Yunnan Landscapes in Rogue One: From Red Earth to Snowy Peaks

When Rogue One: A Star Wars Story introduced us to new planets in a galaxy far away, few viewers realized that some of its breathtaking scenes were inspired by real landscapes here on Earth—specifically in Yunnan Province, southwest China. Known for its diverse geography and deep cultural roots, Yunnan offered the kind of natural beauty that matched the visual ambition of the Star Wars universe.

While Rogue One was filmed in locations across the world—from the deserts of Jordan to the beaches of the Maldives—China’s Dongchuan Red Land and Shika Snow Mountain provided distinct visual references for the fictional planets Jedha and Eadu, where much of the story takes place.

In this article, we explore how Yunnan became a quiet backdrop for this iconic film, and why the province is one of the most remarkable destinations in China for travelers seeking both cinematic landscapes and cultural depth.

Dongchuan Red Land: A Planet Painted in Red

Nestled in the mountains north of Kunming, the Dongchuan Red Land (东川红土地) is a region where nature seems to have drawn its own canvas. With high iron content in the soil, the land takes on a deep red hue that changes with the light and season, forming dramatic contrasts with green crops and golden fields. These layered hills and terraced farmlands stretch across the horizon, offering a vivid landscape that feels otherworldly.

This unique terrain served as a visual reference for the desert moon Jedha, a key setting in Rogue One where the story explores themes of faith, rebellion, and empire. While the film used digital effects and multiple locations to bring Jedha to life, Dongchuan’s striking red tones and curved terraces were part of the creative process that shaped the film’s visual identity.

For travelers, Dongchuan is a photographer’s dream. Villages like Lexiaguo, Damakan, and Qicai Slope offer some of the best views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The area is still relatively untouched by mass tourism, preserving a peaceful rural charm alongside its dramatic natural beauty.

Shika Snow Mountain: Above the Clouds in Shangri-La

Further north in Yunnan, near the Tibetan Plateau, lies Shangri-La, a region rich in Tibetan culture and spiritual tradition. Towering over the town is Shika Snow Mountain (石卡雪山), a high-altitude peak that rises above forests, grasslands, and Buddhist temples. In winter, the mountain is covered in snow; in summer, it offers green alpine meadows and sweeping views.

This mountain landscape provided inspiration for the planet Eadu, a remote, rainy world in Rogue One where one of the film’s emotional turning points takes place. Though most of the Eadu sequences were filmed in Iceland, the misty cliffs and rugged highlands of Shika Snow Mountain offered a similar sense of isolation and drama.

Today, visitors can take a cable car up the mountain to over 4,000 meters, where prayer flags flutter in the wind and panoramic views extend to the horizon. The air is thin but clear, and the landscape—whether under snow or sunlight—feels like a quiet world far above everyday life.

Exploring Yunnan Beyond the Screen

While Dongchuan and Shika are perhaps the most visually linked to Rogue One, Yunnan Province is filled with places that seem made for cinema. The province is home to 26 ethnic groups, deep historical traditions, and a geography that spans from tropical rainforests to snowcapped peaks.

Some highlights include:

Lijiang Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient town features stone bridges, flowing canals, and Naxi-style architecture. Its quiet alleyways and wooden buildings create a timeless atmosphere.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the deepest canyons in the world, this gorge offers hiking trails with dramatic views of the Jinsha River and surrounding cliffs.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Carved into the mountains by the Hani people over centuries, these terraces reflect the sky like a mirror during the early morning hours.

Xishuangbanna: Located in the far south, this region features tropical biodiversity, elephants, and Dai culture. It’s home to rainforest reserves and traditional stilt houses.

Stone Forest (Shilin): An iconic karst landscape of towering limestone formations, this site has long been one of China’s most famous natural wonders.

Whether you’re drawn to high mountains, quiet villages, or vibrant marketplaces, Yunnan offers a travel experience that’s rich in both beauty and story.

Why Yunnan Stands Out

For those inspired by films like Rogue One, Yunnan offers the opportunity to explore real-world landscapes that echo scenes from the big screen. But even without the Hollywood connection, this province remains one of China’s most fascinating regions—both for its natural diversity and its cultural depth.

From the red earth of Dongchuan to the snowy heights of Shangri-La, from the music of local festivals to the silence of mountain temples, Yunnan is a place that stays with you. It doesn’t need special effects or epic soundtracks. Its strength lies in quiet colors, old rhythms, and the feeling that something ancient still lives here, just beneath the surface.

Whether you are a traveler looking for stunning scenery or a fan of film locations with a story, Yunnan welcomes you—not with noise, but with light, earth, and sky.

Contact us today to craft your dream China adventure!