Beautiful China Photo Tour, from US$2297

When you reach in Beijing our tour guide will welcome you at the airport and help you to check in the hotel. You are free to arrange your time for the rest of the day and make preparations for the tour in next day. Trying the crispy and tasty Peking duck dinner will make your journey to Beijing a perfect one, so we highly recommend a featured dinner for you at one famous restaurant.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Meals:

[Temple of Heaven] which is an integration of buildings, gardens, and pathways, its organization implies the relationship between Earth and heaven, and we will visit the Temple of Heaven after breakfast. Next we will move to [Tian'anmen Square] with the location of central axis of old Beijing; it is one of the largest city squares around the world. [Forbidden City]--Imperial palaces for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties is our third stop in our tour. The city contains 800 ceremonial buildings, 9,999 rooms, and a courtyard that can hold 100,000 people. Ancient Chinese architectural styles are well preserved here, giving visitors an imposing view sight. Later the day, we drive to the [798 Photography Art Studio]. You can have the opportunity to look around, admire those photos in the studio, or talk to artists, so it is a wonderful time for you to devote yourself to the world of art.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Meals: (B, L)

“He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man” is a popular saying in China. So in this morning we will drive to the [Jinshanling Great Wall], the less developed and commercial section of the Wall. This historic construction is a little dangerous to climb because it winds up and down the precipitous ranges. However, you will never regret to climb it after the unexceptionable views are available to you on the top. And then you can devote yourself to capturing the fabulous pictures of the imposing Great Wall.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Meals: (B, L)

Today we go the visit the [Summer Palace]--one of China's architectural masterpieces. The pavilions, kiosks, terraces, bridges, dikes, corridors are delicately crafted and placed, best displaying the thousands of years old Chinese landscape gardening, so the beauty of the Summer Palace is super. There are profound philosophical and aesthetic traditions in the scenic spots. We will fly to Chengdu in the afternoon. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is leisure at relax. There are lots of things for you to do in Chengdu such as tasting the famous Sichuan cuisine, shopping in the local markets, and having tea at a teahouse, which are all presenting the chances for you to have a deeper understanding of Chengdu.

Stay overnight in Chengdu.

Meals: (B, L)

Today we will drive to Chengdu Shuangliu airport to catch a flight to Jiuhuang airport in [Jiuzhaigou area]. When arriving, we will [take a coach to Muni scenic area to see the Zaga Waterfall], fantastic pictures can be taken from there. It will cost us about two hours in hiking along that area. After the above activities, we will drive to Jiuzhaigou, checking into hotel and relax.

Stay overnight at Jiuzhaigou.

Meals: (B, L)

After breakfast, we will go to [Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area] including [Shuzheng Valley], [Rize Valley] and [Zechawa Valley]. Shuzheng Lakes locates at the entrance place, so you’ll appreciate these dream-like views first. Shuzheng Valley with 40 various lakes, is considered as the epitome of Jiuzhaigou. Then, we will head to Rize Valley with 18 separated amazing lakes and the Nuorilang Waterfall; it is the most attractive part of Jiuzhaigou. Zechawa Valley has not only seasonal lakes, but also snow-capped peaks because it enjoys the highest altitude during your Jiuzhaigou tour. Lakes, waterfalls, beaches, water currents, snow peaks, virgin forests which can all represent natural beauties to you and offer you excellent opportunity to take photos.

Stay overnight at Jiuzhaigou.

Meals: (B, L)

We will fly to Chengdu after breakfast. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free on your own to explore this leisure city of China. In Tianfu Square, you can take a walk to see Chairman Mao's marble statue. Going to People's Park, or having a sip of Chinese green tea in the tea house there are all attractive options for you to choose. Here you can see the streets are full of life, displacing various products ranging from snakes and snails to fortunes and foot scrubs, which are beyond your imagination. A hotpot dinner will make you know what authentic Sichuan spicy food is. There are other famous souvenirs: Sichuan brocade, embroidery and lacquer etc.

Stay overnight in Chengdu.

Meals: (B, L)

Today, the whole day is for your own arrangement. You can visit Chengdu and take photos by yourself. And we will take a flight to Kunming In the evening. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel by our guide.

Stay overnight in Kunming.

Meals: (B, L) 

Let’s have a whole day tour to the [Stone Forest]. Stone Forest (Shi Lin in Chinese) win the name of 'First Wonder of the World', has magnificent stone masterpieces, various strange and steep intricate formations, and countless labyrinthine vistas. And there goes a local saying: 'It is a waste of time without being in the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming'. We will drive to Kunming Train Station to catch an overnight train to Dali after dinner.

Stay overnight on train.

Meals: (B, L)

In the morning, you will be picked up by your guide at Dali Train Station, and be transferred to your hotel in the Old Town. Then you can arrange your own time for the rest of the morning. After lunch, we set out to visit a typical sight of Dali--the [Three Pagoda Temple]. As its name implies, Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle, which is very unique in China. The magnificent [Three Pagoda Temple] is one of the most significant and majestic wonders in Dali. Then we continue to visit [Dali ancient Town]. The city layout was uniform, with five main streets from south to north and eight main streets from east to west, while marketplaces were neatly arranged within the city, which has remained unchanged to this date. You can see that traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses are everywhere, which give us a different feeling from any other Chinese city. Besides, the cobble-paved streets are also very impressive on our walk. The grey-green roof tiles, peculiar workshops, temples, schools and churches with an antique flavor would be a valuable part of our memory. So you can just enjoy taking some photos while have a relaxed walk.

Stay overnight in Dali Old Town.

Meals: (B, L)

This morning we will depart for Lijiang by private car, van or by bus, which will cost us 3.5 hours to get there. The beautiful scenery on the way will definitely give you some special feelings, and we may stop on the way for you to relax and take some photos at the same time. We will arrive at Lijiang before dinner time.

Stay overnight in Lijiang.

Meals: (B, L)

Lijiang is an ancient town with unique architectural styles and people there still sticks to their original tradition way of living. In this morning we will go to the [Jade Dragon Snow-capped Mountain]. With skyscraping snow-capped peaks and its imposing body reflecting in the interlaced rivers, the landscape there is really fabulous, which enables you to take wonderful pictures. When viewed afar, the snow-capped range resembles a silver dragon with snow curling up its middle. Rich forest, herb and animal resources thrive on the mountain and a giant tram cart up here is one of the highest of its kind in China. We will [take cables] to get to the top of the mountain and you can absorb in picturesque scenery.

Stay overnight in Lijiang.

Meals: (B, L)

We will leave for Shangri-la by private car, van or bus after breakfast. It is long drive journey but we will have a lunch stop on the half way. And you will discover that the scenery along the way is fantastic for you to take wonderful pictures. We will arrive in Shangri-la before dinner time.

Stay overnight in Shangri-la.

Meals: (B, L)

[Songzanlin Monastery] is a spiritual hub for people to discover the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, and also a famous Tibetan style Buddhist temple in China. And we will spend some time there to visit it. Tourists are attracted to this scenic spot because they can enjoy the view and can be lucky to take photos of girls wearing exquisite Tibetan costumes holding perfectly white fluffy lambs against the imposing mountains and blue sky. Visiting the [old part of the town], a [Tibetan family visiting] are also include in our tour as well. The Tibetan built their houses in distinctive religious styles influenced by Buddhism. You can taste Tibetan specialties of yak butter tea, local yogurt and Tibetan barley. You can walk around to have a look in the afternoon. Visiting the local market is a good way to experience local people's daily life.

Stay overnight in Shangri-la.

Meals: (B, L)

Bitahai Lake that lies in the east of Shangri-La County of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, has long won the name of 'A Pearl on the Plateau' and the most attractive lake in Shangri-La. Today we will have the opportunity to visit [Bitahai Lake]and will have a feast on your eyes. We will drive 32 kilometers from Shangri-la County to there. As the highest lake in Yunnan Province, Bitahai Lake is over 3500 meters (about 3828 yards) above sea level, and is well-known for its limpid water and charming scenery with mountains embracing it and forests encompassing it. The surrounding mountains are also spotted with fields full of azaleas. Here you can also sense the beauty of the flower sea because flowers bloom in late spring and early summer every year. When the fallen petals gone with the wind and down into the lake, the fish rise to the top, vying with each other to eat them. Since these petals are slightly poisonous and the fish become inanimate and slothfully, intoxicated by the flower's chemicals. This is a fascinating scene, known to the locals as "fish drunk by azalea". In order to maintain the harmony of the area, you are required to either walk or ride a horse around the lake while taking photos.

Stay overnight in Shangri-la.

Meals: (B, L)

We will go back to Kunming by plane in the morning, and take another flight from Kunming to Guilin. Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to have a rest.

Stay overnight in Guilin.

Meals: (B, L)

[Longji Terraces] is famous scenic spot in Longsheng County, a minority area with magnificent terraced rice paddies. You may have a chance to take some wonderful pictures of minority people wearing delicate costumes along the way. Located southeast of Longsheng, the rice terraces are built into the hillsides which look like great chains or ribbons as they wind from the foot to the top of the hill. People in mountainous area are smart enough to make best use of the scare arable land and water resources by building this ingenious construction. Later this afternoon we will drive to visit [Huangluo Red Yao minority village] where women there all keep their hair to a length of more than one meter. You will be surprised in their characteristic red costumes and beauty.

Stay overnight in Longsheng.

Meals: (B, L)

Early this morning we will drive to the Longsheng town. Visiting the local market is an interesting way to discovery daily life of local people. Then we will drive to Guilin city. Upon arrival, you are transferred to the hotel, and you can enjoy a relaxed afternoon.

Stay overnight in Guilin.

Meals: (B, L)

Today [Li River cruise] marks the beginning of our exciting journey. Cruising downstream with a pleasant breeze greeting, you can sit on cushion comfortably or enjoy the open-air viewing platform. Make sure that your memory card of your digital camera has large capacity and the battery is full charged before you go. During the cruise, you are able to capture the dramatic landscapes that Chinese artists have been painting for centuries. You can have delicious local food on board. Picturesque scenery is available to you during the four hours journey to Yangshuo. After we get off the ship, we will go to explore the West Street named as "Earth Village in China". Nowadays, the 600 meters long street has over 300 cafes, restaurants, hotels art crafts and tourist stores, foreign language clubs, internet centers and Kungfu schools. The rest of the day is free at your disposal, and you can enjoy a coffee time at the West Street, or walk around the small Yangshuo town.

Stay overnight in Yangshuo.

Meals: (B, L)

We will drive back to Guilin city after breakfast. The shinning scenic spots in Guilin city make the city so unique and beautiful; we will spend the rest of the day in Guilin to appreciate its beauty. The [Elephant Trunk Hill] looks like an elephant drinking water from the river. Taking a picture there is a necessary in your trip because it is the symbol of Guilin. And then we will move to the [Reed Flute Cave], one of the most spectacular caves displaying karst geographical formation in various shapes. We will continue to the nearby [South China Sea Pearl Museum], where we can learn some knowledge of pearls and real sea pearl at competitive prices are available to you. A cruise in the city's central area to you on a water system will absolutely give you a deep impression of Guilin, so we recommend you to experience it.

Stay overnight in Guilin.

Meals: (B, L)

You can arrange you time in the morning until are ready to be transferred to catch a flight to Hong Kong or for departure.

Meals: (B)