Guilin + Zhangjiajie: Mountains meet mountains
A perfect mix of Guilin landscapes and Zhangjiajie mountains.
We've combined Guilin and Zhangjiajie, two of the most popular landscape destinations, to create a unique landscape photography tour. You'll get the chance to discover the unique karst mountains and cormorant fishermen of Guilin, as well as the stunning rocky peaks, valleys, and cliffs in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie offers a fantastic opportunity to fulfill your landscape photography desires.
Cities Covered: Guilin - Yangshuo - Longji - Zhangjiajie
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Guilin Arrival
Upon your arrival at the airport or train station, you will be picked up from the airport/train station.
In the afternoon, head to a mountaintop to capture the amazing sunset, featuring classic karst mountain peaks and village rivers.
Overnight in Yangshuo.
Day 2 - Yangshuo Landscapes
Begin your day with an early morning excursion to Damian Hill or Xianggong Hill, eager to capture the stunning beauty of the karst mountains and the panoramic bend of the Li River as the sun rises.
Afterward, head to the countryside to capture photos of a buffalo farmer on an ancient stone bridge in a village, framed by the backdrop of spectacular mountains in the distance.
Wrap up the day with a sunset session, framing the karst mountains overlooking the Yulong River in Yangshuo. Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Day 3 - Yangshuo - Longji
Start your day early by heading to a quiet spot along the Li River. Capture beautiful sunrise photos of mountains reflecting in the water, featuring a cormorant fisherman and gaslamp portraits.
Head to Dazhai Village in Longji Rice Terraces, the largest minority tribe in the area.
Capture the beauty of the golden rice terraces and the vibrant minority village from various picturesque locations.
Drive to Ping'an Village and overnight there.
Day 4 - Guilin - Zhangjiajie
Begin your day capturing the beauty of rice terraces at sunrise. Optionally arrange for local minority women carrying bamboo baskets for a picturesque scene.
Return to Guilin and drop you at the train station. Take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie
Overnight in Zhangjiajie downtown.
Day 5 - Tianmen Mountain
Discover Tianmen Mountain and Tianmen Cave on your visit. Enjoy the longest cableway in Asia, covering 7200 meters, and take photos of the Avenue toward Heaven with its 99 turns.
Walk along the Cliff-Hanging Walkway and Glass Sky Walk for an exciting experience. In the afternoon, use the shuttle bus to reach Tianmen Cave. Capture the stunning turns and curves from high vantage points.
Stay overnight in the Wulingyuan scenic area.
Day 6 - Wulingyuan National Park
Explore Yuanjiajie via cable car or Bailong elevator to photograph stunning mountain peaks, including the famous Hallelujah Mountain from Avatar. Head to Tianzi Mountain for more peaks and a chance to capture a beautiful sea of clouds.
In the afternoon, visit Yangjiajie, checking out attractions like Tianbo Mansion, Oolong Village, and the Corridor of the Cliffs. End the day with a sunset shot at One Step Under the Heaven.
Stay overnight at a mountain-top hostel to capture both sunrise and sunset. It's the only option available.
Day 7 - Wulingyuan - Zhangjiajie Departure
Begin your day early for sunrise photography over mountain peaks and valleys.
After breakfast, journey to Laowuchang to capture the captivating sight of "Fields in the Sky," terraced rice paddies crowning the peaks. Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the magnificent view of the "Supernatural Army Gathering."
Next, descend via cable car to Golden Whip Brook, renowned for its pristine water, lush mountains, steep cliffs, and tranquil valley.
In the late afternoon, we'll drop you off at the airport for your departure.
Photos from this trip
Trip Notes
What's included?
- Photography guide
- Private transportation
- Entrance fees
- Expenses for people photography and family visits
- Accommodation for 6 nights in boutique hotels
- High-speed train from Guilin to Zhangjiajie for fist-class seat
- Airport/railway station pick-up and drop-off
What's not included?
- Travel insurance
- Meals
- Tip for guide and driver
What's the accommodation situation?
Based on your budget and perference, we can suggest or book budget hostels, boutique hotels and luxury hotels for you.
For your reference, the boutique hotel is USD 80-150 per room/night.
How can I customize this itinerary?
Telling us your requirements, such as adding one more day or making it shorter, or focus on landscapes more. We can easily design a new itinerary by your interests.
What gears should I bring?
Two cameras will be very helpful, it will save your time to change the lenses. Better to have one full frame body with regular lens, and one half frame for zoom lens.
For sunrise, 24-70 and 70-200 are needed; at sunset, 70-200 is more useful.
Besides, if would be great if you have a primary lens with big aperture (1.4 or 1.8) for low light indoor photography.
Tripod is very necessary of course. We prepare at least 2 tripods for backup, you can bring your ball head only and use it on our tripod if concerning about the weight of your luggages.
I don't think you will use polarizer filters or ND filters in Xiapu.
Besides, it will be great if you can bring a mini tripod for your mobile phone, lots of opportunities to film time-lapse when tide coming.
Cancellation Policy
If you decide to cancel your trip a month before the departure date, you will receive a complete refund.
In the event of a cancellation within 30 days of departure, we can retain your payment as credit for your next journey.