Xi'an Immersion: Warriors & Walls
An Expertly Curated Itinerary for Landscape Photographers and Nature Enthusiasts
Introduction
This redesigned 13-day photographic journey showcases China's most breathtaking natural landscapes, combining the vibrant urban experiences of Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai with the unparalleled beauty of Jiuzhaigou Valley and Mount Huangshan. Carefully optimized for photography enthusiasts, this itinerary maximizes golden hour opportunities, provides ample time at key scenic spots, and ensures you capture the essence of China's most photogenic destinations.
#### Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Capital Welcome
- Transfer service to your hotel upon arrival
- Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing (4-star)
- Meals: No meals included
- Arrive in Beijing at your convenience, where our tour guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in and relax after your journey, preparing for the photographic adventure ahead.
#### Day 2: Beijing Imperial Grandeur - Historical Marvels
- Morning: Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City exploration (09:00-12:30)
- Lunch: Authentic Chinese cuisine at Shi Yuan Restaurant
- Afternoon: Temple of Heaven and Panjiayuan Antique Market (14:00-16:30)
- Evening: Optional Peking duck dinner and night photography opportunities
- Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing (4-star)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Capture the architectural magnificence of China's imperial history, with special attention to the optimal lighting conditions for photographing these historic landmarks.
#### Day 3: Great Wall Adventure - Ancient Wonder
- Full Day: Mutianyu Great Wall exploration (08:00-12:30)
- Lunch: Local specialties at Xiaolongpu Restaurant
- Afternoon: Olympic Park exterior photography - Bird Nest and Water Cube (13:30-16:30)
- Evening: Optional cultural experiences including foot massage or nightlife exploration
- Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing (4-star)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Experience the Great Wall during optimal morning light, with cable car options available for panoramic photography opportunities.
#### Day 4: Beijing to Chengdu - Cultural Transition
- Morning: Hutong tour by rickshaw and Summer Palace visit (10:00-14:30)
- Afternoon: Flight to Chengdu with transfer assistance
- Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (4-star)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Capture the traditional Beijing lifestyle in the Hutongs before experiencing the imperial grandeur of the Summer Palace, including a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
#### Day 5: Chengdu Panda Encounter - Wildlife Photography
- Morning: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (09:30-12:30)
- Lunch: Authentic Sichuan Hot Pot at Old House restaurant
- Afternoon: Renmin Park cultural experience and Jinli Old Street exploration (13:30-16:30)
- Evening: Optional Face Changing show or Kuanzhai Alley night photography
- Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (4-star)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Photograph adorable giant pandas in their naturalistic habitat during their most active morning hours, with opportunities for close-up wildlife shots.
#### Day 6: Journey to Jiuzhaigou - Mountain Splendor
- Morning: Bullet train to Jiuzhaigou (08:00-11:30)
- Afternoon: Huanglong National Park exploration (13:00-16:00)
- Accommodation: New Jiuzhai Hotel (4-star)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Note: From November to April, Huanglong may be closed due to weather, with alternative visit to Mouni Valley
- Capture the stunning colorful ponds and dramatic mountain landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage site during afternoon golden hour.
#### Day 7: Jiuzhaigou Valley - Natural Fairyland
- Full Day: Jiuzhaigou Valley comprehensive exploration (08:30-17:30)
- Key Photography Stops: Long Lake, Five-colour Pool, Nuorilang Waterfall, Rhino Lake, Tiger Lake, Shuzheng Fall, Princess Lake, Shuanglong Waterfall
- Evening: Bullet train return to Chengdu
- Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (4-star)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Full day dedicated to photographing the crystal-clear lakes, multi-level waterfalls, and vibrant autumn colors that make Jiuzhaigou a photographer's paradise.
#### Day 8: Leshan Giant Buddha - Monumental Scale
- Morning: Leisure morning with late check-out (10:00-10:30)
- Afternoon: Leshan Giant Buddha exploration with hiking and river cruise options (13:30-16:00)
- Evening: Flight to Huangshan
- Accommodation: Huangshan International Hotel (4-star)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Capture the world's largest stone Buddha from both close-up perspectives and the panoramic river cruise viewpoint.
#### Day 9: Mount Huangshan Ascension - Mountain Majesty
- Full Day: Mount Huangshan ascent and exploration (09:30-18:30)
- Key Viewpoints: Lion Peak, Shixin Peak, Grand Canyon of Xihai
- Accommodation: Beihai Hotel (5-star mountain accommodation)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Experience the "No. 1 Mountain under heaven" with its famous four wonders: odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formations, seas of clouds, and hot springs.
#### Day 10: Huangshan Sunrise & Ancient Villages
- Early Morning: Sunrise and sea of clouds photography (06:00-12:00)
- Afternoon: Chengkan Ancient Village cultural exploration (13:30-16:30)
- Evening: Tunxi Old Street night photography and local cuisine
- Accommodation: Huangshan International Hotel (4-star)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Capture the magnificent Huangshan sunrise (weather permitting) followed by the well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture of Chengkan Ancient Village.
#### Day 11: Huangshan to Shanghai - Urban Transition
- Morning: Leisure exploration of Tunxi Old Street
- Afternoon: High-speed train to Shanghai (4-hour journey)
- Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund (4-star)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Final opportunities for Huangshan region photography before transitioning to China's most modern metropolis.
#### Day 12: Shanghai Contrasts - Modern Meets Traditional
- Morning: Jade Buddha Temple and Oriental Pearl TV Tower exterior (09:30-12:30)
- Lunch: Authentic Shanghai dim sum and steamed buns
- Afternoon: Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, Nanjing Road, and The Bund (13:30-16:30)
- Evening: Optional ERA acrobatic show
- Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund (4-star)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Capture the striking contrast between traditional Chinese gardens and Shanghai's spectacular modern skyline, with optimal evening photography at The Bund.
#### Day 13: Shanghai Departure - Journey Conclusion
- Morning: Leisure time for last-minute photography or shopping
- Airport Transfer: Optional Maglev train experience or direct transfer to Pudong Airport
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Conclude your photographic journey through China's most stunning landscapes with convenient transfer to your departure flight.