Spring Colors in Wintertime

November may not be peak tourism season, but we still bumped into plenty of visitors and photographers during our stay in the guesthouse. Many came with family or friends. They preferred the “sightseeing rooms” on the building’s second floor, which offer great views of the surrounding fields. The budding photographers among them would leave early in the morning and return after sunset in order to capture the day’s best light. At dinner we all sat together to talk about our day and exchange ideas on photography.

People come to Dongchuan for different reasons, but most share one wish in common: to savor the colors of spring as winter slowly extends its cold grasp across the country. Those that wish the same will not come away disappointed from a visit to this extraordinarily colorful part of rural Yunnan.

Travel Tips:

Transportation: Travelers can take the bus from Dongju Bus Station or Nanyao Bus Station in Kunming City to Dongchuan District, before transferring to the bus to Flower Valley and Huashitou Town. A direct bus from Kunming to Hongtu Town is available from Kunming North Bus Station, but it runs sporadically. Renting a car is the best option.

Accommodation: There are many locally run guesthouses in the region. Most are close to the cab parking lot and bus stations. Prices range from RMB 20 for a bed to RMB 120 for a twin room.

Local Food: The local specialties are mainly spicy food, such as stewed beef and fried Yunnan-style dried beef with dried chilies. Other popular dishes include rice noodles.

Travel Wear: The best sightseeing spots are up on the mountain, where temperatures are generally four to eight degrees Centigrade lower than in the valley. It’s particularly cold in the morning and at night, so rug up if you want to catch sunrise or sunset. Many places are also windy. A cotton coat should suffice from July to October, but a warmer jacket is needed for the other months.

Source: China Today

By NANCY TIAN