Photograhy - Colours of China

A two week tour of China that takes you from the well known highlights to the rural south.  There are plenty of opportunities to capture some of the many amazing scenes that this country is renowned for.

Group:

Max group size 12
Min group size 6

Photographer Profile

Aubrey Wade was born in the Netherlands in 1977 to British parents, and completed a degree in Social Anthropology before turning to documentary photography.  His work continues to focus on social, political and cultural issues in some of the world's most interesting and challenging areas.  Based principally in London , he divides his time between assignments and long-term personal projects, for which he has received several international awards.  He has worked in over 20 countries and his work regularly appears in magazines worldwide.

Itinerary (14 nights / 15 days)

Day 1, Beijing
Arrive and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2, Beijing
Our exploration of China begins with a visit to the Temple of Heaven and the ancient observatory that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Interesting architecture and equipment to be explored from various angles, as well as fine detail for great close-up shots. (BLD)

Day 3, Great Wall
We visit the Great Wall and take a cable car up to one of the less visited sections. Take shots of this China icon as it snakes over a dramatic ridge. (BLD)

Day 4, Beijing – Xi'an
Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden Palace. Plenty of unique architectural details for interesting shots. Overnight train to Xi'an . (BLD)

Day 5, Xi'an
Arrive in Xi'an where the rest of the day is free. Perhaps take some time to explore the nearby Muslim quarter. The bustling streets contain many opportunities for action and people photos. (BLD)

Day 6, Xi'an – Kunming
This morning we visit the Terracotta Warriors. Contrary to what the guidebooks say – photos are now allowed. In the afternoon we fly to Kunming . (BLD)

Day 7, Kunming
Visit Shilin Stone Forest , an area of unusual rock formations with great photo opportunities. (BLD)

Day 8, Zhongdian
Fly to Zhongdian on the Tibetan Plateau. Free time to explore the town and perhaps shop for souvenirs. (BLD)

Day 9, Zhongdian
We visit the atmospheric Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and the nearby countryside. (BLD)

Day 10, Lijiang
We travel to Lijiang via Tiger Leaping Gorge, surrounded by fantastic scenery. (BLD)

Day 11, Lijiang
A free day in this quaint town, home to the Naxi minority group and full of beautiful buildings and parks. More than enough action to fill hours of happy snapping. (BLD)

Day 12, Yangshuo
Fly to Guilin and then transfer to Yangshuo, a pretty town surrounded by amazing limestone karst scenery. (BD)

Day 13, Yangshuo
We take an excursion out into the surrounding countryside, giving us great opportunities for both people and landscape photography. (BLD)

Day 14, Hong Kong
Fly to Hong Kong where the rest of the day is free. Take a trip up Victoria Peak or to one of the many themed markets – whatever your interest, you're sure to find something special here in this unique setting. (B)

Day 15, Hong Kong
Tour ends. (B)

General Tour Information

Maximum group size: 12
Staffing: Fully Escorted by professional tour leader and professional photographer
Transport: Private bus, taxi, plane, sleeper train (soft class)
Flights: Xi'an to Kunming, Kunming to Zhongdian, Zhongdian to Guilin (via Kunming), Guilin to the most suitable airport near Hong Kong
Accommodation: 13 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night sleeper train (soft class)
The single supplement does not apply the night on the sleeper train.
Activities: Extensive walking at sites
Meals: As per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Entrance fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tipping: To avoid embarrassment and save you money, all tours operate a tipping kitty. Please allow US$15-20 per week for this tour. This does not include a tip for the tour leader which is entirely at your own discretion.

For comparability, all prices in this dossier are quoted in one currency. We use the US Dollar since that is familiar to most. However, once on tour you will need to pay for all goods and services in the local currency. See your Country Dossier for details of exchange rates.

Local Payment

There is a local payment of US$440 on this tour. This must be paid to the Tour Leader in cash in US Dollars or Chinese Yuan on Day 1 of the tour.

Tour Briefing

Once all the members of your group have arrived, your tour leader will organise an introductory briefing (usually after 6pm on day 1). This meeting will give you an overview of all the exciting things that you will be seeing during your tour and include lots of practical information on how to get the most out of your time in China. You will need to bring with you your passport, all tour vouchers and a copy of your insurance policy to this briefing so that your tour leader can obtain important details that are essential to the running of the tour.

Important Note: it is a condition of joining our tours that you are in possession of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. If you do not have a policy you will be required to purchase one from your tour leader in order to join the tour.

Photography tours
Our photography tours have been carefully designed to take you to sites that are renowned for their visual vibrancy and character, ensuring you have countless opportunities to capture great pictures. To optimise this experience you will be accompanied by one of two professional photographers; Sharon Hickey or Aubrey Wade. Both have a wealth of photographic experience to impart and will be at hand to advise on composition and technique, meaning you will return home with a portfolio of stunning photographs and photographic know-how that you can draw upon for years to come.

Price includes:

• Staffing as shown in the 'Factfinder'
• Accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing excursions as per itinerary
• Transfer to hotel on arrival
• Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Price does not include:

• Visa costs
• Border Taxes
• Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature.
• International flights
• Departure transfers
• Meals other than those listed
• Single supplement does not include nights on sleeper trains.

Top of Page | Contact