Has anyone done a photo trip of China ?

[satans worm]

So I'm off mid October for a 3 week trip around China and a few days on the end at Hong Kong .
It's a solo trip with a focus on food and photography( note not photography of food!) and wondered if anyone had done such a trip that can give me some tips
I'm really interested in the Great Wall and locations people might of used, for sun rise and sun set pictures etc
Plus any other places you may of been and photographed really:-)
Thanks

[StevieBee]

Not done China but have done a few similar trips.

Try to get on early tours or get to sites as early as you can. The light is better and less crowds. Or aim for the end of the day.

Your gear will most likely be worth more than what most locals out of the cities earn in a year so usual precautions here.

Enjoy.

[Andy M]

I've yet to visit China but have travelled extensively through SE Asia. Some brief observations:

The best equipment to help you get good photos are comfortable shoes and suncream. If covering long distances consider taking the train and travel amongst the locals (i.e. not first class).

Dogs serve a different purpose in Asia (no dog meat jokes). They're often allowed to roam freely (in public areas) and are there to protect property etc. If you're walking around in the dark (before dawn, after dusk) you're likely to receive their unwanted attention.

Certainly in Laos/Cambodia/Thailand etc the sun is beyond harsh at midday making outdoor photography quite challenging. The sun sets at around 7pm and sets quickly. The golden hour is more like 45 mins. Shooting during sunrise is often very rewarding.

Don't take too much equipment. I'd take - at most - 3 lenses (I often travel with only a 35mm f1.4 prime). Carrying a bag full of heavy lenses is no fun in the heat, and the humidity (especially if constantly moving in and out of air-conditioned environments) can negatively affect lenses etc. Pack several sachets of silica gel.

For recommendations of where to go I'd be tempted to buy a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide.

[2slo]

Yes, about 15 years ago. We went with an experienced guide who took us round. One of the best overseas trips I've ever been on. In my experience the locals were usually camera friendly (smile, eye contact, point at the camera then at them) and I always offer to show them the pic on the lcd, most were flattered that I'd taken the time, especially in the rural areas. I can't recall the times we visited the Great Wall etc but I do recall how steep some of the sections were (and I was a lot younger then) so wear suitable shoes. Don't be tempted to try snake wine which is offered to tourists at some restaurants. One of our party did (there's always one) and he was seriously ill with it.

Edit: in case you thought I was kidding, here's a picture of it:

DSC00224 by Mark, on Flickr

Edited by 2slo on Thursday 31st August 20:25

[Register1]

We have hundreds, if not thousands of pictures when we lived in China.
We have been to so many places, love the place .

For the Great Wall, go to Mu tian yu, far less crowded.

Where will you be going ?

R1

[Register1]

For sunrise, you can not beat the top of Tiashan.
This is a sacred mountain in Shandong, the city is called Tian.

Walk up the day before, stay overnight in one of thechostel rooms, about 20.00 GBP, then a guide awakes you next morning around 03:45, for a 04:15 sunrise.

The sun rises from below the mountain.

Spectacular, doesn't come close.

R1

[4Lmike]

Go to Guilin National Park. I went there a few years ago and it has some of the most spectacular scenery I've ever seen. I just wish I had spent more time there.

https://www.airpano.ru/files/Guilin-National-Park-...

[Register1]

4Lmike said:

Go to Guilin National Park. I went there a few years ago and it has some of the most spectacular scenery I've ever seen. I just wish I had spent more time there.

https://www.airpano.ru/files/Guilin-National-Park-...

Guilin National Park, is just one of hundreds of spectacular parks, all very beautiful.

Did you go to the colourful floodlit underground caves in Guilin, there is also a punt boat ride through the caverns.

Did you take a trip down the River Li. ?
That's the shallow river that runs a flotilla of bamboo motorised rafts.

Also you will see the fishermen on their fishing raft, with a few Guilimonts catching fish for them.

Amazing to watch,

R1

[satans worm]

Thanks for the replies

I have more or less planned out where i want to go, 3 weeks is not enough to just take it as it comes sadly.

I will start in Beijing, pop to Pingyao and back, goto Shanghai, then onto Nanjing, West lake. yellow mountains, do a cruise of the 3 gorges , onto Galin as a base for a few places then onto Hong Kong

Id just like to know about the wall really, places best for sun rise and sun sett as well daytime and which bits to hike/ avoid

Thanks

[Register1]

satans worm said:

Thanks for the replies

I have more or less planned out where i want to go, 3 weeks is not enough to just take it as it comes sadly.

I will start in Beijing, pop to Pingyao and back, goto Shanghai, then onto Nanjing, West lake. yellow mountains, do a cruise of the 3 gorges , onto Galin as a base for a few places then onto Hong Kong

Id just like to know about the wall really, places best for sun rise and sun sett as well daytime and which bits to hike/ avoid

Thanks

Best place is Mutianyu,


https://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/...

You mean Guilin. Here is the River Li.



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