6 Days Beijing Photography Tour

Itinerary Details Day by Day

Day 1 Beijing Arrival

Ni Hao, welcome to Beijing, the iconic city as well as the capital of China!

You will be met by your local tour guide at the arrival hall of your arrival airport or train station, then be escorted to check in to your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Arrival Ideas: At present, there are many international and domestic flights to Beijing. Besides, you can take a high speed train to this capital city from Shanghai (4.5-6 hrs), Xian (4-6 hrs), Guangzhou (7.5-8 hrs), Chengdu (7.5-10 hrs), Chongqing (7-9 hrs), Hong Kong (8 hrs), etc.

Day 2 Beijing (B)

After breakfast, you will start a journey through Beijing's storied past with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public plaza. This iconic site is where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China from the imposing Tiananmen Gate.

Step through Tiananmen Gate and into the heart of imperial China - Forbidden City. This vast palace complex of nearly 10,000 rooms, once home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, stands as a marvel of architectural brilliance and historical grandeur. Admire the intricate details, from the dazzling yellow-glazed tile roofs to the refined white marble bases. As you explore the myriad rooms and courtyards, envision the lives of emperors, empresses, and their courtiers.

After leaving the Forbidden City, take a short walk to Jingshan Park, where you can ascend to its summit for a panoramic view. From here, marvel at the sweeping vistas of the Forbidden City to the south and the serene landscapes of Beihai Park, Shichahai Lake, and the iconic Drum Tower to the north. For unforgettable photos, make your way to one of the palace's corner towers, a favorite spot among photography enthusiasts.

Following lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to experience the enchanting Summer Palace. Once the exclusive summer retreat of the imperial family, this site is renowned as China's largest and most well-preserved royal garden. Discover a stunning array of ancient pavilions, grand mansions, serene temples, and elegant bridges. The Long Corridor, stretching along the peaceful shores of Kunming Lake, is adorned with thousands of vibrant paintings that tell captivating stories of history and mythology. As the sun sets, you will enjoy and take wonderful pictures of the breathtaking sunset if the weather permits.

Lastly, be escorted back to your hotel.

Optional Night Activities:
1) Watch a wonderful acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theater;
2) Or enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.

Day 3 Beijing - Gubei Water Town (B)

In the morning, your tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to Gubei Water Town, a themed resort by picturesque canals, offers a tranquil escape reminiscent of the Southern Yangtze River water towns. As you stroll through the stone-paved streets, you’ll have ample opportunities to photograph tranquil lake scenes, ancient stone bridges, elegant pavilions, and traditional northern Chinese architecture. Notable spots for your camera include Sima Brewery, the Dyeing House, Yinghua Academy, Yang Wudi Ancestral Hall, and Zhenyuan Bodyguard Bureau. For a stunning panorama, climb up to the hilltop church and capture breathtaking shots of the town below.

After dinner, your guide will accompany you to the Simatai Great Wall, which will be illuminated along the mountain ridge. You'll take the cable car up to the wall to enjoy the stunning night views. Currently, only the section between Watchtowers No.5 and No.6 is open for night tours. You'll spend about an hour on the wall before taking the cable car back down and checking into your hotel in Gubei Water Town. If visiting between May and October, you might capture a spectacular sunset over the Great Wall. Enjoy the evening at your leisure in the picturesque Gubei Water Town, where you may also photograph seasonal water shows and drone performances.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure in the charming Gubei Water Town. Depending on the season, you may experience water shows and drone performances.

After the sightseeing, drive to your hotel at the foot of Jinshanling Great Wall for accommodation.

Day 4 Jinshanling Great Wall - Beijing (B)

To Today promises an exceptional day for photography at the Jinshanling Great Wall. Known as one of the best-preserved and most picturesque sections of the Great Wall, it features in steep mountains and dense, ornate towers. This section is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and photographers.

You'll start early and walk approximately 30 minutes to Small Jinshan Tower. Here, you'll capture the sunrise, with the Great Wall bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn — a truly magnificent photo opportunity. If you're fortunate, you might also witness a mesmerizing sea of clouds. After the sunrise, continue your hike westward along the undulating wall towards the eastern edge, capturing the stunning landscapes as you go. Photograph the historic towers, rolling mountains, and lush forests that define this section of the Great Wall. General Tower is another essential spot, offering breathtaking panoramic views that are perfect for your camera. After your photography adventure, you’ll descend the wall at Zhuanduokou Tower.

After the photography, you will drive back to Beijing and catch your flight or train to your next destination.

Day 5 Beijing Hutong Photography (B)

After breakfast, go to explore the unique feature of Beijing - Hutongs. You will visit and shoot two most recommended Hutongs in Beijing - South Gong & Drum Alley and West Four Hutongs. Walking leisurely on the streets of Hutong, meet the unexpected beautiful scene, visit local family in Hutong... there are too many things to do.

South Gong & Drum Alley (Nan Luo Gu Xiang) – this Hutong is the best preserved Yuan Dynasty Hutong which keeps an entire checkerboard-style traditional residential arrangement. Known for its fabulous Hutong architecture, many teleplays once framed here. There are some boutique bars gathering here, which allows you to take some photos with leisure taste of life.

West Four Hutongs (Xi Si Hutong) – best for those who are seeking wild and well-preserved Hutong and quadrangle courtyards. Though close to the prosperous Xidang Commercial District and Financial District, Xisi Hutongs consist of 8 parallel alleys which keep original wild features.

If time allows, you will continue your visiting to the majestic Lama Temple. It is the largest and best-preserved lamasery in Beijing. After dinner. go to shoot the night views of National Center for the Performing Arts (National Grand Theatre). The fashionable and modern building looks fantastic with different lights on.

Day 6 Beijing Departure (B)

After breakfast, drive to Temple of Heaven, a historic site once used by emperors for sacrificial ceremonies. As you explore this grand complex of buildings and gardens, you'll discover the rituals and beliefs of the Ming and Qing emperors, who sought divine blessings for good harvests through intricate ceremonies. Beyond its historical importance, you'll observe vibrant local life, with residents practicing Tai Chi, dancing, and engaging in various exercises among the lush pine woods.

Your Beijing tour is now about to end. Your tour guide will escort you to catch your flight/train to next destination.