Lepu'ao

Lepu'ao, a village in Dongchuan, boasts a vibrant, undulating landscape of fields. The name "Lepu'ao" comes from the resemblance of the lines of a musical staff. While Lepu'ao's scenery is similar to other places in Dongchuan, it's most famous for a dog-faced internet celebrity, a man in his 80s.

Lepu'ao, nestled in the heart of Kunming's Dongchuan Red Land, is a prime example of land art. The terraced fields undulate with the mountainside, and the crops of each season create vibrant hues, like a palette overturned by God, frozen in time. The silhouette of an elderly farmer leading his sheep through the morning mist is a striking addition. The viewing platform, with its cinematic filter, is a favorite among photographers. Visiting at sunrise or sunset is recommended, as the magic of light and shadow transforms the ochre-red earth into a golden-copper hue. Driving or chartering a car is more convenient (local elders occasionally charge a 10 yuan fee for taking photos). This natural gallery, free to the public, hides a priceless visual feast.

I'm a photography enthusiast from Jiangsu. A week ago, my husband and I drove through Kunming to the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Today, we went to the Dongchuan Red Land. Along the way, we photographed the sunrise at Luoxiagou, and visited Qicaipo and Jinxiu Tiandi. In Lepu'ao, we parked at the entrance of a restaurant called Lepu'ao Star Photography Restaurant to take some roadside photos. When we parked, the hotel host and hostess saw us at the entrance and didn't ask for a fee. We also didn't see any parking fee signage. However, a few minutes after we parked, the host and hostess came out to chat with us. They finally asked if we wanted food and accommodation. After we replied that we didn't, they insisted on charging us 10 RMB for parking, even though we'd parked for less than 10 minutes. Their excuse was that the parking area was theirs. We asked if they had any rules or rates for charging. Both the host and hostess were rude, saying they had to charge because it was theirs. The host even said he wasn't afraid of us calling or posting online. We had no choice but to pay 5 RMB before they let us leave. It's unfortunate that such an incident, so incompatible with the beautiful scenery, occurred in Lepu'ao. Of course, we also encountered many simple and friendly locals. While 5 RMB is a minor issue, we hope the local authorities will address this kind of arbitrary and pretentious charging. We also hope this platform will provide a reference for photographers considering visiting Lepu'ao.

This place is called Yuepuao. Does it mean that paper like musical notation was spread on this land, and then colors were applied between the lines?

The best time to visit the Red Land is from September to December every year. At this time, part of the red land is tilled and ready for planting, while the other part has been planted with green barley, wheat and other crops. From a distance, it looks like blocks of color painted by the sky, with brilliant colors, set against the blue sky, white clouds and the ever-changing beams of light, forming a spectacular scenery of the red land.

There are two old stars in the Lepuao Scenic Area, who are over 80 years old and have been on the World Geographic Magazine. They are very simple and cooperative in taking photos. They don't ask for compensation and always greet people with a smile.

It is a small scenic spot, right next to the road, with space for a few cars to park nearby, and there is a farmhouse 200 meters away.

This is a village in Dongchuan. One plot of land has very distinct lines and layers. I heard that a few years ago, there were no power lines, and the land was full of crops. But this time, when I visited, power lines were already visible in the frame, and some of the land was empty. The photography was a bit disappointing. When composing the photo, I tried to leave some space for daylight to breathe.

The weather was good, and the celebrity old man was diligently taking pictures with everyone here. I just don't understand why the celebrity old man became two people, one with a dog and the other with a sheep. There are many places suitable for taking pictures from Lepu Ao and then going down. There is a fee for places with platforms.

At first I didn't know, but then a very fierce old lady came over to collect the money. We said we couldn't go in, and it was speechless. If you have a car, it costs 5 yuan per car, and if you don't have a car, it costs 2 yuan per person. We parked our car at the observation deck above and paid the fee, but the per-person fee is more expensive than the per-car fee. It's speechless...

A few dollars really doesn't matter, but the domineering attitude makes people feel uncomfortable. It's really not as good as the celebrity old man who posed for everyone to take pictures. His attitude was very kind and he didn't charge any money. We gave more and felt happier.

The weather has changed just as predicted. So sad!

The scenery captured in the rain was also discounted. I have longed for the Dongchuan Red Land for so long, but now it makes me sad!

It's a nice place, with two old men taking photos there every day.

Although the time spent here was short, I really liked it there. The attractions are right next to the road and are colorful.

This is the scenery of Dongchuan in Kunming, not Dunhuang.

Lepu'ao, located next to Huashitou Village, is a small hillside. Its red earth landscape is characterized by its flowing, graceful lines, similar to the scenery of Qicaipo. In Lepu'ao, the ridges and gullies create a scene that dances like a beautiful musical score, melodious notes. The surrounding villages, neatly arranged in rows, add a perfect embellishment to the scene. The best time to photograph the flowing lines of the ridges is shortly after sunrise, using direct light to capture the flowing lines. At sunset, use backlighting to capture the scenery.

Lepuao is very close to Huashitou, and it is less than 2 kilometers away on foot.

Passing Lepu Ao, you must step down into the dirt. You can only take photos on the side, or you'll be charged by villagers. The curves here are quite unique. The national highway to Dongchuan has many curves and some areas have speed limits, so please be aware if you're driving. The scenery along the way is also quite nice.

A scenic spot in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming. God's palette is incredibly beautiful.

Because the time was right around sunset, and sunrise and sunset are usually the best times for photography, I left my bag in the room without saying anything and rushed out. I thought it was the most beautiful feeling, chasing that fleeting light, for the beautiful scenery I longed for, and the true impulse and passion in my heart. I didn't adjust the color of the picture above, this is the real scene of the sun shining on Lepu'ao. At the time, I had no idea where to go to shoot. I saw a few photographers on the hill in the distance, and based on the direction of the sunset, I hurriedly ran to the hill opposite to take a few pictures. The sun was just setting over the hilltop, so I hurriedly took this picture. Fortunately, I will have a full day of fun and photography tomorrow. Today can be regarded as my initial contact and appreciation of the red soil.

The Music Score Recess is located at the entrance to Dongchuan, and it is the first thing that catches your eye, giving you a sense of wonder and excitement about the red earth. Compared to other attractions, its color and lines are somewhat ordinary, but its location on the edge of a residential area, where there is a strong sense of life, gives you both the visual beauty of the red earth and a sense of intimacy. This is a feature that other attractions cannot match.

In Dongchuan, a sunken field is very touching.

Dongchuan is a very distinctive place, a great place for photography enthusiasts to take pictures!

The weather was nice, I passed by Lepu Ao and saw an old man with a dog. He was a very kind old man, now he is a supermodel

Lepu Ao is located on the main road of the Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Area. A stone with the word "Lepu Ao" written on it is a common sight. During my two days there, I often drove past Lepu Ao. The view from Lepu Ao is limited, but its distinguishing feature is the frequent presence of an elderly man in a sheepskin coat waiting to be photographed. The three iconic elements of the area are a smiling face, a pipe, and a dog.

If I don’t have a guide, I really don’t know if I can find the roadside attractions. When I went there in the morning, there was a local old man acting as a model and asking for a photo. It should be quite famous.

In fact, many places are similar. All places in Dongchuan are magnificent and breathtakingly beautiful.

Yuepuao got its name because it is located in a sunken valley between two mountains and the shape of the cultivated land resembles a musical notation.

These days, my eyes are filled with colorful red soil.

It's a very small spot, and half an hour is enough to stay there. Having said that, the photos taken are still good. There is a "famous model" there, an old man holding a pipe, and many people are surrounding him to take pictures. I don't like this kind of posed photos so I didn't take any. I saw that the photos taken by others are also pretty good.

Lepu'ao is a village in Dongchuan. The fields in the village are undulating and arranged in an orderly manner.

The concave color lines of the music score are very beautiful, like a staff, and are suitable for local light shooting.

Nearly half of the field of view in the music score is covered by woods and villages. The light in the evening is better, so you can take pictures of the sunset.

Lepu'ao is located just off the main road, with a stone tablet inscribed with "Lepu'ao." This is a valley where locals have planted a variety of colorful crops. Against the backdrop of the red earth, it creates a beautiful, three-dimensional painting. The previous night, we witnessed a spectacular sunrise at Lepu'ao. Despite the gloomy sky, we were truly grateful to see a glimmer of light at dusk. The next day, the weather improved, and we returned to Lepu'ao. The legendary men in sheepskin coats had been waiting at their posts for a long time. There were now three men, instead of just one, who let us take photos as we pleased. Their smiles told us they were professionals. The men were all very approachable; just remember to pay them a model fee after the photoshoot.

It's quite nice, very beautiful. It really looks like a page of sheet music.

My luck was really bad. When I arrived at the music score concave, it happened to rain. It was cloudy and rainy, and the camera lens was always wet. I had no choice but to take two pictures.

Lepuao is a village in Dongchuan, where the land is divided into musical notation-like

From a distance, it looks a bit like sheet music. It's okay.

It depends on the angle you look at this place from... We didn't find the right angle on the first day!

Our inn is right in Yuepuao, which is very convenient. However, there is not much to see in Yuepuao in the morning due to the light, so it is recommended that you go there in the afternoon.

Lepu'ao is located just off the main road, with a stone tablet inscribed with the words "Lepu'ao." This is a valley where local villagers cultivate a variety of colorful crops, creating a beautiful, three-dimensional painting against the backdrop of red earth. The previous evening, we witnessed a spectacular sunrise at Lepu'ao. Despite being overcast all day, we caught a glimpse of a rosy glow in the evening. We were truly grateful. The next day, the weather improved, and we returned to Lepu'ao. The legendary sheepskin-coated gentleman had been waiting at his post for a long time. There were now three men, instead of just one, who let us take photos as we pleased. Their smiles spoke volumes about their professionalism. The gentlemen were all very approachable; just remember to pay them a model fee after the photoshoot.

I was lucky enough to meet the Red Land spokesperson, that smile, that pipe, that dog

Another landscape of the Dongchuan Red Land. During the off-season, the viewing point is used by locals to dry crops, but you can still see colorful oil painting-like countryside next to it, which I like very much.

The colors are rich and natural, like God's palette.

It's beautiful, with particularly vibrant colors. We passed by it as we were leaving, and we were so happy to see it! Dongchuan is truly full of beautiful scenery, I love it! This place is mainly for photography, and the farmhouse also caters to photography enthusiasts!

The sheet music is very beautiful. It comes in May. The colors are bright and colorful.

Lepuao is a landmark attraction of the red soil. Circles and layers of red soil are wound together like colorful musical scores, forming a mound of earth, composing the most beautiful music of the red soil.

Continue driving along the highway and you will arrive at Lepuao, the first stop. Lepuao is located near the 108km marker next to Huashitou Village. Its scenery is similar to that of Qicaipo Jinxiu Garden, but nearly half of the view is covered by trees and villages. This old man has been seen in many travel guides. He is the living spokesperson for the red soil.

Next to it is the red soil, the color contrast is still so strong

Beautiful scenery and good air

There are beautiful views everywhere, and the entire Red Land scenic area does not charge a penny for admission, which is really great.

The best place to enjoy the sunset over the red land, it feels pretty good

The red soil area in Dongchuan District is relatively large, the scenery is beautiful, and the attractions are more concentrated.

Continue walking towards Kunming and you will see a stone tablet with the words "Le Pu Ao" written on it after about two kilometers.

The exposed red soil and crops merge into a piece of music, which is probably where the name of Yuepuao comes from.

This should be the most famous scenic spot in the Red Land. It is indeed beautiful, and it is even more beautiful when combined with the light and shadow effects.

It's a mountainous area on the side of the road. There's no clear sign and no entrance fee. It's hard to find without a local guide. You can drive yourself or charter a car.

Maybe it was the wrong season, but the music score wasn't as stunning as I'd imagined. I was a little disappointed. The colors were rather dull. I also saw the legendary red man of the red soil—an old man smoking a cigarette. Remember to pay for a photo.

There is a dead tree next to the full one. The color is very beautiful. When the wind blows, it is full of colors.

It's better to go there in the morning. It's a bit backlit in the afternoon.

Lepu'ao is a village southwest of Huashitou Village. There are woods around the village. The fields outside the village are undulating and staggered with beautiful lines. The light in the evening is better and you can take pictures of the sunset.

The Music Score Ao is located at the 108 km mark, very close to where we live and we can get there by walking.

One of the highlights of Dongchuan Red Land, it is best to go there in the morning for photos. Interestingly, there is a Mr. Zhang acting as a model, which makes the scenery more popular.

This is a highlight of the Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Area, with rhythmic lines and beauty.

A small earthen hillside, with circles of different crops such as barley, potatoes, rapeseed, etc., accompanied by red soil of different colors.

Lepuao is the name of a local village. The terrain is undulating, with red and green alternating, like a musical score.

There was an old man sitting there taking pictures with tourists. It was sunset and it was very fitting. It is indeed a great place for photography.

Don’t miss the scenery along the way. When we are in the car, we are often chatting or dozing off. In fact, looking out the window at the scenery outside will give you unexpected scenery and surprises, such as Dongchuan, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and the Gannan grasslands...

Lepuao, there are cute Dongchuan models, a one-toothed old man, and friends who go to Dongchuan to play, his figure is almost always in the camera.

The layers of terraces of different colors and the celebrity-like elderly people beside the terraces are all a joy to behold.

It was so beautiful. We arrived a little late and the colors of the rainbow had begun to fade. The tourists who arrived before us said that the rainbow was even more beautiful when it first appeared. It was a whole semicircle with bright colors. It was the most perfect rainbow they had ever seen.

This spot is average, with many red soil shapes.

The most attractive thing about Lepuao is the old man wearing a sheepskin coat. Although he has become a professional posing expert, he is still a piece of scenery, haha.

The people are simple and honest. There is an old man who has been voluntarily serving as a model for photography enthusiasts for more than a few years. He has become a very professional figure model and he enjoys it.

The music score is concave, like colorful musical notation, but I can't tell. The Red Land Grand View allows you to walk on the fields, which feels like something you see on TV.

There was a light rain and mist, but I could still feel its beauty! It really was like a piece of music, so exciting!

Dongchuan's special attractions can be seen on the way there. There are not many people in winter. If the weather is good, it is a good place to take pictures.

It feels like being isolated from the world there, with blue sky, red soil, and farm work, it's simple and beautiful.

The reason why it is called music score is probably because it looks like the symbols of the five-line staff.

We drove to Lepuao, waiting for the old man to meet us. Early in the morning, the old man and Gou were on duty, sitting quietly on the edge, guarding this piece of red land, waiting for the moment when many people would come here to have fun.

I didn't see the famous old man wearing the sheepskin coat, which was a bit of a shame. Although he is an expert in posing for photos, it would be a shame not to see him after coming all this way.

The sunlight penetrated the clouds and emitted beams of magical light. Not too early or too late, when we arrived, we just saw the light overlapping with the stone tablet with the music score concave. It was difficult to tell whether it was the tablet or the light that was magical.

This is a depression in a mound, with three sides of the depression also covered in green, red and white, creating a vibrant color scheme. The name "Music Score Ao" probably means that the blocks of color resemble musical notation.

The innkeeper said that this was the best spot for watching the sunset, and it was easy to find. By 6:00 PM, quite a few photography enthusiasts had already reserved their seats there. However, the sunset was not very good today, with dark clouds covering the view again. Many people were very disappointed. But I did manage to take a few photos before sunset, and I was quite satisfied.

The Music Score Valley looks like an open music score. The scenic spot is not big, but very exquisite and the scenery is also nice. I like this kind of scenery very much.

There is a small road next to it. There is another world when you turn in. You can find it only by going there several times or having someone familiar with the location to lead the way. It will take some time to find it by yourself, but the scenery around is special and worth a look. Near the stone of this monument