Dates Mar 29–Apr 17, 2006
Leader James Martin
Fee $6,395 from Beijing; returning from Shanghai, China
Deposit $400
Limit 16
Terms and Conditions

Its name is Zhongguo—the Middle Kingdom—or The People’s Republic of China, as it is known by the rest of the world. With the new openness throughout China we have crafted a journey to visit and photograph the spectacular iconic landscapes and landmarks of the Middle Kingdom. Our goal is to assemble a portfolio of the most requested images of China in the publishing world—photographs of nature and culture that parallel the centuries-old traditions of Chinese art. Starting in Beijing we will spend a number of days pursuing sweet light on such classic Chinese emblems as the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square.

From high on Mount Huangshan, the Yellow Mountain, we photograph the scenes that so inspired a whole school of painting during the Ming period. Here, wind-sculpted pines cling to jagged, bald, granite mountain faces. Reminiscent of the curtain of a great theater, the stage is set as mist flows among the peaks, shrouding and then revealing the landscape in an unending pageant of form and texture. In the shadow of Huangshan we photograph in the UNESCO World Heritage Site villages of Shexian and Hongcun, recognizable for their prominence in the 2000 Ang Lee film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Along the famous Li River at Guilin, we will reproduce the masterpiece landscapes of serrate mountain pinnacles jutting as
backdrop to the tranquil river. Light and shadow dance across the rock faces of this uplifted seabed, hewn by the warm, humid climate of southern China. Fantastically photogenic fishermen pole their pencil-thin boats, cormorants in tow, along the sluggish convolutions of the river in a scene as placid and timeless as any in the world.

Next, we’ll photograph one of China’s little known, but significant landscapes—the Longshen Terraces of Guangxi. This fantasy environment of intensely carved and terraced farmland is destined to become a world famous illustration of Chinese agriculture and ingenuity in the approaching years.

Finally, we’ll travel to China’s southwest, an area that has been isolated from the development of tourism that has swept through other parts of the country. In addition to being one of the best-kept secrets in China, it is a land full of stunning landscapes and colorful ethnic minority cultures, where over 1,000 festivals are celebrated each year. We’ll participate in and photograph the fantastic Sister’s Meal Festival, an incredible cultural feast for the eye and camera!


Day 1
Depart from home.

Day 2
Arrive in Beijing. (D)

Day 3
Tiananmen Square, site of numerous momentous historical events, was built in the Ming Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing eras, the square was walled and commoners were permitted entry only to be executed. The wall was destroyed during the 1911 revolution, and the square has quadrupled in size. Now a million people could gather there. The afternoon is devoted to photographing the Forbidden City. This dazzling example of Ming Dynasty history and architecture is among the top icons of Chinese culture and a great photo shoot. (BLD)

Days 4–5
The Great Wall at Jingshangling and Simatai are the best locations for dramatic photography away from the crowds of the Beijing area. We’ll shoot the Wall at sunrise and sunset and in-between. (BLD)

Days 6–10
We fly to Tunxi Airport at the base of Mount Huangshan, the Yellow Mountain. We’ll spend the next 5 days exploring this important region. During our stay we’ll photograph the villages of Shexian and Hongcun, distinguished for their traditional Chinese architecture. The photographic jewel of this area is Mount Huangshan, one of the most revered natural landscapes in China. A cable car will take us to the mountaintop and our hotel where we stay two nights. We’ll hike the many steep trails that lead to stunning natural overlooks. (BLD)

Days 11–12
We fly to Guilin and drive to the Longshen Terraces to photograph what must be the world’s most phenomenal examples of terraced rice farming. We’ll shoot them numerous times as the light changes constantly throughout the day. From our hilltop perch it is easy to understand why the sculptured terraces are called the Dragon’s Spine. We return to Guilin, photographing en route. (BLD)

Days 13–14
Guilin lies on the banks of the Li River, surrounded by perpendicular eroded karst formations. The classic artistic impressions from this location have been immortalized over many centuries, making it one of China’s most notable landscapes. We’ll photograph the river from on shore as well as by boat, which will present many additional scenic areas on the winding Li. Images will include sunrise and sunset over the bizarre mountain shapes, cormorant fishermen and river scenes. On Day 14 we’ll fly to Guiyang. (BLD)

Days 15–19
These next few days will provide current-day glimpses into previous centuries. Special events will be planned for our group to photograph during our stay. We’ll visit a Miao village exhibiting age-old wooden houses and waterwheels and have opportunities for wonderful photos of the inhabitants. We join the Miao people for part of the exciting 2-day Sister’s Meal Festival. There is dancing and music as thousands of people gather to witness young girls who are beautifully adorned in traditional costumes and headdresses laden with nearly ten kilograms of silver jewelry. Dusk brings teams of dragon-lantern dancers who parade down the main street and engage in mock battles. On our last evening we’ll drive to Guiyang and fly to Shanghai. (BLD)

Day 20
Depart any time for home. (B)


Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
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