Beijing Photo Tour, Beijing Photography Guide

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.

Tour guide picked up our clients at Beijing airport

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.

The Inner Jinshui River Winding through the Heart of the Forbidden City

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.

Great View of Jinshanling Great Wall from General Tower

Viewing Jinshanling Great Wall from Small Jinshan Tower

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.

Temple of Heaven Shot by Our Customer Harty

Since trave time are limited and interests are diverse, we have hand-picked three highlighting themes which you should never miss in Beijing.

Imperial Ancient City

There is no another place on earth can match the fabulous imperial culture that Beijing has. In the past 5 hundred years, Beijing was always the royal center of China. Many brilliant imperial palaces, halls, temples were built as a very important part of Federal existence. Every brick, every tile, every slate records the solemn history of ancient Federal China. Take the Forbidden City for instance, there are more than 8,000 rooms, which make it impossible to shoot every details. So you should pay most attention to discover some of most featured from all sites.

Best Sites for Photography

Forbidden City

Forbidden City – most outstanding highlights of Forbidden City are: palaces, city moat and towers, which showcase the imposing scene of royal city. The grandiose city gates with red paint are also shooting scene. If you are interested in Chinese architecture, you can pay more attention to the detailed parts, such as eave, window carving, pillars, etc.

Summer Palace

Summer Palace – it is a great experience to take a stroll in the private garden of ancient emperors, to record some unique scenery which used to be only enjoyed by royal families. There are temples, gardens, pavilions, bridges and corridors, together with a huge lake and small hill forming an enchanting traditional Chinese painting.

Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven – The temple of heaven is rather an altar than a temple. It is a great place to shoot another unique architecture style - fashioning order and symmetry. Its size is 4 times of Forbidden City’s. The arrangement embodies the ancient theory – “Heaven is round, Earth is square”. You can first take the panoramic view from a high point, then go to get some close shots of temples. The most famous one is Qinian Temple – a giant temple poking into sky with ornate stage.

Best Season for Photography

A sunny clean weather is perfect for imperial city shooting. Summer and Autumn are two great season when there are many sunny days. Winter is another great season for photography for you to see the mixed scene of snow and ancient buildings. Furthermore, there are usually fewer tourists.

Tips from Our Experts

1. Choices of lens

It is better to take wide-angle lens because you need to take the panoramic views of the whole complex of buildings. And some palaces and temples are very large and tall.

2. Catch the best hours

The imperial palaces look more splendid under the golden light of sunrise and sunset. So you can get up very early to take the panoramic views of sunrise, then go inside the sites to take some closer photos, and lastly wait for the beautiful sunset in the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace.

3. Transfer advice

Beijing is the largest transfer hub in China. There are frequent and flexible international flights connecting Beijing with major international cities. As for the transfer inside Beijing city, we will arrange comfortable private vehicle and driver.

Folk Hutong Culture

Beijing is not only the political capital city of the ancient empires, but also the home of local Beijingers whose ancestors made Beijing as their home thousands years ago. Hutong is the unique residential unites created by local which combine living, trade and entertainment together. Every Hutong has its own story, every street tells its own history. Today, some Hutongs become scenic sites which are preserved by government; some Hutongs still serve as their original roles – residential house, workshop, market; some Hutong are ruins.

For photographers, there are two main highlights you should focus on – architecture and folk living. Hutongs were built and decorated by different style depending their different roles and budgets. You may have no idea that some royal families and famous figures once also lived in Hutong. Well, their Hutongs were designed, built with better materials and large size. While, the regular Hutongs which belong to civilian are typical quadrangle courtyards.

Featured Hutongs for Photography

South Gong & Drum Alley

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. 16 unique hutongs lies from east to west. 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.

Pipe Slanting Street

Pipe Slanting Street (Yandai Xie Jie) – as the name suggest, this street used to be a trading place for pines during late Qing Dynasty. These Hutongs are best place to take some themed photos which reflect the combination of sentiments of both old and present days.

Above two Hutong are two recommended place to explore the contrast of the OLD and NEY Beijing. Well, following two Hutongs are very unique, have rich history and keep old tradition. And you can concentrate on shooting in a quiet surrounding.

West Four Hutongs

West Four Hutongs (Xi Si Hutong) – Zhai Hongqi, famous researching expert of Chinese Hutong Culture, recommends Xi Si Hutongs to 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.

Rice Market Hutongs

Rice Market Hutongs (Mi Shi Hutong) – here used to be the rice trading market. Streets here are wide. Many aristocratic houses with large courtyards locate along the street. It is said this place were residential area for powerful officers and famous scholars.

Best Season for Photography

Summer and Automn are best season to take photos of Hutongs in Beijing. No matter the green trees or the golden leaves can be a great setoff of Hutongs.

Since Hutong is a complex of houses and street, there is no a best hour to take photos. It is totally on your own to find the view with the help of lights, setoffs, etc.

Tips from Our Experts

1. Choices of lens

Different lenses are needed to shoot different features in Hutongs because Hutong is a special residential group of different buildings with really Beijing locals living inside.

2. Where to go

It is not necessary to take photos of every Hutongs. We will arrange two Hutongs to visit.

3. Travel like local way

There are still many locals living in Hutongs. While visiting Hutong and its peoples, show your respect and be friendly.

4. Accommodation advice

Beijing offers flexible choices of accommodation at different levels in different regions. Usually, we arrange hotels near to central regions in Beijing .

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall is richly endowed with unique top visual views and profound history, which makes it as the perfect photography subject. It has a total length of more than 8,851km, and the section in Beijing is the best for photography because it was built in Ming Dynasty with all features of great wall. The Great Wall in Beijing includes Simatai Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, etc. Each great wall has its own beauty. Generally, Simatai, Jinshanling and Jiankou Great Wall are relatively WILDER, and keep their original features. While Mutianyu and Badaling Great Walls are restored, but offer grand panoramic views.

The Great Wall stretches wide and long, and not every section is suitable for photography. To catch the best scene of Great Wall, you should consider more about the natural environment where the great walls are located.

Recommended Great Wall Sections for Photography

Simatai – Jinshanling Great Walls

Simatai and Jinshanling Great Walls are located in the boundary of Beijing and Hebei Province. Here you can take photos of standing tall towers, detailed structure of great wall, or shoot the panoramic views of great wall snaking on the lofty mountains. As the landmarks of Simatai Great Wall, Wangjing Tower and Xiannv Tower are very famous among photographers for the far-reaching views you can have from the high point. On the Wangjing Tower(986m), you definitely will be busy with pressing the shutter to shoot the breathtaking picture as many as possible. If lucky, you may see the god-given cloud sea. Just imagine the picture that the dominating great walls crawl like a dragon in the cloud sea.

Jinshanling Great Wall is located on the west of Simatai Great Wall. It is the best section for you to observe the diverse architectural style of Great Wall here. Towers were built by different styles for different use. Impeccable unites for battles were also built on the great wall, including walls for block enemies and horses, crenels for shooting, etc. The spectacular mixed view of cloud, mist and sunset glow is a famous feature of Jinshanling Great Wall. Jinshanling Great Wall has the most fabulous sunrise and sunset.(Sunrise: 5:30 ~ 6:30; Sunset: 18:00~19:00)

Mutianyu – Jiankou Great Walls

Mutianyu and Jiankou is a combination of contrasts of wildest great wall and restored great wall. Some sections of Mutianyu Great Wall are restored, and some not. Mutianyu Great Wall features in dense vegetation, ornate forts and towers, steric views. Here you can take the best photo that great wall integrates with beautiful natural surrounding – mountains, trees, sky…

Jiankou Great Wall is the most famous wild great wall for its incredible precipitous landscape. The main body of great wall was built on up-and-down peaks without any possibilities to climb up. So far, there is no any restoration on Mutianyu Great Wall. Many sections are ruined by wild, rainfall, which shows an incomplete beauty.

Best Season for Photography

The Great Wall is suitable for photography all year around. No matter when you come, you can see different scenes – vivifying world in spring, prosperous “green wall” in summer, stunning “golden wall” in autumn, pure “snow wall” in winter.

Since Hutong is a complex of houses and street, there is no a best hour to take photos. It is totally on your own to find the view with the help of lights, setoffs, etc.

Tips from Our Experts

1. How to use the surrounding environment to take the best picture of Great Wall?

Use some special natural scene to build a grand rich-element picture - the sunrise and sunset help to create a solemn picture; cloud and mist are great setoffs to take a fantastic photo; flourishing flowers in April and May can make great wall more delicate and beautiful.

2. Near-shot, mid-shot or long-shot?

Near-shot is recommended for close shots of great wall to add artistic conceptions of history, such as bricks, walls, towers; mid-shot is suitable for taking photos of some large towers, or a short section of great wall; long-shot is perfect for shooting the panoramic views of the long stretching great wall to catch the majestic feature.

3. Light package

Since some wild great walls are involved in our photo tour, and you need to take some walking between sites to sites, so you'd better don't bring too much belongs.

6 Days Beijing Photography Tour

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Itinerary Details Day by Day

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