Dongchuan
I first entered China from Laos and the first province I saw was Yunnan. Prior to visiting China, I had those preconceptions about China as well - smog, dirt, loud and noisy people.
Mountainous terrain covered with a network of fields present themselves beautifully in the sunshine.
However, Yunnan changed my mind completely. Maybe if I enter the country through another province I will never stay for so long wishing to travel around the country to get to know as much as I can. I will never know.
All I know, however is that when I saw and met the minorities in Yunnan I wanted to know more about this country. And the Universe helped me to reach my goal. Three years, couple of dozens of ew Chinese friends and 11 provinces later I still feel that I know nothing about China. It’s just vast. A lifetime not enough.
Endless Beautiful Fields
But let’s get back to Dongchuang.
Dongchuang was the very first place in rural China I visited. Actually it was recommended by a fellow backpacker from the Philippines I met in Laos when I volunteered there. The place located about 250km north of Kunming, Yunnan.
The laterite field in Dongchuan creates a unique landscape and I think it’s one of the most interesting places in Yunnan. Rarely visited by tourists -as of 2015 though- , which should be considered as an advantage of this place.
People here are very friendly
Unfortunately - constructions are everywhere. Likewise in whole China
Locals are friendly
And they like posing
The neatly lined crops create a unique scenery.
I visited the place late summer - early fall
Not perfect weather on the day I visited, still feel quite stunning
views.
Very friendly
And busy on the fields.
The amazing color is created by a red laterite soil.
How to get to Dongchuan, Yunnan
Hire a driver in Kunming
The drive takes about 2-3 hours one way and it’s recommended to stay in one of the local guesthouses in the area. When a driver is hired, they arrange accommodation for you. Price ranges between 200-300USD dependant on your negotiation skills
Travel by bus to Dongchuan from Kunming
1) Bus Route: Kunming – Fazhe (Red Earth)
There are two shuttle buses from Kunming to Fazhe (法者) . The bus passes by Dongchuan Red Earth. One bus starts from Kunming North Bus Station at 7:50am and 8:50am (3-hour)
2) Bus Route: Kunming – Dongchuan – Red Earth
First take the bus from Kunming North Passenger Bus Station ( 昆明市区的北部客运站 ) to Dongchuan District. The buses between the two places run between 7:00am and 7:00pm. (55 yuan). Then change for the local bus going to the Red Earth Scenic Area. ( two daily buses going from Dongchuan to Fazhe (法者) – one starting at 8:00am and the other at 2:50am).
Alternatively, you may take or share a taxi from Dongchuan to the Red Earth, approx. 150 yuan per taxi.
Getting around in Dongchuang
The easiest way to get around is to hire a friendly local (150-200 yuan per day)
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