2025 Dongchuan District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Yueliangtian in Dong Chuan is an epic moment for our story development. I've never felt myself so free as at that time. The sky is so close to the colored ground looking like different pieces of yellow, green, red, orange tissues sewed together with the border of mountain range. Sun light and wind are the only one true force which is ruling this world. I would like to remind that Dong Chuan Red Land is located in Yunnan province, far away from Kunming city center but still connected to and governed by Kunming City administration. Yunnan is a place when you are wondering at every turn journey. Yueliangtian left the unforgettable memory and it is real land of wonder. #themeparks#nationalpark#hiking

Dong Chuan Grass Land. In fact, Dong Chuan Red Land located in Yunnan province and governed by Kunming City is a place which has been well known by its valleys and canyons. Not many people are imagining the grass land here. But whatever it exists here. This is not vast plain of savanna, this is some part of elevated platform covered by famous red color soil giving opportunity to several species of herbs to grow. This is the option for camping but wind is pretty strong. Nice view, fresh air. #nationalpark#camping

Water mirrors I guess it could be best characteristic given to this unusual and remarkable nature creation. This place is also well known as Shen Tian and this is a, part of Jiu Xiang scenic area, which has many interesting spots. We are in Jiu Xiang, Kunming City agglomeration area, Yunnan province. The millions years of dripping water have created curved shaped small pools filled up with crystal clean cold water, which surface mirroring surroundings in dimly light of craft illumination. Dripping water sounds like modest Gu Zheng play. #nationalpark

Music Sore Depression. The basins, elevations, depressions and therefore formed valleys. This us Dong Chuan, Kunming City agglomeration, Yunnan province. We are in most remarkable place in whole Dong Chuan region which is under Kunming jurisdiction, named Music Sore Depression. Place of fun and wonderful view. It is really like a sound of happy music for the soul. Music sore Depression is a view on beautiful valley where very interesting local minority peasants culture potato and corn to supply it to the local markets. #nationalpark

Old man and Ram. We are traveling through vast land of Dong Chuan in Yunnan Province, passing through beautiful villages one by one. We have collected many stories about local landmarks, but I also think the travel memory is a people you have met during your trip. I have already introduced several persons from different corners of such big country like China. Today we will introduce one man who is very famous in Yunnan. I do not know the name of this person. The old man with ram is always on duty, waiting for travellers who would like to visit his land and taking pictures together with everyone. He is not asking money, but for this activity people usually give something. The wind is strong, sun is hot, but old man and ram forever there! #nationalpark

Dong Chuan lonely villages. Dong Chuan region which is formally known among travellers as Dong Chuan Red Land, the wonder of Yunnan Province. This is also a part of Kunming city agglomeration. Dong Chuan lost villages, isolated villages, lonely villages... We can pick up many terms. Down the valley and surrounded by hills and mountains there is lying deep inside the small village. It looks so special, and the more there should be the same as story from some kind of those romancing tales we had read before in childhood. The big world around and small peaceful world here at this point. How many such settlements are scattered in the map if Dong Chuan? Many, the answer is many, but all of them are hidden, and only curious and attentive travellers can discover these worlds. #nationalpark#hiking

Gong Fu in Dong Chuan Forest. Dong Chuan Red Land region. Yes, this area also belongs to the Dong Chuan, Kunming City agglomeration, Yunnan province. Mostly, Dong Chuan looks like countless basins, depressions, elevations, canyons and valleys with red color soil coveted by tiny grass. Yes, it is. But this region also has a pine forest, hidden pine forest among contrast landscape in this quite different world with amazing beauty. The atmosphere and surrounding landscape reminded us the old Chinese movies about Gong Fu, where good and bad guys always had showdown in this kind of forest. #nationalpark#naturalwonders

There are many unforgettable moments we got during our travelling in Yunnan. But what I will never forget is super tasty Yunnan food. What has really impressed me was rural area local dishes cooked from local products. These dishes are really tasty. I cannot describe how it is different with food we are eating every day. And, yes, this is the healthy food. May be someone thinks dishes are two simple. I can say yes and now. The countryside food is always simple but the taste could not be reproduced in any expensive restaurant. To be honest that was the most tasty food for me I have ever tried in China! Just let me guess, may be I have some Yunnan ethnic minority genes? Chips from corn, high quality rice (believe me you will never buy such rice in a shop), pork and vegetables, 土鸡汤 IR special chicken soup with herbs using in traditional Chinese medicine instead of regular species, baked potato and braised wild herbs. I miss these flavours!

I. Trip Highlights - High-altitude Flower Sea Spectacle: At 3,600m elevation, blue gentians, purple irises, and yellow wildflowers create a "palette spilled by God" from June to August, earning the nickname "Yunnan's Little Alps." - Light Hiking Challenge: 11km loop trail (600m elevation gain), with no bushes, alternating between gravel paths and meadows, suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers. - Four-season Wonderland: Spring rhododendrons, summer flower seas, autumn colored forests, winter ice lakes—each season offers unique landscapes. - Cultural Experience: Visit Yi ethnic villages, participate in Torch Festival bonfires, and listen to thousand-year-old copper mining legends. --- II. Route Planning (2-day/1-night Highlights) Day 1: Kunming → Luoxue Village → Erhai Flower Sea → Tangdan Town - Transportation: - Self-driving: Kunming → Hangrui Expressway → Yinkun Expressway → S91 Central Yunnan Loop → Luoxue Village (240km total, 4 hours), park by small houses at village entrance (free). - Public transport: Kunming North Bus Station → Dongchuan bus (45 yuan/person, 3.5 hours), transfer to rural bus to Luoxue Village (20 yuan). - Hiking route: - 0-5km: Ascend along creek on gravel path, passing abandoned mining area houses, occasional sheep herds, summer horse mane flower fields. - 5-11km: Cross alpine meadows, dense blue gentian fields from June-August, autumn colored forests and snow peaks reflected in lakes. - Accommodation: "Cloud Guest House" in Tangdan Town (150 yuan/night per bed), experience Yi ethnic fire pit culture, includes hiking pole rental. Day 2: Erhai Sunrise → Return Journey Exploration - Sunrise shooting position: Summit Despair Slope at 6:00am to capture flower seas and distant mountain silhouettes in morning mist (use ND filter). - Return route: Retrace steps or detour via Wild Ox Pond (guide required) to explore undeveloped primitive stone forest. - Return transportation: Depart before 11:00am back to Kunming, possible stop at Dongchuan Red Land for sunset photography. --- III. Accommodation Recommendations (Pitfall Guide) 1. Mountaintop Camping - Eco Campsite: Windproof tent + sleeping bag (100 yuan/person), includes hot water and simple breakfast, book 3 days in advance. - Pitfall warning: Decline "luxury camping packages" privately offered by villagers, beware of overpriced oxygen bottles (more reliable at campsite for 25 yuan/bottle). 2. Tangdan Town Homestays - Cloud Guest House: Traditional Yi style, fire pit room + viewing terrace (150 yuan/night), owner can arrange mine exploration guides. - Pitfall warning: Avoid guesthouses on mountainside without bathrooms, bring sleeping bags for cold nights. --- IV. Food Guide (Must-eat List) - Tangdan Town: - Yi Tuotuo Meat: Freshly cooked black mountain pork with bitter buckwheat cakes ("Grandma's House" 40 yuan/person). - Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: Matsutake + termite mushrooms, lamb bone broth (80 yuan/person). - Return Journey Supplies: - Dongchuan Lamb Soup: Lamb bone broth with buckwheat cakes ("Old Brand Lamb Soup Restaurant" 60 yuan/person). Pitfall warnings: - "Wild honey" in scenic areas is often syrup mixture; buy from proper stores in town. - Decline driver-recommended "expensive horseback riding services"; official stables outside scenic area charge 100 yuan/hour. --- V. Photography Guide (90% Success Rate) - Recommended Positions: - Gentian Flower Sea: Low-angle upward shots of flowers with portraits, 1/60 second shutter (best with side lighting 9:00-11:00am). - Despair Slope Light: Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for winding steps and sea of clouds, settings: f/8, 1/200s, ISO 200. - Ice Lake Reflections: Telephoto lens (70-200mm) to compress spatial depth, shoot during winter when ice falls are suspended. - Outfit Suggestions: Bright-colored windbreakers (stand out in meadows), anti-slip shoe covers (essential for slippery boardwalks). --- VI. Practical Tips (Safety First) 1. Transportation: - Self-driving: Kunming → Hangrui Expressway → Yinkun Expressway → S91 Central Yunnan Loop → Luoxue Village (240km total, 4 hours), parking fee 10 yuan/day. - Avoid illegal taxis! Villagers' off-road motorcycles have chaotic pricing (official charter price is 150 yuan/person round trip). 2. Equipment Checklist: - Essential: Anti-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker, hiking poles (2 anti-slip), 2L drinking water + trail snacks (chocolate + nuts recommended). - Recommended: Headlamp (for summit), sunscreen (SPF50+), glucose (for altitude sickness relief). 3. Safety Notes: - Altitude sickness prevention: No bathing or strenuous exercise on first day, bring oxygen bottles (25 yuan/bottle in county town). - Leech prevention: Wear long pants + shoe covers for June-August rainy season hikes, spray peppermint oil to prevent bites. - Weather warning: Large temperature variations at summit (-5°C~20°C), rain gear for rainy season (June-August), crampons needed for snow season (November-April). --- VII. Itinerary References (Flexible Options) - 1-day Quick Tour: Luoxue Village → Erhai Flower Sea round trip + starry sky photography (early start required), return in evening. - 3-day In-depth Tour: D1 Erhai light hiking; D2 Snow Ridge Fire Peak; D3 Red Land photography. --- VIII. Best Travel Times - April-June: Alpine rhododendrons and Gesang flowers, 10-20°C, avoids rainy season. - September-October: Clear autumn weather, strong color contrast between forests and red soil, ideal for aerial photography. - Avoid: July-August rainy season (slippery paths), December-February (low temperatures, foggy, requires professional equipment). --- Summary: Erhai is "Kunming's nearby cloud pasture," offering a 2-day journey through flower seas and glacier relics, experiencing nature's masterwork among starry skies and morning mist. Skip the tourist traps and explore this underdeveloped Central Yunnan secret on foot.

I. Trip Highlights - Cloud Meadow Secret Realm: The alpine meadow at an altitude of 3,200 meters is like a green velvet blanket. Purple irises bloom from June to August, and colorful forests and snow peaks reflect each other in autumn. It is known as "Little New Zealand in Yunnan." - Light Hiking Challenge: A round trip of 8 km with a cumulative climb of 700 meters, with wooden boardwalks, Desperate Slope, glacial relics and other characteristic sections along the way, suitable for beginners to advanced players. - Niche Secret Realm Check-in: Avoid the crowds and enjoy the exclusive 3,450-level "Little Great Wall" wooden boardwalk, glacial pot cold springs, wild azalea valleys, Gesang flower seas and other stunning scenery. - Scenery in All Seasons: Alpine azaleas and Gesang flower seas in April and May, colorful forests and sea of clouds in September and October, and ice waterfalls in winter, each season has its own unique charm. --- II. Route Planning (2 Days and 1 Night Essential Route) Day 1: Kunming → Jiejiping → Meadow Hike → Stargazing Camping - Morning: Drive 2.5 hours from Kunming city to Jiejiping Village (navigate to "Dongchuan Jiejiping"), park next to the small house at the entrance of the village (safe and light-avoiding). - Afternoon: Hike along the steps to the Cloud Top Viewing Platform (5 km round trip, 3 hours): - 0-2km: Cross the Gesang flower fields. The sea of flowers is like a carpet from April to June. It is recommended to wear bright clothes to take forest-style blockbusters. - 2-5km: Climb to the top of the wooden boardwalk, overlooking the U-shaped glacial canyon, and take pictures of "sea of clouds over the ankles" (16:00-18:00 is the best time for forward light). - Night: - Stargazing Camping: Ecological camping area on the top of the mountain (tent rental CNY 100/tent). The Milky Way is clearly visible after 22:00. Use an equatorial mount to shoot star trails. - Accommodation Options: Return to Dongchuan city and stay at "Qingfeng Hotel" (standard room CNY 200/night, including breakfast) to experience the Yi ethnic group's fire pit culture. Day 2: Sunrise Photography → Glacial Relics → Return Trip Exploration - Sunrise Location: Climb to the top of Desperate Slope at 6:00 to photograph the meadow and distant mountain silhouettes in the morning mist (use an ND filter). - Core Attractions: - Glacial Relics: Explore the U-shaped canyon carved by the Quaternary Glacier. The "glacial abrasion marks" on the rock walls are like natural reliefs (it is recommended to shoot with a slow shutter). - Wild Azalea Valley: Red azaleas cover the hillside in May. Wear a long white dress and take pictures of the flower waterfall cascading down in the "Line of Sky." - Return Trip: Descend the mountain along the original route at 11:00. You can visit the Red Land Scenic Area along the way (40 minutes by car). --- III. Accommodation Recommendations (Avoid Pitfalls) 1. Camping on the Top of the Mountain - Ecological Camp: Windproof tent + sleeping bag (CNY 100/person), including hot water and simple breakfast, must be booked 3 days in advance. - Pitfall Avoidance Tips: Reject the "luxury camping package" privately provided by villagers, and be wary of high-priced oxygen cylinders (the camp's CNY 25/cylinder is more reliable). 2. Dongchuan City Hotel - Qingfeng Hotel: Chinese Zen style, including hiking pole rental (CNY 200/night), suitable for returning the next day. - Pitfall Avoidance Tips: Choose non-standard homestays in the village with caution, and give priority to shops with health permits. --- IV. Food Guide (Must-Eat List) - Dongchuan City: - Dongchuan Noodles: Silky and chewy, recommended "Xiaoyunshan Fresh Chef" braised noodles (CNY 15 per person). - Blooming Potatoes: The skin is powdery and soft like flowers, served with Yi ethnic spicy sauce ("Mabang Post" CNY 20 per person). - Return Trip Supplies: - Mutton Hot Pot: Rock sheep bones are used to make the soup, served with buckwheat cakes ("Old Brand Mutton Soup Restaurant" CNY 60 per person). Pitfall Avoidance Tips: - Be careful when buying "wild honey" in scenic spots, most of which are blended with syrup; - Avoid "high-priced horse rentals" at the entrance of the village. The villagers' mule and horse team charges are chaotic (the regular price is CNY 100/hour). --- V. Photography Guide (90% Success Rate) - Location Recommendations: - Gesang Flower Field: Shoot the sea of flowers and portraits from a low angle, shutter speed 1/60 second. - Desperate Slope: Use a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to shoot the winding steps and sea of clouds. It is recommended to shoot with side light from 9:00-11:00. - Glacial Pot Group: Use a tripod + ND filter to shoot the water flowing like silk with a slow shutter (parameters: f/8, 1/200s, ISO 200). - Outfit Recommendations: Bright-colored windbreaker (eye-catching in the meadow), non-slip shoe covers (essential for slippery boardwalks). --- VI. Practical Tips (Safety First) 1. Transportation: - Self-driving: Kunming → Hangrui Expressway → Dongchuan Exit → G213 National Highway → Jiejiping (2.5 hours for the whole journey), parking fee CNY 10/day. - Public Transportation: Kunming Northern Bus Station → Dongchuan Bus (CNY 40/person), transfer to rural bus to Jiejiping (CNY 20/person). 2. Equipment List: - Must-have: Non-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker, hiking poles (2 non-slip), 2L of drinking water + packed lunch (recommended chocolate + nuts). - Recommended: Headlamp (for climbing to the top), sunscreen (SPF50+), glucose (to relieve altitude sickness). 3. Safety Instructions: - Altitude Sickness Prevention: Do not take a bath or do strenuous exercise on the first day, and prepare oxygen cylinders (CNY 25/cylinder in the county town). - Weather Warning: The temperature difference on the top of the mountain is large (-5℃~20℃). Prepare a raincoat in the rainy season (June-August) and crampons in the snow season (November-April). - Environmental Protection Tips: Take away your garbage and do not use open flames (the meadow is flammable). --- VII. Trip Reference (Flexible Choice) - 1-Day Quick Tour: Jiejiping hike + Cloud Top Viewing Platform photography (need to get up early), return in the evening. - 3-Day Deep Tour: D1 Jiejiping light hike; D2 Red Land photography; D3 Guniu Mountain exploration. --- VIII. Best Time to Travel - April-June: Alpine azaleas and Gesang flower seas, temperature 10-20℃. - September-October: The autumn is crisp and refreshing, and the colors of the colorful forests and ice lakes are in strong contrast. - Avoid: Slippery roads in the rainy season from July to August, low temperature and fog in December-February require professional equipment. --- Summary: Jiejiping is a "hidden fairyland around Kunming." Spend 2 days crossing alpine meadows and glacial relics, and feel the nature's craftsmanship in the starry sky and morning mist. Avoid Internet celebrity traps and measure the undeveloped secret realm in central Yunnan with your footsteps.

My friends, who understands! I've discovered the most New Zealand-like place around Kunming! There aren't many tourists here, so you can take your time and enjoy the scenery, which reminds me of being taken hiking by my parents when I was a kid. Nowadays, there are fewer and fewer places that aren't overly commercialized and have beautiful scenery, but you can find a sense of relaxation here. It's a 2.5-hour drive from Kunming. Below is a complete guide to this little "New Zealand" near Kunming! The difficulty here is moderate, and you don't need professional equipment, so ordinary tourists can easily handle it. Moreover, the transportation is very convenient, with asphalt roads all the way to the foot of the mountain, so you can even drive a sedan here. Along the way, you'll see unknown wildflowers, alpine meadows, and canyon scenery, which is super healing. The hiking route is all steps, and if you get tired, you can return the way you came according to your physical strength. There are no forks in the road, so you don't have to worry about getting lost at all. Navigation: Jiejiping, Dongchuan District, Kunming City. Parking: When you're almost at your destination, there's a small house at the bend. Drive 50m further down and park by the side of the road. Parking here is safe and not exposed to the sun, which is very convenient. Tickets: Free! Opening hours: Open all day. The best route to explore is to start at the foot of the mountain and slowly walk up the steps, enjoying the wildflowers, meadows, and canyons along the way, and feeling the beauty of the natural scenery. After reaching the top of the mountain, you can take a break and overlook the surrounding scenery. Here are some of the best photo spots: the entrance to the mountain, with wildflowers all over the mountains as a backdrop, is especially photogenic; halfway up the mountain, there is a protruding rock with the distant canyon as a backdrop, which can be used to take very impressive photos; the top of the mountain has a wide view, with blue skies, white clouds, and alpine meadows, and any photo you take will be a blockbuster. Note: The weather in the mountains is changeable, so remember to bring rain gear and warm clothes; pay attention to safety when hiking and wear comfortable shoes; protect the environment and do not litter. The local specialties are also not to be missed, such as Dongchuan mutton, which is tender and has no gamey taste. Whether it's made into clear soup mutton or braised mutton, it tastes great. There's also Dongchuan noodles, which have a chewy texture and are served with a delicious broth and various toppings, making them unforgettable. Be sure to try them if you have the chance!

Yaojingtang is located in Luniping Mine, Dongchuan District, Kunming City, about 3,700 meters above sea level. It is an ice lake created by the Quaternary glacier. The landform and landscape are very similar to those of Tibet, and it is known as the "Little Tibet in Eastern Yunnan". It can be said to be a small paradise for outdoor hiking enthusiasts. transportation: It takes about 4 hours by car from Kunming, about 8 kilometers on foot, and takes 2 to 3 hours. It is not difficult and can be challenged by beginners What to wear: The weather in the mountains is unpredictable, so you need to prepare warm clothes, waterproof jackets, raincoats, non-slip hiking shoes, trekking poles, as well as meals and water. Note: 1. Sun protection! ! ! You know the ultraviolet rays in Yunnan~ 2. Wear long-sleeved, thick, warm clothing! ! ! It's going to be cold! ! ! There might be leeches. 3. Lip balm and a hat! ! ! Strong wind

Little Bullock Exploration is located at the junction of Huize and Dongchuan. It's very challenging and not recommended for non-experts. Dongchuan Jiejiping Little Bullock's niche route is more beautiful than Big Bullock. It's not that you can't go to Wugong Mountain or Altay, but Little Bullock is more cost-effective. Jiejiping: It takes about three and a half hours to drive from Kunming to Jiejiping village. You can park your car there and then start climbing. It is recommended to bring plenty of water and food to replenish energy. It's best to bring trekking poles and comfortable shoes. You can also bring a knee pad to prevent knee injuries, as it is a continuous climb.

There are four seasons in a year? There are four seasons in a day! I always say, Yunnan is my fifth season... Clear skies in the morning, high sun at noon, sudden changes in the afternoon, snow and wind in the evening. Watch the sunrise in the morning🌅 Step into the blue ice lake Dark clouds over the mountain top Tread the snow in search of glaciers ......