May 27 – June 7, 2012

China has always held a mystique for travelers, and this is especially true for photographers. Few places on earth offer such a rich palette of photography opportunities: The Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven evoke images of imperial splendor, tea ceremonies and serene gardens reflect centuries of custom, the ancient stonework of the Great Wall snakes off toward the horizon. Just as grand, however, if less familiar, are China’s natural treasures. Great rivers and mountain ranges dominate much of the landscape. The country's dwindling bamboo forests are still home to endangered giant pandas. 

China is a photographer’s dream, offering a unique combination of mesmerizing landscapes, historic sites, cultural experiences and wildlife photo opportunities. Come explore this amazing country with us, as we capture images of China both ancient and wild.

As a small group, we maintain the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in a way that maximizes the photo opportunities – we'll depart early in the morning to chase the best light, remain at a site of specific photographic interest to fully explore the potential, or move to a new destination when desired. Our expert naturalist and accomplished photographer is always available to answer your questions, provide tips and techniques, and to help you better understand and photograph this amazing region of the world.

Trip Itinerary

The dates below do not include travel time to and from the destination. Please consult our tour operator, Natural Habitat Adventures, to discuss your best flight options.

Sunday, May 27, 2012: Beijing, China
Arrive in Beijing. Your journey into Chinese myths and traditions begins with a walk through Temple of the Sun Park. Pause at a local teahouse for a cup of green tea. The welcome dinner tonight will be a Peking duck banquet. Peninsula Beijing (D)

Monday & Tuesday, May 28 & 29: Exploring Beijing / Great Wall
Crossing Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and symbolic center of China, enter the vast Forbidden City, seat of the emperors’ power. The Temple of Heaven, constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture in its harmonious proportions and bold use of color. A tour of Old Beijing by pedi-cab reveals daily life in narrow alleys of the city’s traditional neighborhoods. Later, walk along the Great Wall, the 2,000-year-old edifice built to protect Chinese civilization from encroaching northern tribes. Peninsula Beijing (B,L,D)

Wednesday, May 30: Xi’an
Fly to the ancient walled capital of Xi’an to visit the Shaanxi History Museum, housing the many treasures that have been unearthed from the more than 1,000 years that Xi'an served as the ancient capital of China. Before dinner, stroll around the Muslim Quarter, where you’ll discover a way of life that derives as much from the ancient cultures of Central Asia as it does from China. Hilton Xi'an (B,L,D)

Thursday, May 31: Xi’an
Rise early to visit the Terracotta Army, built to guard the tomb of the first emperor to unite China. This major archaeological discovery includes nearly 10,000 figures of warriors and horses, each differing in features and expression. Later, stop by the Small Goose Pagoda, an important cultural relic and one of the remaining symbols of ancient Chang'an (the name of Xi’an during the Tang Dynasty). Hilton Xi'an (B,L,D)

Friday, June 1: Xi’an / Chengdu / Bifengxia Panda Base
Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, where you’ll visit the Bifengxia Panda Base. Encounter giant pandas in as natural setting as is available. (Opportunities to see them in the wild have essentially vanished.) The center breeds nearly 30 giant pandas, and is the largest captive giant panda institution in the world. Embark on a guided tour with a Chinese expert. Hongzhu Hotel (B,L,D)

Saturday, June 2: Bifengxia Panda Base / Chengdu
After a final morning with the pandas at Bifengxia, ride down a 26-story elevator to the bottom of spectacular Bifeng Gorge. Go on a short, leisurely hike at the bottom of the gorge to take in views of the stream, waterfalls and abundant plant life. Drive back to Chengdu, stopping en route in Shangli. Shangri-La Hotel (B,L,D)

Sunday, June 3: Giant Panda Breeding Research Base / Jiuzhaigou
This morning, visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. See pandas up close and learn about their habitat, mating habits, diet, intelligence and how they have survived despite increasing natural and human threats to their existence. Later, fly to Jiuzhaigou, notable for its stunning scenery and its simple idyllic beauty. Sheraton Jiuzhiagou Resort  (B,L,D)

Monday & Tuesday, June 4 & 5: Jiuzhaigou
Spend two days exploring the natural beauty of Jiuzhaigou National Park, bring along picnic lunches to enjoy on the way. Take in the lovely scenery on easy hikes through an idyllic backdrop of mountains, ravines, forests, meadows, wildflowers and a multitude of lakes and waterfalls. Tibetan culture is dominant here, evidenced by the prayer wheels and chortens that dot the landscape. Sheraton Jiuzhiagou Resort (B,L,D)

Wednesday, June 6: Jiuzhaigou / Chengdu
From Jiuhuang Airport, fly back to Chengdu and visit the Moon Bear Rescue Center. Also known as the Asiatic black bear, the moon bear has seen a precipitous decline in its population because of poaching. Bear organs are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, creating a black market, and the center is part of a recent international effort to protect these bears from future harm. Tonight, say farewell over a classic Chinese meal. Shangri-La Hotel (B,L,D)

Thursday, June 7: Depart
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)