China Photo Tour with Fujian Tulou

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China Photo Tour with Fujian Tulou

★★★★★

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Tour Code: ODY-CN-444

Destination: Shanghai, Huangshan, Xiamen, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Xi’an, Beijing

Duration

21 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Photography

About This Trip

This is a 21-day comprehensive adventure including China’s diverse culture, history, and landscapes, especially an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts. From the dazzling skyline of modern Shanghai to the dramatic peaks of Huangshan and Zhangjiajie; from Xiamen’s coast to karst landscapes of Guilin; from Chengdu, Xi’an to Beijing, tracing 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. Visit eight unique cities, capture China’s rich culture and natural wonders through your lens.

Itinerary Summary

DAY	PLACE	HIGHLIGHTS
1 – 2	Shanghai	The Bund, Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Former French Concession
3 – 5	Huangshan	Hongcun Village, Mt. Huangshan
6 – 8	Xiamen	Fujian Tulou, Gulangyu Island
9 – 10	Guilin	Longji Rice Terraces, Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside
11 – 14	Zhangjiajie	Zhangjiajie National Park, Tianmen Mountain, Golden Whip Stream Hike, Huanglong Cave
15 – 16	Chengdu	Giant Panda, Sanxingdui Museum, People’s Park
17 – 18	Xi’an	Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Street, Shadow Puppet Play, Chinese Calligraphy Lesson
19 – 21	Beijing	Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Jinshanling Great Wall, Departure

Itinerary

Welcome to Shanghai, the most dazzling metropolis of China! Landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, your personal tour guide is just outside to greet you, with an Odynovo welcome board in hand. After that, you will be escorted to the hotel. It will take about one hour on the road.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Kick off your day with a 2.5-hour city walk for a deep exploration of the Bund. Follow your guide to past historic landmarks such as Shanghai Mansion, Waibaidu Bridge, Peace Hotel, and the Bund Weather Station. View the Lujiazui skyline across the river, soak in centuries of East-West cultural fusion that shaped this international metropolis.

In the afternoon, visit Yu Garden, a classic Jiangnan Garden that fully displays traditional Chinese architectural aesthetics, and enjoy an escape from the bustling urban scene. Following this, stop briefly at a silk workshop before heading to the Jade Buddha Temple, where you will admire exquisite jade Buddha statues, observe local people’s religious life, and enjoy a rich Zen atmosphere.

Conclude the tour today by strolling the Former French Concession, where leafy streets are lined with western heritage buildings, many of which are now chic cafes, galleries, and boutiques.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, transfer to Huangshan City on a 2.5-hour train ride. Upon arrival, proceed by car to Nanping, a tranquil Huizhou-style ancient village known as “Chinese Film Village”.

Visit a local home, step into their vegetable garden to pick up fresh ingredients, clean your harvest beside a hundred-year-old well, and then fire up a traditional wood-burning stove to cook an authentic dinner with help from the host. After everything is done, enjoy your meal in the way locals have for generations. Afterward, drive to a countryside hotel in Yi County for a peaceful night.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

The highlight today is Hongcun Village, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history, rural scenery, and well-preserved Huizhou-style ancient architecture.

Approaching the entrance of the village, the first thing that catches your eye is a mirror-like lake, reflecting the white walls and black tiles of centuries-old Hui-style buildings. A small arched stone bridge spans the water, while willows sway along the shore, creating the illusion of stepping into a tranquil ink painting. Inside the village, stroll narrow alleys, explore a few celebrated houses, and read interesting details of local life.

Next, head to Mt. Huangshan Scenic Area (the Yellow Mountain) and take a cable car up to your hotel on the mountaintop for a break.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today’s itinerary is primarily focused on Mt. Huangshan, known as “the most spectacular mountain in China.” Get up early to catch a stunning sunrise near the hotel. After breakfast, hike through the sea of clouds to Xihai (West Sea) Valley – renowned for dramatic rocks and strange pines, to experience its steep and thrilling paths. Then head back to Bright Summit Peak, the highest peak of Mt. Huangshan, to witness the sunset before descending by cable car.

Later in the day, drive back to downtown Huangshan City. Explore local cuisines and handicrafts in Tunxi Ancient Street, and settle in your hotel nearby.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

This morning, board a high-speed train to Xiamen. After about 4.5 hours, you’ll arrive at the city often called “Garden by Sea” for its coastline and greenery. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing or exploring on your own.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Fujian Tulou is a kind of rammed-earth dwelling unique to the Hakka people and famous for its grand scale, scientific design, and reasonable layout. In the morning, take a 3-hour car ride to Yongding District, where the most well-preserved and largest groups of Hakka Tulou in the world are located. At Tulou Folk Village, you’ll visit Zhencheng Lou, Rusheng Lou, Fuyu Lou, and Kuiju Lou. Each has unique shapes and specific functions, showcasing the wisdom and cultural heritage of the Hakka people. Finish the tour in the late afternoon and then head back to Xiamen.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your day by taking a 30-minute ferry to the most famous island of Xiamen – Gulangyu, known for its coastal views, gardens, and various Western-style architecture. Climb up the highest point, Sunlight Rock, for a panorama. Stroll through Shuzhuang Garden, visit the Piano Museum to explore the island’s music heritage. After sightseeing, return to the city by ferry.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, you will be met by your new guide and moved to the hotel.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

This morning, take a 2.5-hour car ride to Longji Rice Terraces, famed as one of the most beautiful terraces in China. Step into Longji Rice Terraces and Ping’an Village, you’ll see rice terraces ascending hundreds of meters on the mountain slopes. Visit a local family where you can make a cup of Guilin Oil Tea, admire the magnificent scenery, and learn about the rich ethnic cultures in this area. Afterward, drive back to Guilin for the night.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, you’ll board a 4-hour cruise from Guilin Zhujiang Dock to enjoy stunning karst landscapes along the way. Marvel at dramatic peaks and jade-green Li River, while passing by pastoral countryside scenery.

After disembarking in Yangshuo, stroll through the energetic West Street before heading to your quiet countryside to taste the rural leisure.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your day with a car ride back to Guilin city and catch the train to your next destination. After a 7-hour journey, you’ll arrive at Zhangjiajie – the inspiration for Hallelujah Mountain in the movie “Avatar”. Overnight stay at the hotel in Zhangjiajie.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Spend a full day exploring the fascinating Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Take the world’s highest outdoor elevator – Bailong Elevator, up to Yuanjiajie. Admire the “Avatar mountains”, explore iconic spots such as the First Bridge under the Sun, Fairy Maiden Present Flowers, and Imperial Brush Peak.

Afterward, transfer to Tianzi Mountain by cable car for views of stunning peak forests. Finish the journey with a round-trip scenic train at Ten-Mile Gallery, where a variety of natural rock sculptures stand. Descend from the park and return to your hotel in Zhangjiajie.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

In the morning, head to Hanglong Cave, praised as the “World Wonder of Caves”, featuring vast caverns, secluded underground rivers, hanging waterfalls, and intricate stalactites.

Then, transfer to Golden Whip Stream and take a slight hike. With a pristine ecosystem, you’ll see monkeys on the paths and fish in the water while walking along the stream through lush forests. Take a deep breath and savor the fresh mountain air.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Your last stop in Zhangjiajie is Tianmen Mountain, which perfectly blends stunning scenery and exciting adventure. Ride the longest mountain cable car in the world to soar above the peaks and clouds. Challenge 999 steps to reach the legendary “Gate to Heaven”. Walk on the glass walkways and glass bridge to see the magic view beneath your feet.

At the end of the tour, transfer to the railway station and catch the train to Chengdu – the Land of Abundance. Check in and rest at your hotel in Chengdu.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

This morning, meet adorable pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Base. You’ll have the chance to see pandas of all ages, stroll through their habitats, and watch them play outdoors. Meanwhile, learn about panda breeding and conservation, and meet other animals such as red pandas.

Next, transfer to the Sanxingdui Museum. Marvel at exquisite bronze artifacts from 3,000 years ago, and witness the ancient Sanxingdui city and relics restoration process through modern interactive technology. Finish the visit and return to your hotel in Chengdu.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your day by exploring the People’s Park. Early in the morning, retired people leisurely practice Tai Chi – slow yet powerful – while teahouses bustle with locals playing mahjong over cups of tea. Find a table and mingle with the locals, sip a bowl of Gaiwan tea, and try your hand at mahjong. The crisp clatter of mahjong pieces, accompanied by casual Sichuanese conversation and interwoven with birdsong, forms the perfect beginning to a leisurely day.

Later, transfer to the railway station and catch your 4-hour train to Xi’an, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties. Upon arrival, be welcomed by your local guide and driver.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Get up early this morning to visit the incredible Terracotta Warriors, famed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Marvel at more than 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors with unique expressions and postures, along with other burial artifacts such as bronze chariots and horses. This vast underground mausoleum was first built in 246 BC, showcasing the remarkable military and artistic achievements of the Qin Dynasty.

Later, back to the city and visit the ancient City Wall, which is not only a military defense structure but also an ideal place to overlook downtown Xi’an.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

After breakfast, explore Muslim Street, the most vibrant street for food and folk in Xi’an, where Hui and Han cultures blend. Visit Gao’s Courtyard on the street, enjoy a traditional shadow puppet play and a Chinese calligraphy lesson while immersing in traditional Han arts. After lunch, get on a 5 to 6-hour train towards the final stop of this trip: Beijing. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the railway station and escort you to your hotel.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Your tour in the capital city begins with Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. From there, walk to the Forbidden City, where the feudal emperors worked and lived. Step into the largest surviving wooden architecture in the world, admire luxurious imperial artifacts, and glimpse into the history and daily life of China’s royalty during the Ming and Qing eras. Then climb up to Jingshan Hill for a panorama of the Forbidden City.

Afterwards, move to the Temple of Heaven, once used for imperial rituals, and explore its grand halls and exquisite gardens. Return to the hotel for rest.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

The last highlight of your China tour is the longest man-made defensive structure – the Great Wall, officially recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Travel 130 km away from downtown Beijing to Jinshanling Great Wall, a well-preserved section of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty. With fewer people, enjoy a hike on the Great Wall and immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery and historic depth. After exploring the Great Wall, go back to the hotel to relax.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Farewell time now. Bring the photos of China you’ve taken from all perspectives when your guide and driver send you to the airport for your flight back home

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Gallery

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
James T.
Verified · TripAdvisor
u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
Greenfly
Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
Ludovic V.
Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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China Photo Tour with Fujian Tulou

About This Trip

Itinerary Summary

Itinerary

Gallery