Dongchuan Red Land (东川红土地) is an emerging destination a few hours out of Kunming. Over many years, the iron and aluminium rich soil underwent oxidation at high temperatures and with abundant rainfall, developing different shades of red, gold, white and brown. These lands, also known as “God’s palette”, extend for nearly 50km and are a photographer’s paradise.

The main crops grown here contribute to Dongchuan’s seasonal beauty. In spring, white buckwheat flowers and potato flowers spread all over the land. May to June is its most colourful period with golden wheat, highland barley and green potato seedlings, and in March thick snow blankets the fields.

Related: 5-day Scenic Holiday: Kunming, Jianshui, Yuanyang