Langbapu (Xinhua) Earth Forest
浪巴铺土林
The largest and most densely packed earth forest in Yuanmou, with pillars up to about 42.8 meters tall in red, white, yellow, and purple. They resemble sandcastles and make it the top choice for sunset photography.
Langbapu Earth Forest lies in Xinhua Township in western Yuanmou County, and is also known as Xinhua Earth Forest. It is the largest and most densely packed of Yuanmou's three earth forests, with the tallest pillars. Cone-shaped and castle-shaped pillars are generally 8 to 25 meters high, with the tallest reaching about 42.8 meters. Iron and manganese minerals give them their red, yellow, white, and purple colors. Gullies crisscross the area, and along the trails you can see formations such as the Earth Forest King. Sunsets here are especially spectacular, and the site has served as a filming location for many film and television productions. It is about 1.5 hours by car from the county seat. Buses are infrequent, so hiring a car is recommended. Tickets cost about 70 yuan, and the site is open roughly 6:00 to 19:00 (confirm on site). Bring sun protection and water.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Banguo Earth Forest
- Yuanmou Man Museum
- Wumao (Hutiaotan) Earth Forest
- Yuanmou Man Site
- Jinsha River at Yuanmou