8 Days Yunnan Photography Tour to Dongchuan, Yuanyang, Jianshui

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Kunming
   Experience the Vivid Local Life

   Welcome to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Upon arrival, the guide and driver will take you to the hotel for check-in.

   Then move to Green Lake Park, located in the center of the city. Stand in the pavilions to enjoy the clear lake, lush trees and old buildings with glazed tiles. The park is famous for its lotus flowers, which bloom on the wide lake in summer, creating a picturesque scene. In winter, witness a large number of seagulls flying from Siberia to Kunming. The park also serves as a leisure spot for the locals where you can see them dancing, playing chess and exercising.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Kunming

   

2. Day 2: Dongchuan Red Land Exploration Tour
   Observe the Unique Red Land and Capture the Sunsets

   Start today’s Yunnan photography tour from Dongchuan Red Land, 160 kilometers from Kunming. The nearly 100-mile-square area is the most typical and distinctive red soil on the Yunnan plateau. It forms a spectacular view together with blue sky, white clouds and variable light. You can take amazing photos from different angles.

   

   The journey will take you to various scenic spots. First come to Shuipingzi, where magnificent rice terraces are spread out in the mountains. With the change of seasons, the terraces will show different colors. Obverse the thousand-year-old Ancient Tree, with the huge crown and green leaves. The tree witnessed the historical changes of Dongchuan Red Land over the past thousand years.

   Also capture the stunning sunset at Luoxiagou Valley. The best place to take photos is on the viewing trestle, where you can overlook the entire valley and enjoy the scene of the sunlight coloring the entire valley in gold.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Dongchuan

3. Day 3: Dongchuan Red Land to Kunming
   Capture More Beautiful Views of the Red Land

   In the morning, continue your Dongchuan Red Land photography tour. Wake up early to watch the sunrise at Damakan. Stand on a viewing platform to overlook the entire red lands. Take pictures of the distinctive view created by the rice terraces and the mountains in the distance.

   Immerse yourself in other attractions in Dongchuan Red Land, including Jinxiu Garden, Qicai Slope and Wafangliangzi. Capture the colorful scenery while talking with the locals to know about their customs and culture.

   

   In the afternoon, drive back to Kunming. The remaining time is yours to relax or explore the city.

   Choose to visit the Flower and Bird Market, wander through the streets to taste local dishes like crossing the bridge rice noodles and steam pot chicken (optional).

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Kunming

4. Day 4: Yunnan Stone Forest Tour
   Explore the Stone Art Garden

   After breakfast, drive for two hours to reach Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring karst formations. Wander along paths and bridges to observe rocks in various shapes and sizes. Admire the Dashilin consisting of dense stone peaks. Explore the scenery of the Xiaoshilin consisting of stone pillars with ponds and lawns.

   

   If time permits, you will have opportunity to visit Nuohei Village, a traditional Sani ethnic minority village. Enjoy folk songs and dances to understand their culture and taste local specialties.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Shilin County

5. Day 5: Shilin County to Yuanyang Tour
   Witness the Stunning Terraces Sunset

   In the morning, drive 3 hours to Yuanyang for your Yuanyang Rice Terrace tour. The rice terraces, created by generations of Hani people, are spectacular as they follow each other in layers according to the terrain. This site mainly consists of 4 parts: Bada Rice Terrace, Laohuzui Rice Terrace, Duoyishu Rice Terrace, and Qingkou Rice Terrace.

   Arrive in the late afternoon and watch the breathtaking sunset at Laohuzui Rice Terrace, with the terraces shining golden in the sunlight.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Yuanyang

   

6. Day 6: Yuanyang Highlight Tour
   Marvel at the Views of Rice Terraces and Experience Hani Culture.

   Get up early and drive to Duoyishu Village to see the beautiful sunrise at Duoyishu Rice Terrace. Climb up to the viewpoint to enjoy the sun shining on the terraces with a golden glow. Also admire the picturesque scenery consisting of mountains, clouds as well as rice terraces. You can find a suitable location to take amazing photos.

   

   After breakfast, head to the Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang. There are fresh vegetables and fruits, beautiful handicrafts and costumes. Take photos of the decorations of various ethnic groups such as Hani, Yi, Miao and Dai. Buy souvenirs and taste local delicacies such as rice cakes, sticky rice or preserved ham. You will immerse yourself in the vibrant local life.

   In the afternoon, move to Qingkou Hani Ethnic Village. Obverse the magnificent rice terrace scenery and living facilities such as Hani mushroom houses. Along the stone path of the village, feel the perfect combination of human activities and natural ecology.

   

   Afterwards, explore the Bada Rice Terrace, the best location to watch the sunset. The terraces here are vast and the views are stunning. As the sun sets, the terraces shimmer in the setting sun, creating a breathtaking view. Capture beautiful views of the rice terraces from different angles.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Yuanyang

7. Day 7: Yuanyang to Jianshui Tour
   Visit the Ancient City with the Rich Culture and History

   Today, embark on a 3-hour drive to Jianshui County. The guide and driver will take you to  Jianshui Ancient Town, which has many ancient buildings and natural landscapes. The landmark here is the Chaoyang Tower. Climbing to the top of the tower, you can take pictures of the whole ancient city. Confucius Temple is a good place to learn about Confucian culture. The temple is very large and consecrates a statue of Confucius.

   Stroll through the Zhu Family Garden to enjoy a variety of exquisite garden views and ancient buildings. Also visit local workshops to see the making of Jianshui’s famous products like purple pottery, tofu, and rice wine.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Jianshui

   

8. Day 8: Jianshui to Kunming Tour, Kunming Departure
   Admire the Exquisite Ming and Qing Dynasty Architectures

   After breakfast, continue your Jianshui exploration tour from Double Dragon Bridge. The bridge is commonly known as the “17-hole bridge”, a typical corridor bridge. Standing on the bridge, you can take fascinating pictures of the lush trees on both sides, the mountains in the distance and the crystal water.

   

   Finally move to Tuanshan Village, preserving a large number of buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are traditional courtyards of Han, soil palm rooms of Yi and buildings combining Han and Yi. Explore the typical features of residential houses in southern Yunnan.

   The 8-day Yunnan photography tour is over here. The guide and driver will transfer you to Kunming airport or train station for your departure.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A