CHINA
IN LENS
4-Day Daocheng & Yading Photography Tour
Join us on an exclusive photography tour of Zhangjiajie, where you can capture the breathtaking beauty of the Avatar Mountain and marvel at the extraordinary landscapes.
-
Capture awe-inspiring photos of the breathtaking Avatar Mountains
-
Take photos of the majestic pillar-like formations and the enchanting floating rocks
-
Experience the world's tallest outdoor elevator and the world's longest cable car
-
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Tianmen Mountain and explore the fascinating Tianmen Cave
A photo escape like no other
The itinerary has been crafted by a photography specialist to inspire your next escape. You have the flexibility to personalize it according to your preferences and style, allowing you to capture the scenery and locals on your own conditions and departing at your convenience.
Photo Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu to Daocheng
Fly from Chengdu to Daocheng Yading, which only takes one hour. Most flights are in the morning, which is convenient for your trip. Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the airport.
Your first stop will be the Benbo Monastery (3,940m), a beautiful Kagyu Buddhist temple cluster that is over 900 years old. Capture some stunning photos of the striking claret-red buildings and learn about their fascinating history.
Next, visit the Sangdui Red Grassland in Sangdui Town. This picturesque landscape features fiery red grass surrounded by traditional Tibetan village houses, colorful poplar trees, and a clear blue sky. It resembles an ocean of vibrant colors and is best seen in September and October.
Afterwards, head to Sela County and Bang River to photograph the vast poplar forest spanning over ten thousand acres (3,740m). During autumn, usually in October, the poplar trees transform into a charming mix of orange and golden hues, creating a breathtaking sight under the clear blue sky. The best time to capture the beauty of the poplar forest and countryside is during sunrise, morning hours, and dusk when the soft sunlight enhances the scenery.
Finally, you will spend the night in Shangri-La Town (2,950m).
Day 2: Yading Nature Reserve
Start your day early to capture the beauty of Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, known as the "Last Pure Land on Earth."
Begin by visiting the best viewing deck to witness the breathtaking panorama of Yading Village. This village is nestled amidst snow-capped mountains and lush forests, resembling a mystical holy land. Around 30 households reside here, cultivating vibrant and colorful lands.
Next, head to Luorong Pasture, located at an altitude of 4,150m. Take your time to leisurely explore this idyllic pasture and capture captivating photos of grazing cattle and goats. The pasture is surrounded by layers of vibrant alpine forests, a clear meandering stream, and the majestic presence of three holy snow mountains: Xiannairi (Mount Chianrezig), Yangmaiyong (Mount Jambeyang), and Xianuoduoji (Mount Chanadorje).
Afterward, you can opt to ride a horse (additional payment required) for approximately 5km to reach the stunning Milk Lake at 4,600m. This lake is unbelievably charming, resembling a precious blue gem that can evoke tears of awe.
Continue your journey to the Five Color Lake at 4,500m, where you can capture the mesmerizing sight of a world-class oil painting. The lake showcases beautiful snow-covered mountains in white, grey, silver, and chocolate hues, complemented by blue and green waters. The backdrop of clear skies adds to the overall enchantment, along with various alpine plantations.
Finally, return to your hotel before nightfall to conclude your day of exploration.
Day 3: Yading Nature Reserve - Daocheng County
After breakfast, make your way to Chonggu Monastery, capturing the majestic Xiannairi mountain along the way. The stream and forest create a beautiful foreground for your photographs. Take a moment to stop at the temple and capture the sacred Gelug Buddhist architecture, adorned in white, red, yellow, and black.
Photograph the temple against the backdrop of the three pure white holy snow mountains. Take a short walk and immerse yourself in the charming Chonggu Meadow at 4,020m. This meadow is like a fairyland on Earth, with vast grasslands resembling a soft and thick carpet in shades of yellow and green throughout the seasons. Capture the enchanting transparent chanting river, where countless little stones glisten like grains of gold at the bottom. Experiment with different angles to photograph the Xianuoduoji snow mountain.
Next, continue your journey with a 30-minute hike to Pearl Lake at 4,120m. This location offers a fantastic opportunity to capture the picturesque landscape of snow-capped peaks, dense green and orange forests, iridescent prayer flags, and their reflections shimmering in the clear lake. It is also the perfect spot to admire the holy Xiannairi snow mountain.
In the late afternoon, drive to Daocheng county, where you will spend the night.
Day 4: Daocheng & Departure
After breakfast, your local guide and driver will accompany you to Daocheng Yading Airport for your onward flight to Chengdu or other destinations.
Departure Options: Daocheng Yading Airport offers direct flights to Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xian. There are also limited connecting flights available to Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Kunming.
Trip Notes
01. The best time for photography
The best time to visit Daocheng and Yading is during autumn, which falls between September and November. During this season, the tree leaves transform into vibrant shades of yellow and red, creating a picturesque landscape that is perfect for photography.
April to August is also a favorable period for photography in Daocheng and Yading. However, it's important to note that from December to March, it is winter time in the region, with snowfall and potential impacts on traffic.
02. Camera and lens suggestions
-
My recommendation to customers is to carry two cameras while photographing, as it saves time in changing lenses, especially during sunrise and sunset when the scenery changes rapidly. This ensures that you don't miss any beautiful moments.
-
For landscape photography, it's best to bring a wide-angle and zoom lens, such as 24-70mm and 70-200mm.
-
Additionally, a tripod is essential in low-light conditions, such as at dawn and dusk.
03. Drone photography
Please note that drone photography is prohibited by the authorities in Daocheng and Yading. There may be security checks on your luggage when entering the scenic area, and you may find that some Chinese tourists successfully bringing drones by hiding them in their luggage.
However, it is important to understand that even if you manage to bring a drone, flying it at high altitudes poses significant risks. Therefore, it is not recommended to fly drones in this area.
What's Included
-
Photography guiding
-
All transportation in the itinerary
-
Accomordation ( local best boutique hotels) for 3 nights, breakfast each morning at your hotel
-
Personal processing instructions
-
Fresh Coffee if outdoor in early morning
-
Airport/train station pick up and transfer in Daocheng Yading.
-
24/7 in-destination support from our local office
