China Photography Tour: Life Through a Lens ( 09 Days Tour)

Guilin – Guilin Arrival

Soak up the wonderful scenery of Guilin as you make your private transfer from the airport to the hotel. This city is said by many to possess the most picturesque landscape in the world.

You will be able to tickle your taste buds shortly after your arrival - either within the hotel or by sampling one of the neighboring restaurants.

Be sure to get those camera batteries charged and your head down on that pillow at a sensible time, to prepare yourself for the wonderful journeys that lie ahead in the coming days. Consider learning more about the best China travel agents whom we partner with, and see how they are able to expertly craft your itinerary to your particular interests and desires. 

What’s Included: airport transfer, accommodation

Guilin – Sunrise over Dazhai Village, Visit Fuli Bridge, Sunset over Aishan Bridge

Pull off those bed-covers, open those eyes and witness astounding natural bliss unfold right in front of you. Watch the sun slowly rise from behind the mountains and caress the colorful paddy terraces, shadowed by the surreal early-morning mist veiling itself around the flawless peaks, setting the scene for photography paradise. Make your way down from the astounding vantage point and blissfully wander in among the terraced grounds, taking shots from a range of alternative perspectives.

In the afternoon, head to Yangshuo County, and visit the serene and seemingly untouched Fuli Bridge. Built in the Ming Dynasty and over 600 years of age, this simple but beautiful piece of man-made history sits above the peaceful Yulong River, surrounded by curvilinear mountains and luscious green trees residing on either side of its arch. Wild goats stroll the side of the riverbank nibbling on grass; it’s as if this area is prompting you to take the perfect picture.

Enchanted by the tranquility that the Fuli Bridge possesses, you will make your way along the Yulong River to Aishan Bridge, preparing for a dreamlike sunset with Guilin’s landscape as the perfect backdrop. Similarly to Fuli, this area largely remains free of tourists, adding to its serenity.

Make your way to a local nearby hotel and get some much-needed rest and food – all in preparation for a magical early start the following morning.

What’s Included: breakfast, tour, accommodation

Guilin to Zhangjiajie – Sunrise over Xialong Bay

Prepare to be awed this early morning as you visit what is widely regarded as the most wondrous part of the Li River. You will travel from Xingping Ancient Town to Xialong Bay by wonderful traditional means, in a locally made bamboo boat. Staying in the raft, you will witness the sunrise from the water, as the morning mist rolls over the glorious peaks and rays of sunshine gently beam across the river.

Time to gather your belongings and swap the beautiful landscape of Guilin for the equally stunning natural beauty of Zhangjiajie. Touch down in the evening and relax in your city hotel, preparing for the following days’ enchanting adventures.

What’s Included: breakfast, transfer, accommodation

Zhangjiajie – Sunrise over Laowuchang, Visit Kongzhong Tianyuan and Yuanjiajie

Begin your day watching the sunrise over the most pristine and natural part of the Zhangjiajie area. You will see the sun grace the rice paddy fields (Kongzhong Tianyuan) that unbelievably sit on top of the sky-high pillars – while the morning mist makes the scene depict perfection. Hailed as a heaven for photographers, you will be able to obtain impeccable pictures of farmers working in the fields, in the most stunning of surroundings.

Recharge your batteries – and the camera’s – as you head back to the hotel for some breakfast and rest before making your way to the most famous area of Zhangjiajie: Yuanjiajie. The entire section of Yuanjiajie has a fictitious feel about it – as if, indeed, you are on the set of a virtual film in the making. Perhaps why the Qian Kun Column - translated as The Pillar between Heaven and Earth – was the inspiration for a spectacular scene in the blockbuster film Avatar. Now known as the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, this surreal standalone pillar that sits magnificently high in the sky above other freestanding columns and picturesque scenery is truly wondrous.

This area possesses other fascinating captivations aside from the Hallelujah Mountain, though. You will get enchanting photos of the First Natural Bridge Under Heaven, which connects two mountain peaks together. This is the highest natural bridge in the world, and is just two meters wide, five meters in depth and 25 meters in length; a truly fascinating part of the landscape. The Enchanting Platform lives up to its name in every sense; from the natural structure, you can observe magical panoramic views of valleys, gardens and pillars across the beautiful Yuanjiajie area.

Your head will be replaying all of those scenes you’ve been snapping for the day, so time to proceed to a Yuanjiajie hotel for some food and sleep - giving that mind a rest.

What’s Included: breakfast, tour, accommodation

Zhangjiajie – Depart Zhangjiajie

Time to depart your beautiful surroundings - no doubt you will be staring longingly at some of the wondrous photos you have taken over the previous days.

Perhaps you won’t need to describe your experiences to family and friends upon your return – all you will need to do is ask them to observe your photos; after all, as the famous saying goes: a picture paints a thousand words.

What’s Included: breakfast, airport transfer