Ultimate China 2 Photography Tour

An Extraordinary Photographic Journey Through China

Continue your journey through China on a unique small-group photography adventure exploring some of the country's most spectacular landscapes and cultural locations. With a small group of only 6–8 adventurers, quality accommodation and experienced local and photographic guides, China 2 is designed to give you the time, access and flexibility required to create outstanding images.

Beginning in Beijing and finishing in Kunming, China 2 travels through the remarkable landscapes of Zhangjiajie and Wulingyuan, the limestone karst country surrounding Yangshuo and the incredible rice terraces of Yuanyang.

We have deliberately targeted the winter months for fewer tourists, distinctive conditions and unique photographic opportunities. Our days are designed around photography, with time allocated for the best morning and afternoon light wherever possible.

This is far more than a landscape tour. Along the way we'll photograph local culture, traditional villages, markets and specially arranged photographic opportunities, including our private cormorant fisherman session on the Li River at sunset.

China Tour 2 can be booked independently or linked with China Tour 1 for the complete China photography adventure.

Zhangjiajie & Wulingyuan

Photograph the extraordinary quartz sandstone pillars and peaks of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, including sunrise and sunset sessions from high in the Tianzi Mountains. The region contains more than 3,000 sandstone pillars and peaks and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yangshuo & the Karst Mountains

Explore one of China's classic landscapes, where dramatic limestone mountains rise above rivers, villages and agricultural country. Photograph sunrise from Xianggong Mountain and explore the landscapes surrounding the Li and Yulong Rivers.

Private Cormorant Fisherman Photography

One of the signature experiences of China 2. We arrange a private photographic session with a traditionally dressed fisherman, cormorants, bamboo raft and gas lamp against the spectacular karst landscape of Xingping at sunset.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Spend several days photographing the spectacular Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Winter sees the terraces filled with water, creating reflections and changing colours in the morning and afternoon light.

Culture & People

Photography extends beyond the landscapes. We'll also photograph traditional villages, markets and the Hani and Yi people of the Yuanyang region, with our local guide helping arrange special cultural photographic opportunities.

Small Group Photography

Our small group allows us greater flexibility in the field and more individual photographic assistance. Whether you're relatively new to photography or highly experienced, the emphasis remains the same: your photography comes first.

Included

• Accommodation as per itinerary

• Meals as detailed in the itinerary

• All land tour costs as per itinerary

• Entrance and park fees

• Professional photography guide

• Local expert driver/guide

• Beijing to Zhangjiajie flight

• Zhangjiajie to Guilin high-speed train

• Guilin to Kunming high-speed train

Not Included

• International flights

• Personal expenses

• Items not specified in the itinerary

• Tips and drinks

• Travel insurance

DAY 11: January 11 - BEIJING TO ZHANGJIAJIE

We fly to Zhangjiajie by CA8609 1415/1650. This flight is included. We drive 1.5 hours to the foothill of the mountains. Wulingyuan is located in northwest of Hunan Province, the south of central China. In 1950s, this area was national timberland. This breathtaking quartz sandstone was first explored by logging workers. In 1982, Zhangjiajie Forest Park was founded as the first National Forrest Park in China. Now it is part of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, called Yellow Stone Village. In 1992, the whole area (includes Zhangjiajie National Forrest Park, Suoxiyu Scenic spot and Tianzi Mountain Scenic spot) was listed as UNESCO world heritage site. It total covers around 398 square kilometers. There are more than 3,000 narrow quartz sandstone pillars and peaks, and most of them are over 200 meter high.

Between the peaks lie ravines and gorges with streams, pools and caves. In 2004, it also was listed as a World Geo-park. This region is also the home to a number of endangered plant and animal species. Here is the most important Chinese giant salamander nature reserve in China. The elevation of the pillars and peaks is between 700 and 1250 metre above sea level. Between 700m and 950m, there is a mixed community of evergreen and deciduous broad leaved trees, includes Chinese plum yew and pines. Above 950m, there is a community of deciduous broad leaved trees, bushes and herbs. In some area below 1,000m, extensive communities are dominated by pine. The weather here is humid and it is always cool in the evening on the top of mountain. Some days, the abundant rainfall will bring mist surround the huge pillars and peaks, it presents spectacular landscape. Sunrise is the best time for us to catch the good sunlight on the pillars. Avatar Movie director James Cameron created Avatar Planet inspired by the gorgeous Wulingyuan Pillars. They featured in Avatar 1&2.

Local lodge (D)

DAYs 12-13: January 12/13 - TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN

For the next 2 days, we start early in the morning, hopping on a bus for the best morning photography in Tianzi Mountains. We head down the mountain for lunch, enjoy a short rest and head back for sunset images. The different lighting is fantastic and our local expert guide will help to optimise the best timing and locations. Your WPA guide will add his experience so that you can capture the very best and enjoy diverse shooting situations.

Local lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 14: January 14 - TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN

This large area offers so many different peaks, valleys and of course lighting. After a morning photographing on top of the mountain (Mihun Stage and Imperial Brush Peak, etc), we drive to our city hotel tonight.

Hilton Garden Inn - (B, L, D)

(B,L,D) - Confirms if - Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - are included that day. Itinerary and price is subject to change.

The itinerary continues…