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Among our new destinations for 2022, one of the highlights will be our China Photo Tour. This tour, which will take place from December 4th to 19st, 2022, was one of the most expected and demanded destinations by our customers. Therefore, we have launched this great trip, with our photographers Luis Vélez, who has previous experience in the area, and Sergio Lanza. During our stay in China, we will photograph the most famous mountain landscapes of the country, while visiting the magnificent National Parks of Huangshan, Guilin and Zhangjiajie.
When we talk about China, we mean one of the most impressive destinations on the planet. On a photographic level, it is without a doubt one of the most complete photo tours that can be made. Besides standing out for its beautiful and very varied landscapes, which will delight landscape photographers, China is one of the destinations with more potential for architectural and urban landscape photography. The huge skyscrapers and beautiful skylines of cities like Shanghai, offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Along with this, we cannot forget its culture and millenary customs, as well as its traditional architecture. These, will provide us with beautiful images of details and objects. And, of course, we will also capture portraits of its fascinating inhabitants.
First of all, as we mentioned, this Photo Tour to Chine is ideal for landscape photography. During our stay there, we will photograph some of the most extraordinary mountain landscapes in the country. Among these, we can highlight the granite mountains of Huangshan, Zhangjiajie, or the spectacular karst formations of Guilin. On the other hand, and as a highlight of the trip, we will photograph beautiful rice terraces, such as those of Pingan Zhuang. Without a doubt, these are absolutely epic landscapes. In turn, we cannot forget the visit to traditional villages and places that seem anchored in another era, as Fenghuang.
Secondly, our trip will have an important component of architectural and urban landscape. Starting in Shanghai, we will have the opportunity to photograph the skyline, views and skyscrapers of one of the most spectacular cities on the planet.
Last but not least, we will also deal with portrait photography, especially during our visits to rural areas. In these, we will have countless opportunities to photograph the local people, while they carry out their routine tasks. All this without forgetting very special sessions like those of the fishermen of Xingping, with their traditional fishing techniques, using light lanterns and cormorants. Portraying the people of Chine, as well as every detail of their environment, will be another of the main objectives of our trip.
Our China Photo Tour takes place at the beginning of December, as it is an auspicious time for it. At this time, we may already find some snow in the mountain areas we will visit, something that would add a special beauty to the already impressive landscapes we will photograph.
This is also a less touristic time of the year, and this will undoubtedly make it easier for us to travel and take pictures at our destination.
Our China photo workshop is an easy/moderate trip, being suitable for most physical levels and ages, as well as for all photo levels. Any photography lover in good health will be welcome to join us.
On one hand, no minimum physical level is required to join this China photo tour. Most of the photo locations will be a short walk from the places where we’ll be parking. There will be some longer hikes during the trip too, but they will be short and easy ones, suitable for most people. Besides, we will offer alternative plans for those participants preferring not to do those hikes.
By the other hand, there is no age limit to join this China photo tour. Anyone is welcome to join this photo tour, as long as they are reasonably healthy.
At the same time, the trip is suitable for all photo levels. No minimum photography level is required to join us. Whether you are an amateur, and advanced user, or even a professional photographer, you will be welcome to participate, since our photo guide/s will bring custom attention, adjusted to everyone’s level. This way, we will help you getting the best possible pictures, while you learn and improve your photography.
Finally, no minimum photo gear is required for the trip. You can join us even taking pictures with your smartphone or compact camera! Although we feature a ‘Recommended Gear’ section below, it’s just a list of the best possible gear for the workshop. Whatever camera you use during this photo tour, you’ll get back home with great photo of the incredible China!
To sum up, we offer you a spectacular China Photo Tour, full of extraordinary photographic opportunities. Whether you like natural landscape photography, portrait photography or architecture, we talk about a trip suitable for you.
In addition, you will be accompanied by two photographic guides, and we will have the logistics of our local team in the area. And, of course, with the organization by our official travel agency, with all the guarantees in case of any problem, fulfilling all the regulations at national and EU level in the organization of trips.
Our Photo Tour to China will start in Shanghai, with the group meeting at the airport. From there, we will transfer to our hotel, where we will check in and have the option to rest after the long trip.
Already during this afternoon, we will have the possibility to go out and photograph the Shanghai skyline at sunset. To do this, we will go to one of the best viewpoints of the city, from which we can capture all the beauty of the city, while the sun illuminates it as it sets. In addition, we will continue in the area until night, in order to capture the magical blue hour. At this moment, when the lights of the skyscrapers and buildings of the city are turned on, the atmosphere of the city becomes absolutely magical. It will be a perfect occasion to get the first fantastic images of this trip.
After enjoying the session, we will return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day.
Today we will get up early to photograph the sunrise in Shanghai, after which we will take a fast train to Huangshan. This area, which we can translate as “yellow mountain”, is formed by a multitude of mountains and peaks with a great value from the photographic point of view, because of the incredible views from it. Due to its beauty, it is one of the 5 Great Mountains of China, having been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
We will spend the next 4 nights in Huanghsan National Park. Upon arrival at our destination, we will take a cable car to climb to the top of the park, in the middle of the mountains. During the ascent, we will be able to enjoy the incredible views, having the opportunity to take the first pictures of the area. From the top, the panoramic view is simply breathtaking. It is very frequent the presence of fog in the area, something that allows to create a magical atmosphere, maximizing the beauty and the photographic possibilities of the surroundings. Therefore, we will spend several days trying to capture all that magic of these beautiful mountain landscapes.
After checking in at our hotel, we will head to the location from which we will photograph the first sunset in the park, Shixin Peak. We will take advantage of the opportunity to take multiple compositions in the area, as the afternoon lights fall on it. Afterwards, we will take pictures during the blue hour, after which we will return to the hotel to spend the night.
Today we will get up early again to go to ¨Lion Peak¨ in search of the first lights of the day. As we have already pointed out, we will look for the common fog that usually rises around the mountains. The fog, intertwined with the peaks, would offer us perfect conditions for sunrise photography, tinged with the warm colors of dawn.
After breakfast, we will continue exploring the area, visiting one of its routes. At this time, it is possible that we will find some snow. This may lead to a viewpoint or a route that is closed, but at the same time, it will add an extra element of beauty to the picture of the place.
In the afternoon, after leaving an optional rest time, we will return to another of the viewpoints to photograph the sunset. Afterwards, once it is dark, we will return to the hotel to spend the night.
We will get up early again to go and photograph the sunrise with the view of Shixin Peak in the background. Once again, we will look for the first lights of the day, hoping to enjoy the presence of the mist between the mountains. In any case, the area and the surrounding views will be spectacular from here.
After making the most of our sunrise session, we will return to the hotel for breakfast. Then, we’ll rest for a while, and will head to another of the tourist areas of Huangshan National Park, so we will move to another hotel. We will walk until we reach our new accommodation, although to carry our luggage, we may consider hiring porters, as an option.
When we arrive at our new hotel, we will leave our luggage and check in, to later approach the surroundings of the viewpoint where we will photograph the sunset.
Today we will photograph the sunrise from one of Huangshan’s most famous viewpoints, the Bright Top. As every day, we will get up with plenty of time to be among the first visitors to the viewpoints, since that way we will be able to get to the most privileged locations. From this viewpoint, we will have an extraordinary view, once again. Again, we will be lucky enough to find some fog, which is easier to form in this new area of the mountains. If we are lucky, we will be able to enjoy a unique picture.
After a well-deserved breakfast, we will set out to explore this other area of Huangshan. We will take the opportunity to walk some simple route by the surroundings, while we continue photographing the surroundings.
In the afternoon, we will move to photograph the view from Ying Ke, famous for its beautiful pine trees. This viewpoint, also known as “the pine tree that welcomes visitors”, will offer us another of the most impressive views of the mountains. From here we will photograph the sunset, enjoying the magnificent nature that surrounds us. After the sunset, we will return to the hotel to rest.
We will get up early to photograph our last sunrise in Huangshan, repeating the location of the sunset, to try different lights.
Then we’ll have breakfast, before leaving the area to go to our next destination, Guilin. After descending from the mountains again by cable car, we will go to Huangshan airport, to fly to Guilin.
Once we arrive at Guilin, we will go to check in and leave our luggage at the hotel where we will spend the night. Afterwards, we will go out to photograph the sunset near the Li river, with the spectacular karst mountains of the area as a backdrop.
After the sunset, we will return to the accommodation to rest and regain our strength.
Today we will get up early again, to photograph a different view of the Li river. After our session, we will take a boat for an excursion on the river to Yangshuo. During this trip, we will have the opportunity to photograph the splendid landscapes that will surround us in the next few days, while visiting Guilin National Park.
As soon as we arrive at Yangshuo, we will move on to Xingping, a journey of about one hour. Xingping, which was a quieter and smaller variant of Yangshuo, is a small traditional village that, however, has been growing quite a bit in recent years. However, its enormous photographic potential remains intact.
Upon arrival, we will photograph some of the views of the village, with the Li River and the karst mountains in the background. Afterwards, we will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most awaited sessions in any Photographic Trip to China: the one of the traditional fishermen. These fishermen work at dusk, using ancestral techniques through the use of cormorants and light lanterns. Here we will have the opportunity to achieve some of the most impressive portraits of the whole trip. But, in addition, we will be able to capture beautiful images of the incredible landscape that will surround us. Surely, we are talking about one of the locations with the greatest photographic potential of the whole trip.
After this productive session, we will go to our hotel to spend the night. Depending on the energy, we may go on a night photographic tour of the village to capture the fabulous atmosphere that usually exists there.
Again, we will get up early to photograph the sunrise with a beautiful view of the Li river. We will try to capture the first rays of sunshine, while they illuminate the fantastic karst mountains and their reflections.
After breakfast, we will make one last visit to Xingping, before being back to Yangshuo. Once there, we will take a walk through the village, focusing on social and portrait photography. We will walk around for a few hours, visiting local stalls, markets, etc.
In the afternoon, we will photograph Yanghsuo from a spectacular viewpoint, Wuzhi Hill. From here, we will have one of the most incredible views of the whole trip, being an ideal place to get extraordinary images. The panoramic view of the village, the Li river, and the mountains that surround it is just unforgettable. But, in addition, in the margins of the river we will be able to find small farming fields, with a variety of colors that, seen from above, will enrich still more that idyllic picture.
We will spend the rest of the afternoon in this area, to photograph the sunset and the blue hour from there. We might have one of the best sessions of our trip.
After finishing our session from the viewpoint, we will return to the hotel to sleep.
Today we will have an optional sunrise session, from one of the most spectacular locations of the trip. Those who wish to do so, will ascend to the top of a nearby mountain, in order to enjoy the unique view from the Xianggong viewpoint. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most beautiful scenes we will visit in China. The light of the dawn illuminating the karst mountains and the Li river, while the sun rises behind the horizon, will provide a perfect setting to capture unique photographs.
After breakfast, we will begin our route to the town of Longji. In the surroundings of this location, we will be able to photograph the amazing rice terraces of the area. During our journey there, we will make some stops to take pictures. Among them, we highlight the visits to photograph some traditional Chinese villages, such as Pingan Zhuang. Here we will be able to photograph beautiful portraits of the Yao women, with their long hair.
After our arrival in Longji, we will go to make our first photo session in the rice terraces of the area. The textures, colors and shapes of these incredible terraces, will offer us endless photographic possibilities. For many, this is one of the best locations in China. Without a doubt, it is one of those magical locations, which never disappoint the photographer. Therefore, we will spend the rest of the afternoon touring these terraces. We will photograph the sunset there, and we will not leave the area until it gets dark.
Finally, we will go to our accommodation, to rest after another long and exciting day.
Like every day, we will get up early to photograph a new dawn. This time, we will visit another Longji’s rice terrace. Seeing the first rays of light flooding the terraces is a real spectacle. One of those little luxuries that make getting up early worthwhile. As lovers of photography, every minute in this place will seem magical.
After breakfast, we will continue walking around the terraces. We will walk around every corner, looking for different compositions and perspectives. Places like these are the ones that help to achieve the inspiration needed to create fantastic images. Due to the great amount of possibilities that a place like this offers us, we will spend the whole day in the area.
After photographing the sunset from the terraces, we will return to our accommodation to rest.
Today we’ll photograph our last sunrise on the rice terraces, before heading to Guilin, to fly to Zhangjiajie, our new destination. There, our goal will be the National Park of the same name.
Zhangjiajie National Park is the oldest national park in China. In addition, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992, along with the so-called Wulingyuan Scenic Area. In the area, we can visit and photograph places as beautiful as the Grand Canyon, the Crystal Bridge or the Tianmen, Tianzi and Yuanjiajie mountains.
After arriving in Zhangjiajie, we will go straightaway to Tianmen Mountain. Also known as “Heaven’s Gate”, its summit is presided over by a huge cave. To reach the mountain, we’ll take the longest cable car in the world, a half an hour journey. During the ascent, we will enjoy unique views, so we’ll have the opportunity to take the first photos.
In this ascent, and from the top, we will be able to photograph the incredible 99 curves. As its name suggests, it is a 99-curve road that ascends to the top. After enjoying the views, we will visit the “Walk of Faith“, a glass walkway made in 2011. At almost 14,600 foot (1.400 meter) high, we’ll be able to capture to photograph the wonderful views around us.
Finally, and as an option, we will visit the already mentioned Tianmen cave. To get there, we’ll have to climb 999 steps, which will take another half an hour. For those who prefer to avoid the climb, we’ll divide the group in two, photographing the cave from below.
We will photograph sunset from the glass walkway, enjoying some sublime views. Afterwards, we will take the cable car again, to go down the mountain, and transfer from there to our hotel.
The day arrives for one of the most awaited visits of the China Photo Tour, that of the Zhangjiajie National Park. We will get up early enough to reach the area, where we will ascend by another cable car to Huangshi Village, or “Yellow Rock Village“. From here, we will be able to photograph the sunrise with beautiful views of the surrounding area, including hundreds of the famous peaks of the park. Visiting this village is almost a must on a trip to this area. In fact, a local saying states that “those who do not come to Huangshi village have not made a true visit to Zhangjiaji”.
After spending all morning in Huangshi, we will head to another of the park’s highlights, the Golden Whip Stream. This beautiful tour along a beautiful stream will provide us with fantastic photographic possibilities. The route runs through a small forest, among lush vegetation, pristine waters and sometimes the mystical fog. We will spend the afternoon doing this tour, and we will photograph the sunset in the area.
After this excursion, we will return to our accommodation to rest, after another long day taking photos.
We will visit Wulingyuan and the Tianzi mountains. These mountains, formed 300 million years ago, seem to have been the inspiration for the landscapes in the movie Avatar. Seeing their majesty, it is not hard to imagine the reason for such a choice. From the moment we climb it, again by cable car, the views around us will leave us speechless.
We will photograph the sunrise from the top, with the fantastic peaks in the background. After capturing the first lights of the day, we will go through part of the area takin pictures. The fabulous views we will enjoy will allow us to obtain great images at every step. All this, surrounded by mountains, streams and lush vegetation, which will make us feel in paradise. It is even possible that we will find some snow, which would enhance even more the beauty of the surroundings.
In the afternoon, we will move to another area, the most visited in Wulingyuan. We will travel through an environment surrounded by a mystical atmosphere, whose magic will facilitate the photographic process. Hundreds of compositions with the mountains in the background will emerge at every step we take. Here, we will be able to photograph Hallelujah Mountain, or “Hallelujah”, named after the famous film. The view from this imposing peak is one of the most famous in the whole park, so we will dedicate the sunset session to it.
Afterwards, we will prepare to descend from the mountain. On this occasion, we will use the Bailong elevator which, having 326 meters, is the highest in the world. Completed in 2002, this elevator is also the highest capacity and heaviest on the planet. Once down, we will have dinner in Zhangjiajie, and return to the hotel to rest after a full day.
We will soon depart from Zhangjiajie to reach our next destination, Lake Baofeng. After a journey of 45 minutes, we will arrive at the lake to capture the sunrise here. Again, we will find ourselves in front of one of those magical locations full of immense beauty. Its green waters, as well as the mountains full of vegetation that are born from the shore, will provide us with unique images.
At sunrise, we will make a small boat trip on the lake. There, we will be able to photograph the enormous rock formations from different angles.
After photographing the surroundings of the lake, we will go to Fenghuang, where we will arrive in the afternoon. According to many, this is the most beautiful village in all of China. Its remote location kept it anchored in time for centuries, although tourism has ended up coming to stay. Also known as Phoenix Ancient Town, due to the name of one of the mountains that surround the city, its structure of wooden houses, bridges and its mountainous environment, allow us to talk again about one of the highlights of the trip. Here we can capture the essence of traditional Chinese architecture, as well as portray many of the locals.
We will photograph the sunset from the city, with the views of the river and the mountains as a frame. After that, we will do some night and blue hour photography, taking advantage of the curious night lighting of the place.
After the session, we will go to our accommodation to sleep.
Today we will photograph Fenghuang at sunrise, again with a beautiful view of the river, bridges and mountains in the background. At times, the fog invades the river and colors the town with a magical atmosphere. In case we are lucky enough to see it, we will be able to enjoy an extraordinary spectacle.
After breakfast, we will make a short tour by the city center, before moving back to Zhangjiajie. From there, we will take the flight back to Shanghai.
In the afternoon, we will visit a new spot in the city to photograph the sunset over Shanghai. From this point, we will be able to photograph an impressive view of the city. After the sunset, we will stay here during the blue hour, to capture the beautiful illuminated skyline of Shanghai.
Finally, we will move to our hotel to rest.
Depending on our flight schedules, we may have one last sunrise session in Shanghai. After that possible session, we will be transferred to Shanghai airport, where our China Photo Tour will end.
Shanghai International Airport, China (Google Maps)
This China Photo Tour is recommended for any photography lover who is reasonably healthy, no matter their age or their physical level. Most of the photo locations are located just a short walk from the places where we’ll park. However, there will also be some longer hikes, although nothing specially complicated or long. Therefore, we can consider this as an easy to moderate trip.
At the same time, there is no age limit to join this photo tour, as well as your health and conditions are reasonably good.
There is no minimum photography level required to join this China Photo Tour. You don’t have to be a professional photographer, or even have previous experience with your camera. Our photo tours are open to all levels, even for beginners, or unexperienced photography users. Sometimes, we even have people just taking shots with their smartphones.
One of our highlights is providing customized attention, so we will help you to get the best possible images, regardless your previous level. We’ll be there to help you becoming a better photographer!
During this China Photo Tour, temperatures may be quite variable, since we will be visiting a great variety of areas. We can expect mid to cold temperatures most of the time, although we may get some warmer days at some of the locations we’ll visit. Anyway, average temperatures may vary from 32º to 57º Fahrenheit (0º to 14º Celsius). At the same time, the weather can be windy and/or rainy, and even snowy.
Therefore, you need to be perfectly prepared for a trip like this. We recommend you dressing in layers, so you can add or remove layers depending on the temperature. You will also need a warm down or synthetic jacket or parka and, besides this, a Gore Tex or waterproof jacket, in case of rain. Mountain boots or hiking shoes will be perfect for most of the time. Once you confirm your booking, you will also receive a guide withe the recommended gear list for this China Photo Tour.
This Chins Photo Tour, as most of our trips, doesn’t include meals (breakfast, lunch or dinner). This will give us maximum flexibility during the trip, in order to focus mainly in the most important thing: photography. Normally, we will be having breakfast in the hotels, or in cafes at the towns, before or after our sunrise shooting session (depending on our schedules). For lunch, sometimes we’ll be stopping at restaurants, but other times we may be buying food at supermarkets (fruit, snacks, sandwiches, etc…), and will eat them at the outdoor locations we’ll visit. Then, we will have more relaxed and conventional dinners at the hotel or in town.
Anyway, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the authentic Chinese cuisine, being able to try many of their most popular traditional dishes!
Currently, the main payment option we have is the bank transfer. However, if you prefer it, we also have other payment options, such as credit or debit card, PayPal or Transferwise. Please notice that these other payment options may apply a commission fee. You can ask us about these different payment options.
If you choose to pay by credit or debit card, or by PayPal, you can process your payment online, when you finish the booking process. For bank transfer payment, you just have to proceed with the booking and then, once you finish the process with the chosen payment method, you’ll receive an email with al the instructions and bank details.
During this China Photo Tour, we’ll be normally staying at 3 or 4 star hotels (sometimes can be 2 star, for most remote locations with fewer options). Each traveller will be staying in a double twin shared room, shared with another participant of the tour. Rooms will always include a private bath.
If you come with another person to the trip, you may share a room. However, if you are traveling alone, we’ll choose a roommate for you between the other participants in the trip (always same genre). Anyway, you will also have the chance to choose a single room for you, paying an extra supplement. Contact us for all details.
Anyone can join this China Photo Tour, no matter their country of residence. Our main travel agency is settled in Santander, Spain, but our trips are open to customers from countries all around the world. Therefore, we may have clients from different places in our photo tours.
This China Photo Tour will begin at Shanghai International Airport, in China. Therefore, all the participants will have to get there for the first day of the tour, traveling from their countries of residence. There is no need to meet wit the rest of the group at any other city, to fly together to Shanghai.
Once you have confirmed your booking for this China Photo Tour, we will send you the trip info with a recommended gear PDF guide. This will include suggestions not only about the photography gear, but also about the clothes and accessories you might need during this photo tour. To sum up, you won’t have to worry about anything, since our expert photo leaders and guides will inform you about everything you will need, so you can enjoy your travel as much as possible!
As a first tip, we would suggest you bringing a light color down or shell jacket (for example red, orange, yellow, light green, etc…). That jacket will protect you from the cold and the rain but, at the same time, you’ll look great when photographed in some of the most beautiful locations around all China!
