Damakan Village is located in Dongchuan District, Kunming City, approximately 196.3 kilometers from downtown Kunming, a journey of about two and a half hours. Around sunrise, overlooking Damakan Village from a high slope beside the road, one can see smoke curling from the red earth surrounding the village, while the surrounding poplar trees glow in the slanting rays of the rising sun, creating a tranquil and moving rural landscape. The Colorful Slopes and Splendid Garden offer views of the vast, undulating hillside from different angles.
Attractions Location: 50 meters west of Xiaohua Section, Hongtu Town, Dongchuan District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province
Tickets: free
Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
0871-3998000
Transportation:
By car: 1. Take the bus to Fazhe from Kunming North Bus Station and get off at Huashitou Village. The fare is about 37 yuan per person. There are two buses every day at 7:50 and 8:30. 2. Take the bus to Majie from Dongchuan District Bus Station and get off at Huashitou Village. The fare is about 18 yuan per person and the journey takes about 2.5 hours.
Charter: The price is 200-300 yuan, excluding tolls
Time reference: 1-3 hours
Brief intro: Explore Kunming Damakan, a beautiful park featuring lakes, gardens, and local cultural elements, ideal for a relaxing day in Kunming.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in central Kunming hotels like Jinjiang Hotel or boutique guesthouses. Dine on Yunnan wild mushroom dishes and fresh river fish.
Souvenirs: Local teas, mushroom products, handcrafted embroidery, and Pu’er tea.
Brief intro: Combine a visit to Damakan with nearby cultural and natural attractions for a richer Kunming experience.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Kunming city center. Try Yunnan-style hotpot and local ethnic snacks.
Souvenirs: Ethnic minority crafts, wooden carvings, and herbal teas.
Brief intro: Add a day trip to Stone Forest, one of Yunnan’s most famous natural landmarks.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Kunming or near Stone Forest park lodges. Sample local wild mushroom dishes and Yunnan rice noodles.
Souvenirs: Stone carvings, Yi embroidery, local tea, and natural mineral water.
Brief intro: Explore Kunming’s botanical richness and cultural sites beyond Damakan.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Kunming city center. Try Yunnan mushroom dishes and tea-infused cuisine.
Souvenirs: Buddhist artifacts, herbal teas, flower-scented sachets, and local snacks.
Brief intro: Include nearby ethnic minority villages and markets for a cultural deep dive.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Kunming or guesthouses in minority villages. Sample local Dai or Yi minority dishes.
Souvenirs: Minority embroidery, silver jewelry, bamboo crafts, and local teas.
Brief intro: Combine nature, culture, and leisure with visits to lakeside resorts and art spaces.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near Dianchi Lake or city center. Enjoy lake fish dishes and creative Yunnan fusion cuisine.
Souvenirs: Local art pieces, pottery, handcrafted jewelry, and flower teas.
Brief intro: A comprehensive Kunming experience centered around Damakan combining nature, culture, ethnic diversity, and leisure.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Kunming city center or lakeside resorts. Try Yunnan mushroom hotpot, wild herbs, and local teas.
Souvenirs: Yunnan teas, ethnic crafts, local spices, and handcrafted souvenirs.
The road to Damakan is quite rough and has many bends. A large parking lot has been built near the viewing platform, and a cable car is under construction. There are no public toilets yet.
In the morning mist, the first ray of sunlight shines on the red soil, and the beauty is beyond words.
The road to Damakan is long and the scenery is very ordinary (mainly large windmills), so you can give up.
Damakan is a good place to take photos of the sunrise. Before and after sunrise, smoke curls up from the village surrounded by red soil, creating a tranquil and moving pastoral scenery.
Damakan is a place to watch the sunrise. The viewing area is relatively small, and the viewing platform under construction blocks most of the view.
Through the gaps, you can only see a tiny bit of red earth awakening in the morning light. It is recommended to ask the locals first whether the viewing platform has been built. Otherwise, it is better to go to Luoxiagou to watch the sunrise.
This is one of the best spots to take photos of the sunrise. Under the sun, the mountains appear and disappear, giving it a sense of layers.
I always feel like I've stumbled into a photography base for middle-aged and elderly people when I came here. I didn't meet a single young person on my trip, which is too much. It's really easy to see the Jesus light here, which is great.
The altitude here is about 2,300 meters. Wind resources are abundant, and the spinning windmills make a loud noise.
The scenery is average, but it is also one of the special attractions.
A scenic spot in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming. Watching the sunrise from Damakan is a must-see when traveling to Dongchuan Red Land, Yunnan.
The best place to watch the sunrise in Kunming Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Area
The red soil scenery is integrated with the lively village. In Lepingao, you can appreciate the red soil in the village, and the breath of life wraps your body and mind. Looking down from a distance here, it is like appreciating a landscape painting, a feeling of jumping out of life and being intoxicated by art.
The core scenic spot of Dongchuan Red Land, God's Palette
Turning over again, he holds the flower and plays with the stamens, and plays with mandarin ducks under the leaves.
The scenery along the way is particularly beautiful and it is worth going.
Whether it is sunrise, morning glow, or pastoral scenery, you can capture it here!
I got up early at 6:30 to watch the sunrise but failed, but the morning mist was equally stunning. There was no Makan Viewing Platform in the navigation, so I just kept driving along the road and arrived when I saw a lot of cars parked on the roadside. They were all holding cameras and long guns. As a photography novice, I just wanted to experience it.
Visit the Dongchuan Red Land, watch the sunrise from Damakan, and the sunset from Luoxiagou. Damakan is a must-see for photography enthusiasts. Arrive at Damakan before sunrise and climb the hillside to a viewpoint. A stone plaque describes the scenic spot: it faces the main peak of Wumeng to the east and the three peaks of central Yunnan to the north. As the morning light approaches the Wumeng peaks, smoke from farmhouses curls up, creating a picturesque, dreamlike, and truly magical scene. The best viewing season is from April to November; the best time is at sunrise in the morning; the best weather is the third day after rain. I visited Damakan twice, in mid-May and late November. I drove over half an hour in the dark to reach the viewpoint, then waited for the sunrise to see the rays of light pierce the clouds and reach the mountaintops. However, the weather was not favorable, and I didn't witness this dreamlike spectacle.
I got up early to watch the sunrise. There were quite a few people there, but I didn't think it was that beautiful. Maybe I prefer the sunrise in Puzhehei~~ But the windmills and the red soil in the back complement each other very well, which is quite unique~~
Damakan Village is located in Dongchuan District, Kunming City. Around sunrise, overlooking the village from a high slope beside the road, smoke curls from the red earth surrounding the village, while poplar trees shimmer in the slanting rays of the rising sun, creating a tranquil and moving pastoral scene. The best season for photography in Dongchuan's Red Earth (Damakan) is from September to December, when rapeseed, potatoes, and buckwheat are being harvested, winter wheat is sprouting, and the poplars along the roadsides, near the village, and in the woods turn yellow and the sumac trees red. The best time is January and February, when wheat is in full bloom and the moon fields are filled with water. Finally, May and June, when rapeseed flowers bloom and wheat ripens, create a vibrant and vibrant scene.
The charm of Damakan lies in the harmonious blend of morning mist and evening glow, the radiant sea of clouds, the blue sky and white clouds, the smoke from farmhouses, the idyllic villages, and the magnificent mountains and rivers. In the early mornings around sunrise, overlooking Damakan from the hillside of the highway, you can admire the curling smoke from the village and the morning mist and sea of clouds rising from the red earth.
A great place to watch the sunrise in the Dongchuan Red Land.
The weather was not very good. It was foggy in the morning and I didn’t get to take pictures of the sunrise. But looking at the people who were freezing cold waiting to take pictures of the sunrise, I also give a thumbs up to everyone.
Kunming is my second hometown because I like Kunming snacks very much.
The scenery here is pretty good, but the weather was not good on the day we came to see the sunrise, so we didn't see much. However, the big windmills in the morning light are still very beautiful, and many people are taking pictures. And if there is a blue sky and flowing white clouds in the background, the time-lapse video effect is very good.
There is a small path on the side of the road that leads to the hillside to watch the beautiful sunrise.
In the Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Area, Damakan is probably the best place to photograph the sunrise. I was woken up by the chartered car driver at dawn and taken to Damakan. Unfortunately, all the camera positions were taken, and I couldn't even set up my tripod. I only managed two quick shots.
In the Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Area, Damakan is probably the best place to photograph the sunrise. I was woken up by the chartered car driver at dawn and taken to Damakan. Unfortunately, all the camera positions were taken, and I couldn't even set up my tripod. I only managed two quick shots.
Damakan is located in Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County, Kunming City.
It was already dark when I went there... I didn't see much scenery... Oh...
A very beautiful place, God's lost palette in the world
The scenery is first-class, suitable for viewing in the morning and evening, and a little far away.
The quiet little village, the early morning smoke can better reflect its fairyland
Waiting for a perfect photo opportunity in Damakan Village, one might even stay for ten days or even half a month, just to wait for that moment to snap the shutter. The time spent is worth it for the beautiful images that are rewarding. This is a superb photography location, and any spot can be a painting. Blocks of color stitch together this expanse of red earth; in the distance, a sea of clouds drifts in, slowly enveloping, then drifting away. Ashima walks toward the village, where smoke from the homes rises, slender lines rising into the sky. The sunset that day is particularly beautiful. The most handsome young man in the village sits at the village entrance, whistling a tuneless tune. He sees Ashima's face, delicately covered by the crimson clouds, as red as the setting sun.
It seems to be the place in Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Area where blockbusters are most likely to appear!
There was heavy fog when I went there. As the fog slowly moved away, I could vaguely see the colorful and beautiful countryside. Unfortunately, this stingy beauty only lasted for a few seconds. I will go again when I have the chance.
Damakan, about 6 kilometers from the Red Land Photography Center, is a great spot for sunrise viewing. We woke up early that day and drove to Damakan at 6:30 a.m. to see the sun rise, the sunlight filtering through the thick clouds, a truly stunning sight. There are numerous massive wind turbines, and the red soil, mountains, rapeseed flowers, sunshine, and windmills create a breathtaking scene.
A great place to watch the sunrise, lucky to have good weather.
Around sunrise, overlooking Damakan Village from a high slope beside the road, you'll see smoke curling from the red earth surrounding the village, and poplar trees shimmering in the slanting rays of the rising sun, creating a tranquil and moving rural landscape. This is the perfect spot for sunrise viewing, and with luck, you can witness a dreamy sunrise and morning glow. However, due to its distance, you'll need to get up early, starting at 5:30 AM. Photographers seeking outstanding photos will need to secure a favorable vantage point as early as possible.
I went to a place that many photography experts love to go without any equipment. But even so, the photos I took with my mobile phone were shocking enough. I was very proud of it. Hehe
The scenery is excellent, and I recommend friends to go in May, as it enters the rainy season in June.
Red Land is a great place to photograph the sunset. It is important to get up early and occupy a favorable terrain.
Damakan is a place to watch the sunset. Since the sunset in the red soil is around 7 o'clock in the evening, we arrived at 4 o'clock and waited for three hours in the strong wind. Our faces were almost blown crooked.
However, the sunset is very powerful. Sometimes it looks like a crocodile, sometimes it transforms into a phoenix rising from the ashes, and it is a scene of fiery clouds.
We set off at 5:30 in the morning to shoot the sunrise at Damakan. Due to the high slopes, the sunrise shots were not very satisfactory. However, the group of photographers was still quite spectacular. Besides us, there were also many photography enthusiasts who came here to shoot the sunrise.
Damakan is a great place to watch the sunrise. We woke up before dawn, drove to a crowded parking area, and finally saw the sun rise. Damakan isn't about watching the sun rise, but about watching the valley villages bathed in the morning light. As the early morning sun shines, a thin layer of mist may linger over the valley, shrouding the mountain ridges. In the small villages, smoke rises from chimneys, and the sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking. The red earth surrounding the village, with poplar trees shimmering in the slanting rays of the morning sun, creates a tranquil and moving rural landscape. Free wild scenery.
Many people mentioned visiting China-TravelNote and saying that Damakan is a great place to watch either sunrise or sunset. Our arrival at the Red Land coincided with a once-in-a-decade snowstorm, turning the entire Red Land a single color—white. Damakan was no exception. While I felt a little disappointed not to see the vibrant colors of the Red Land, such a pure, snowy white is probably something you only see once in a blue moon. I'll save that regret for another visit!
The sunrise in Damakan is very beautiful. The one-way distance is 9 kilometers, so it is recommended to go early in the morning.
There are many people taking photos and videos here. I walked around and didn't think there was anything special.
Damakan is about 10 kilometers away from Huashitou Village. It is the best place to watch the sunrise. From a high vantage point, you can overlook a vast expanse of land. The sunrise is spectacular, but you have to rely on luck to see it.
Damakan is about 10 kilometers away from Huashitou Village. It is the best place to watch the sunrise. From a high vantage point, you can overlook a vast expanse of land. The sunrise is spectacular, but you have to rely on luck to see it.
It’s better to go to Damakan in the afternoon. If the weather is good, you can take really great photos!
God overturned the palette, and the bumpy road was worth it.
Damakan in Dongchuan Red Land is a good place to watch the sunrise. It is quite far away and you need to rent a car or drive there yourself.
Dongchuan Red Soil is a famous spot for watching the sunrise. The sun rises from the opposite mountain top, and the light shines on the layers of red soil terraces below Damakan, which are mottled and brilliant, like leopard prints.
Just as a place to watch the sunrise, the location is not the best
One of the best places to take pictures of the sunrise, you need to go there in advance to reserve a spot.
Damakan. This is also a relatively high altitude area and the best place to watch the sunrise. Although I didn't end up watching the sunrise here, it must be excellent given the altitude. However, it is also relatively far from the scenic area and accommodation, so you need to charter a car early in the morning to watch the sunrise.
The wind here is really strong, it feels like it can blow people away, so I guess so many wind power generation facilities have been built here recently.
This is a place to take pictures of the sunrise. There is no obvious sign and no entrance fee.
This was my favorite spot on this trip to Dongchuan. I didn't know the name of this spot when I went there, but I loved the scenery. There was no need to think too hard about the angle for the photo; from every angle, it was a beautiful painting. The winding road in the middle broke up the monotonous red earth landscape, creating a flowing, linear beauty. A passing car suddenly brought the entire landscape to life, vibrant and vibrant. I remember squatting in the sun just to snap a photo of a car passing by. Damakan is a place where great photos are easily taken.
The next morning, we had to get up early because we wanted to go to Damakan to watch the sunrise. We didn't have breakfast and headed to Damakan before dawn. The little girl could really stand the hassle.
It was still dark when we arrived at Damakan. Looking out the window, I saw many hikers waiting to see the sunrise. The wind blew their hair wildly. The driver said, "It must be cold outside." Sure enough, when we got out of the car, everyone was shivering from the cold.
Before the sun rises, the distant mountains appear indigo blue. Once the sun comes out and shines in all directions, the photos that had just had a cold tone immediately become cheerful.
The scenery here gives me a complicated feeling, both vast and distant, and sad and melancholy.
We started waiting from the dawn, waiting for the sunlight to begin to gently illuminate this red land, the villages dotted on this red land, and the people in every household in the villages.
The only thing that caught my eye along the Damakan trail was the mountain-wide array of wind turbines. According to the Damakan stele, the best time to observe the wind turbines is early morning at sunrise, which differs from what Zhang Kaiquan said. However, I don't think there's a conflict. While morning might be best for viewing with the naked eye, afternoon is probably best for photography. This is a matter of opinion, not a question of right or wrong.
Good attractions are a bit far away and you have to hire a car to go
Damakan is the name of a village located on the northern line of the Red Land, quite far from Huashitou Village. It is said to be the best place to watch the sunrise and take morning photos.
Before sunrise, the clouds are misty. As the sun rises, the villages and farmlands gradually unveil their mysterious veils, gradually revealing charming colors, like a dream.
When we arrived, the small viewing platform was already cluttered with cameras, leaving no place to stand. We had no choice but to climb a few steps up the slope to the back, where we waited for sunrise. Dark clouds rolled in the distance, gradually witnessing the arrival of a miracle. When two shimmering clouds shone in their utter beauty before my eyes, we could only press the shutter button to etch this moment into our memories forever. Just this one glimpse of the shimmering clouds of the South was enough. The photo captures the breathtaking beauty of the moment, but we were so lucky to see it, as the driver said it was his first sight this year.
A good place to watch the sunrise in the morning is to climb halfway up the mountain at the Damakan sign on the highway. There is a viewing platform from which you can have a panoramic view of the village.
It was foggy when I went there, so I didn't see the panoramic view, which was a pity. However, looking at other people's pictures, it's worth a visit. It's better to go here early in the morning, get up before 6 o'clock, and those who like to sleep in should give up.
It is the largest and most extensive terraced landscape in the red soil area, and it is also a best place to take pictures of the sunset, if I remember correctly, haha
Damakan is located in Dongchuan District, Kunming, approximately 196.3 kilometers from downtown Kunming, a journey of about two and a half hours. Around sunrise, overlooking Damakan Village from a high slope beside the road, one can see smoke curling from the red earth surrounding the village, while the surrounding poplar trees glow in the slanting rays of the rising sun, creating a tranquil and moving rural scene.
Damakan is a great place to watch the sunrise. I got up before dawn and drove to where many cars were parked. After waiting for a while, I finally saw the sunrise. It was beautiful!
A long time has passed, but the red color of rust still lingers in front of my eyes and is unwilling to go away.
Many blockbusters are taken from this place. As long as the weather is good, it will be very beautiful. Especially when there are two clouds passing by, the layers are very rich.
I went there early to greet the sunrise. The air was fresh and a little cold. It was foggy so I couldn't see the sunrise. I still liked the foggy feeling.
On the observation deck, tourists from all corners of the world, eagerly anticipating the sunrise, casually chatted about their experiences and whiled away the hours. As the scenery changed, everyone marveled at the wonders of nature, and at someone's hilarious story, everyone laughed heartily. At that moment, I believe everyone was genuinely enjoying this joyful atmosphere. It was 7:00, and we prepared to move on to the next attraction. Everyone said goodbye and wished each other well.
The place to watch the sunrise is crowded in the morning.
Many people who go to Dongchuan to take pictures of the red soil like to go to Damakan to take pictures of the sunrise. In fact, Damakan Village is more interesting after sunrise.
Damakan in Dongchuan, Kunming, is the core scenic area of the Red Land, renowned for its stunning light and shadow at dawn and dusk. Arriving before sunrise is recommended. The mist-shrouded terraced fields, bathed in golden sunlight, transform into vibrant shades of red, brown, and green, resembling a palette overturned by God. Farmers working in the fields and sheep grazing leisurely add a touch of dynamism to the scene, and a wide-angle lens perfectly captures the gradations of the red earth and distant mountains. The best time to visit is from October to March, when the contrast between the buckwheat and rapeseed fields is striking. Chartering a vehicle is required, and we recommend combining this with a day-long photography tour of Luoxiagou. This place is free of commercialism, embodying the untouched rhythm of northeastern Yunnan's earth.