Yunnan Photography Tour
Photo tour in China | 14 days Ex Kunming | US$4,100
Customised photo tour to explore the tribes and trails in Yunnan province, starting in Kunming and journeying through Dali, Lijiang and Zhongdian.
The trip is open to just 8 passengers. Join award-winning photographer Ewen Bell on an exploration of ethnic diversity in the northern reaches of Yunnan province. We'll meet in the city of Kunming and take an overnight train to Dali. For the next two weeks we have our own private driver, heading north to Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Zhongdian.
Our private transport and common objectives as photographers allows us flexibile opportunities to stop on the way as we desire, to drive into small villages and benefit from the local knowledge of our guides. Accommodation along the way is primarily rustic guest houses, but all the way we'll have twin rooms and private bathrooms.
Book now for your free book
When you book on the tour you'll receive a free book to take with you as you travel. "Photography for Travellers" was written by Ewen Bell to inspire, inform and encourage creativity with your camera. Along with techniques and philosophies to discuss on the journey the book includes a wealth of images to illustrate his ideas. The perfect companion for any photographic journey.
Itinerary
Days 1-2 | Kunming
We meet in Kunming on the evening of day one and have a typical Yunnan feast. The next day is free to explore the city and it's attractions, and the evening of day 2 we board the overnight train to Dali.
Days 3-4 | Dali
We have all of day 3 to explore Dali and it's old town and markets. On day 4 we have a local guide to help us explore the surrounding villages and countryside, including the market at Xizhou, Bai villages and Ming Architecture.
Days 5-7 | Shaxi
We drive to the Shaxi valley and have three nights to explore the very quiet region and make a study of the Bai and Yi people. If time permits we can travel further into the rural areas to visit Karen people too.
Day 8-9 | Lijiang
We have two days based in Lijiang, but aim to spend most of our time away from the busy town centres and instead visit Naxi villages with the help of a local guide. This is also where you can make an optional visit to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Day 10 | Tiger Leaping Gorge
This tour is not intended to be a trekking adventure, so a modest walk is scheduled to climb 2 hours up the hill and stay in a quiet Naxi guesthouse. The owners are lovely and the views are surreal. The next day we walk back down the hill and visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Days 11-13 | Zhongdian
This town is now known by its new name of "Shangri La". Here we touch on the Tibetan culture, a town high in the hills and surrounded by vast mountains, meadows and Tibetan influences. We have time to photograph the monastary and visit a remote farming towns, with an optional horseback tour.
Day 14 | Departure
We will be on the early morning flight out of Zhongdian to Kunming, ready to catch our international connections to fly home.
Facts and Information
Style
photographic tour
Inclusions
instructing photographer, local tour leader, transfers from airport to hotel at Kunming, train to Dali, driver and van for private touring, porters, guides, accommodation, most meals and the domestic flight back to Kunming.
Group Size
maximum 8
Accommodation
1 night in 3-star hotel, 11 nights local guesthouse, 1 night sleeper train
Meals Included
All meals are included for this trip.
Instructing Photographer
Ewen Bell
Ewen Bell's website and photo tours
Camera Requirements
Digital SLR or Compact Digital
Difficulty Rating
moderate
Feedback and Reviews
"I was one of the lucky three people to join Ewen when he did a research trip into the province of Yunnan, China in March 2009. What an unbelievable experience it was, full of amazing people, scenery, adventures and most of all fantastic photographic opportunities. I have to say it was one of the most memorable trips I have ever done and was a photographers dream, not to mention some of the best food I have ever tasted! This trip takes you off the usual tourist path giving you greater freedom and more opportunities to really immerse yourself into the local culture and meet the people and find out more about their way of life. Under the guidance of Ewen, I also learnt so many more tips and tricks to take control of my camera and achieve the results that I wanted. For anyone who may be contemplating this trip, an opportunity not to be missed."
- Eve, March 2009
See more feedback comments on Ewen's website
