4 Days Beijing Photography Tour

Embark on a 4-day photography tour through the bustling streets and ancient alleyways of Beijing, capturing the vibrant culture and rich history of China’s capital city. Led by expert local guides, you’ll have the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and The Great Wall of China while honing your skills behind the lens. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing and hands-on photography workshops to help you capture stunning shots that will truly encapsulate the essence of Beijing. With comfortable accommodations and delicious meals included, all you have to do is focus on snapping away and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your camera and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of China!

Tour  Highlights

• Visiting iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace, where you can snap incredible photos of these historical sites.
• Getting off the beaten path and exploring hidden gems in hutongs (traditional narrow alleys) to capture authentic local life.
• Immerse yourself in Ming and Qing Dynasties history
• Travel at your own pace and feel free to change the itinerary if you want

• Make sure everyone bring passport with
• Full names and passport numbers are required to book tickets for attractions

Itinerary Quick Look

Day 1: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple , Lunch, Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Coal Hill Park

The driver and tour guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. Today marks the beginning of your exploration, starting with the Temple of Heaven. This historical site was once frequented by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for their annual prayer ceremonies. Capture stunning photos of the temple and witness the locals engaging in their morning exercises, such as Tai Chi, dancing, and various exercises amidst the lush pine woods.

Move on to the Lama Temple. Lama Temple is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world.  The Lama Temple  also houses a 26-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood. Visitors can witness monks performing rituals and prayers throughout the day, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.

Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant.

Experience the grandeur of Tian’anmen Square, one of the world’s largest public areas, with the convenience of a travel agency’s fast-track entrance. Pass through the south gate to the Forbidden City and embark on a guided tour through its halls and courtyards. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stories of this massive palace as you visit its most important buildings.

After exploring the magnificent Forbidden City, continue your journey with a leisurely stroll to Jingshan Park. Here, you can climb to the summit and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. Take in the stunning vistas of the Forbidden City to the south, as well as the tranquil landscapes of Beihai Park, Shichahai Lake, and the iconic Drum Tower to the north.

For those looking to capture unforgettable photos, head to one of the palace’s corner towers. This spot is a favorite among photography enthusiasts, offering a unique perspective and stunning backdrop for your pictures. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the beauty and grandeur of this historic location from a different angle.

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.

Day 2: Beijing – Gubei Water Town (B)

In the morning, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to Gubei Water Town, a themed resort nestled by picturesque canals that offers a serene escape reminiscent of the Southern Yangtze River water towns. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you will have numerous opportunities to capture tranquil lake views, ancient stone bridges, elegant pavilions, and traditional northern Chinese architecture. Noteworthy sites for photography include Sima Brewery, the Dyeing House, Yinghua Academy, Yang Wudi Ancestral Hall, and Zhenyuan Bodyguard Bureau. For a breathtaking panoramic view, ascend to the hilltop church and snap stunning shots of the town below.

Following dinner, your guide will lead you to the illuminated Great Wall at Simatai , perched along the mountain ridge. You will ride the cable car up to the wall to admire the mesmerizing night vistas. Currently, only the section between Watchtowers No.5 and No.6 is open for night tours. You will spend approximately an hour on the wall before descending via the cable car and checking into your hotel in Gubei Water Town. If you visit between May and October, you may witness a magnificent sunset over the Great Wall. Spend the evening at your leisure in the charming Gubei Water Town, where you can also witness seasonal water shows and drone performances.

After a day of exploration, you will be driven to your hotel located at the base of Jinshanling Great Wall for overnight accommodation.

Day 3: Jinshanling Great Wall (B)

Today promises an exceptional day for photography at the Jinshanling Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall is renowned for being one of the best-preserved and most picturesque, boasting steep mountains and ornate towers that create a stunning backdrop for any photograph.

The day will begin early as you embark on a 30-minute hike to Small Jinshan Tower. Here, you will have the opportunity to capture the sunrise, illuminating the Great Wall in a soft, golden light that is truly magnificent. If luck is on your side, you may even witness a mesmerizing sea of clouds adding to the beauty of the scene.

As the sun rises, your journey will continue westward along the undulating wall towards the eastern edge. Along the way, you will have the chance to photograph the historic towers, rolling mountains, and lush forests that define this section of the Great Wall. General Tower is a must-visit spot, offering breathtaking panoramic views that are perfect for your camera to capture.

After a fulfilling day of photography, you will descend the wall at Zhuanduokou Tower, concluding your adventure at this iconic location.

Day 4: Beijing Hutong Photography + Summer Palace(B)

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, embark on an exploration of one of Beijing’s most distinctive features – the Hutong. During this excursion, you will have the opportunity to visit and capture the essence of two highly recommended Hutongs in Beijing: Nanluogu Alley and Dongsi Hutongs. As you leisurely stroll through the charming streets of the Hutongs, be prepared to encounter unexpected moments of beauty and charm. You may even have the chance to visit a local family residing in one of the Hutongs, providing you with a unique glimpse into their daily lives. With so many exciting activities to partake in, your day in Beijing’s Hutongs is sure to be a memorable one.

As you explore  the Summer Palace, take in the beauty of the traditional Chinese pavilions, temples, and pagodas that are scattered throughout the garden. The intricate details and vibrant colors of the architecture will transport you back in time to when emperors roamed these grounds.

Stroll along the peaceful Kunming Lake and admire the reflections of the surrounding structures on its calm waters. The Seventeen Arches Bridges offer a perfect vantage point to watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the entire garden.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and let yourself be enchanted by its timeless beauty. The Summer Palace is not just a destination, but an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

Best Season for Photography

The ideal time for capturing the beauty of the imperial city is during a sunny, clear weather. Summer and Autumn are two seasons that offer many sunny days, making them perfect for photography. Winter is also a great season for photography as it allows you to witness the stunning contrast between snow and ancient buildings, with the added bonus of fewer tourists crowding your shots.

Tips from Our Experts

1. Lens Selection

When photographing the imperial city, it is recommended to use a wide-angle lens to capture the panoramic views of the complex buildings. Many palaces and temples are large and tall, requiring a wide-angle lens to fully capture their grandeur.

2. Timing is Key

The imperial palaces are most magnificent during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. To make the most of your photography experience, wake up early to capture the panoramic views of the sunrise, explore the sites for close-up shots, and end your day by witnessing the beautiful sunset at iconic locations such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, or Summer Palace.

3. Transportation Tips

Beijing serves as the largest transfer hub in China, offering frequent and flexible international flights to major cities worldwide. For transportation within Beijing, we provide comfortable private vehicles and drivers to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.