fully grown, with large patches of green contrasting with the red soil. The contrast is particularly striking after the rain, when the red soil’s colors are even more vivid and intense.
• Notes: July and August are the rainy season. Although the scenery after the rain is stunning, frequent fog may obscure visibility, and the roads can become muddy.
• Representative Spots: Damakan, the best place to watch the summer sunrise and the terraced fields.

Dongchuan Red Land In Autumn (September, October, November)

The rape flowers are blooming and the sunset is fascinating. There are 4 colors, the red land, the golden buckwheat, the white rape flowers and the green potato flowers.

• Scenic Features: Photographs of patches of rapeseed flowers and sunsets. Autumn is the most representative season for the Dongchuan Red Land. The golden fields after harvest contrast sharply with the red soil, making the multicolored fields perfect for capturing the natural beauty of autumn.
• Representative Spots: Jinxiuyuan. The pastoral scenery here is particularly enchanting in autumn, with clear layers and rich colors.

Dongchuan Red Land In Winter (December, January, February)

Photographers can shoot the early snowfall in Winter. It’s better for you to stay longer if possible, the landscape will be different in different days.

• Scenic Features: Photographs of the first snow. The Dongchuan Red Land is relatively quiet in winter, as the crops have been harvested, revealing the bare red soil, which presents a stark yet magnificent scene. The winter landscape is less colorful but has a raw and pure beauty.
• Climate: Winter is cold, especially at night, though the daytime is usually mild. With fewer tourists, this season is ideal for those who prefer tranquility and enjoy photographing minimalist landscapes.
• Representative Spots: The ancient thousand-year-old tree. The ancient tree, juxtaposed with the red land, offers a unique charm in winter.

Summary:

• Spring: Dominated by vibrant red soil and fresh green, the scenery is bright and colorful.
• Summer: Strong contrast between green and red, with post-rain scenes being particularly vivid.
• Autumn: The season with the richest colors, where gold and red intertwine.
• Winter: A tranquil and minimalist landscape, showcasing the raw beauty of the red soil.

Regardless of the season, the Dongchuan Red Land offers a unique visual experience, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. It is recommended to stay for a week to fully capture the different scenes, as the numerous spots offer varying effects depending on the light.

Scenery by Month on the Red Land:

• May: The Red Land displays four colors—red soil, golden wheat, green barley, and green potato seedlings.
• September: The Red Land shows four colors—red soil, golden buckwheat, white winter rapeseed flowers, and green potato seedlings.
• November: The Red Land has three colors—red soil, golden rapeseed stalks and seeds, and green mung bean seedlings.
• March: In most years, it snows in March in Dongchuan. The snow-covered red land under the sunlight is exceptionally beautiful, making March another excellent time for photography.

Dongchuan Red Land is a place of stunning natural beauty, known as a color palette dropped by the heavens on earth, which is now gradually disappearing. It offers a unique tourism experience and is a perfect place to feel the essence of nature. The Dongchuan Red Land presents different sceneries in different seasons and is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

Scenic Spots:

• Damakan:
  Damakan is actually the name of a village. Visitors can overlook Damakan Village from the high slope by the roadside at sunrise. The village, surrounded by red soil, is often shrouded in smoke from cooking fires, with poplar trees around the village glowing in the morning sun, creating a tranquil and captivating rural scene. This is one of the best places to capture the sunrise.
• Luoxiagou:
  Luoxiagou is one of the best spots to photograph the sunset and afterglow. In May, when the terraced fields are irrigated for rice planting, the lines of Luoxiagou resemble a pipa (a Chinese musical instrument), and the scenery is extraordinarily beautiful.

Self-Drive Route:

Moon Terrace – [Luoxiagou Scenic Spot] – [Thousand-Year Dragon Tree Scenic Spot] – [Grand View of Red Land] – “T” Junction Fork – Turn right for [Qicaipo] – [Jinxiuyuan] – [Damakan] – Turn left towards Kunming for [Lepu’ao] → [Luosuwan and Wafangliangzi]

The Dongchuan Red Land is famous for its grand and magnificent charm. The Xiaojiang River Basin is a globally recognized area for severe rainstorm-induced mudslides, while Jiaozi Snow Mountain, known for its “majestic, strange, dangerous, and steep” features, is hailed as “the first mountain in central Yunnan” and referred to as “a natural museum of mudslides.” The banks of the Xiaojiang River are Kunming’s largest tropical crop area, often described as a “natural greenhouse.” Dongchuan is becoming a new hotspot for tourism in Yunnan.

Recommended Photography Spots and Best Visiting Seasons in Yunnan:

1. Two-Day Tour of Kunming Red Land – Best Photography Time: All Year
2. Three-Day Tour of Jianshui and Yuanyang Terraces – Best Photography Time: Mid-November to March of the following year
3. Two-Day Tour of Yuanmou Earth Forest – Best Photography Time: All Year
4. Three-Day Tour of Puzhehei and Bamei – Best Photography Time: June to Early September
5. Two-Day Tour of Luoping Rapeseed Flowers – Best Photography Time: January to Early March
6. Eight-Day Tour of Nujiang Grand Canyon and Dulongjiang – Best Photography Time: October to May
7. Four-Day Tour of Ginkgo Village and Ruodeng Ancient Village in Tengchong – Best Photography Time: November to December
8. Two-Day Tour of Cherry Blossom Valley in Wuliang Mountain, Dali – Best Photography Time: November to December

When is the Best Time to Visit Dongchuan Red Land

Dongchuan Red Earth is situated in Wumeng Mountains with plateau features, crisscrossed with peaks and gullies against the boundless red hills.

September – December: It is the best time for photo taking. It is the harvest time for rapeseed plants, potatoes and buckwheat; budding winter wheat, and the golden autumn leaves along roads and in the villages, a charming palette.
January – February: also a good photogenic time with rapid growth of wheat and farmed lands filled with water.
May -June: a colorful season with rapeseed blossoms and the golden wheat.

Here are some popular tours arranged by Yunnan Exploration

2 Days Dongchuan Red Land Photography Tour
2 Days Kunming Dongchuan Red Land and Jiaozi Snow Mountain Tour
5 Days Kunming City Tour With Jiaozi Snow Mountain And Dongchuan Red Land
8 Days Yunnan Winter Birding Tour to Dongchuan Red Land, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao Nature Reserve
10 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Dongchuan Red Land Photography

Dongchuan District Travel Guide

Things To Do

• Dongchuan District Overview
• Dongchuan District Attractions
• Dongchuan District Tours
• Dongchuan District Shopping
• Dongchuan District Culture
• Festivals and Activities

Travel Information

• Dongchuan District Travel Tips
• Dongchuan District Climate
• Dongchuan District Transportation
• Dongchuan District Maps
• Dongchuan District Photos
• Dongchuan District Dining
• Dongchuan District Accommodation
• Dongchuan District Education
• Dongchuan District Travel News
• Administrative Divisions

Create My Trip

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• 1 Day Lijiang Hiking Tour from Wenhai Lake to Yuhu Village
• 1 Day Weishan Snack Festival Tour
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• 8 Days Yunnan Cycling Tour from Shangrila to Lijiang
• 13 Days Three Parallel Rivers Circle Adventure with Tiger Leaping Gorge and Yubeng Village Hiking Tour
• 1 Day Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Hiking Tour from Yuhu Village to Ganheba Valley
• 6 Days Haba Snow Mountain Circumambulation Hiking and Climbing Tour

Dongchuan District

Dongchuan District

Top Destinations to Visit Yunnan in Winter

Yunnan, the most southwestern province of China, is home to mild weather, diverse culture, delicious foods, and stunning scenery. Winter is a decent time to travel Yunnan. The highest mountains and...

Best Time to Visit Yunnan    Veiw

• Baoshan
• Dali
• Dehong
• Dongchuan District
• Dongchuan Red Land
• Jianshui County
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• Lijiang
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• Mangshi
• Nujiang
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• Yunnan

Red Soil Home Inn in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming

Chinese Name: 昆明东川红土地红土人家酒店 English Name: Red Soil Home Inn in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming Address in English: Address in Chinese: 昆明 东川区 红土地镇花石头村52号 ，近035县道 The Red Land Villa Hotel（昆明红土人家酒店）...

Accommodation    Veiw

• Dongchuan District
• Dongchuan Red Land
• Home Inns
• Kunming

The Best Time to Visit Dongchuan Red Land in Kunming

The Best Time to Visit Dongchuan Red Land in Kunming Dongchuan Red Land is mainly consisted of Damakan, Qicaipo, Jiuxiuyuan, Luoxiagou, Luosiwan, Yuepuao, Guoditang,etc.  The best time to visit...

Climate    Veiw

• Dongchuan District
• Dongchuan Red Land
• Kunming