Dongfengyun Scenic Area

Dongfengyun Scenic Area, also known as Dongfengyun Art Town (Chinese: 东风韵景区 / 东风韵艺术小镇), is a unique art-themed town located in Mile City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Adjacent to Mile High-Speed Railway Station and just about 1 hour by high-speed train from Kunming, the town blends grape culture, natural scenery, and artistic design. With its whimsical red-brick buildings, lush vineyards, lavender fields, and lakeside landscapes, it is often praised as the “Provence of Central Yunnan.”
 

The town is best known for its magical futuristic red-brick architecture, surreal art installations, and seasonal flower fields. From April to October, a sea of over 600 acres of blooming lavender with Dutch-style windmills creates a romantic atmosphere, making it one of the most photogenic destinations in Yunnan. It is both a place to enjoy art and culture and a resort for leisure and vacation, designated as a national 4A-level scenic spot.

Basic Information

Chinese name: 东风韵景区 (Dōngfēngyùn Jǐngqū) / 东风韵艺术小镇 (Dōngfēngyùn Yìshù Xiǎozhèn)
Address: Inside Dongfengyun Town, Guangguang Avenue, Xinshao Town, Mile City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Geographical Location: About 100 km from Kunming, directly connected via high-speed train, suitable for day trips or weekend getaways.
Opening Hours: 08:30 – 18:00 (subject to seasonal adjustment)
Main Attractions: Kaleidoscope Art Museum, Lavender Theme Park, Half Cloud Lounge
Tickets: CNY 60 (admission), CNY 20 (sightseeing bus); combo packages may vary.
Recommended Duration: 3–4 hours
Nearby Attractions: Yunnan Red Wine Manor, Mile Hot Spring Resorts

Development History

Dongfengyun was first established in 2014, covering a total planned area of 3.69 square kilometers, with a core area of 1.6 square kilometers. The layout follows the concept of “one axis, one ring, three zones,” integrating ecological agriculture, artistic creation, and wellness tourism.

The town features several functional areas, including the Lavender Estate, Vineyard Estate, and Artist Estate, combining agriculture with art exhibitions, cultural experiences, and leisure vacations. It has become a model of modern agricultural tourism and art-town integration in China.

Architectural Design and Construction

The surreal red-brick architecture of Dongfengyun is the creation of Luo Xu, a visionary artist from Mile. Inspired by his child’s doodles, Luo designed a group of buildings that resemble fantastical castles and futuristic fortresses. The construction used over 300,000 locally fired red bricks, without a single steel bar or nail. It took only 300 days to complete the major structures. Signature landmarks include the Kaleidoscope Art Museum, Half Cloud Lounge, and Stamp Square.

Across the lake from the core buildings stands Dongfengyun Hotel · MGallery, nestled among lavender fields and vineyards. The hotel is designed to echo the natural terrain, with five distinct sections forming the silhouette of a giant seated Buddha facing east.

Other architectural highlights include: Agricultural Reclamation Museum, Stamp Square (lined with cylindrical red-brick “seals”), Creative Market, Niuduo Music Farm, Dongfengyun Art Center (known for its striking reflection pool).

Highlights to See

1. Kaleidoscope Art Museum 万花筒艺术馆
Keywords: Red-brick maze, Terracotta Choir, Echo Wall

This iconic structure combines the imagery of wine bottles with Yi ethnic fire culture. Inside, sunlight filters through colorful glass, creating mesmerizing reflections. The hall houses the awe-inspiring “Chorus of a Thousand Terracotta Figures”, an installation that feels both mysterious and grand.

2. Sea of Flowers 万亩紫色花海

Dongfeng Rhythms is also a paradise for flower lovers, with changing blooms throughout the year:

Spring (April–May): Verbena and sage create rolling purple flower waves.

Summer (June–August): Sunflower fields burst into golden splendor.

Autumn (September–October): Pink muhly grass blankets the land in dreamy hues.

Winter: Bougainvillea keeps the landscape colorful, even in the colder season.

Best Time for Flowers: April to October
🚋 Tip: Take the sightseeing mini-train (CNY 20) to ride through the flower fields — highly recommended for couples and families.

3. Half Cloud Lounge 半朵云会客厅

Minimalist and Zen-inspired, this white, cloud-shaped building floats gracefully against the red-brick backdrop. Inside, it serves as a tea and coffee lounge, where visitors can sip Yunnan small-bean coffee while enjoying panoramic views of the town.

Other Attractions:
Stamp Square features angular, cylindrical structures arranged like seals, housing various small shops. The International Art Center boasts grand architecture and meticulous landscape design, particularly its shallow pool, which enhances the building’s modern and imposing appearance, creating a striking visual impact. 

Travel Tips

Some buildings (e.g., Half Cloud Lounge) may require additional entry fees or minimum spending, such as purchasing an afternoon tea set.
Visit popular landmarks like the Kaleidoscope Art Museum in the morning to avoid crowds.
For elderly visitors, children, or those with limited stamina, the sightseeing bus is recommended due to the large area.
Staying overnight at the Dongfengyun Hotel · MGallery grants free entry tickets. Many dining packages (afternoon tea, barbecue sets) also include admission, making them cost-effective.

How to Get There

Take a train from Kunming South Railway Station to Mile Station弥勒站 (approx. 33 minutes). From Mile Station, taking taxi about 10 minutes to the scenic area.

Public bus: after arriving at Mile Station弥勒站, you can also take Dongfengyun High-Speed Rail Line 3 to Dongfengyun Art Town 东风韵景区, operating daily from 08:20–22:00.