Need Recommendations for China travel

[EwenBell]

I am interested in traveling to China for photography and  would appreciate any recommendations on travel companies specializing in photography tour packages. Especially any first hand experiences with such companies and specific packages. I am leaning toward a flexible "go on your own" type of excursion but may consider a group tour. The areas I am interested in are: Li River, Guilin, Xian, Beijing.

Thanks,
Gordon
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Hi Gordon,

I thought you might be interested to know that Grasshopper Adventures offer a specialized photo tour in China - I know this because I'm the photographer who accompanies their tours

We chose China for our first photo tours because the people are so friendly, generous and willing to be photographed.  The country offers a wealth of scenic beauty and diversity of subjects, while being very comfortable to travel in.

I saw on the discussion board a few questions about carrying gear into China. Neither myself nor any of our passengers have been troubled with multiple cameras and lenses upon arrival in Beijing or Shanghai. Just make sure you have a valid visa to enter China as a tourist and you can expect to be treated with the utmost courtesy.

There are no shortages of small group tours in China to recommend, TravelIndochina and Peregrine Adventures being two of the better ones, but if you want a dedicated photo tour and a group of like minded people then drop me a line - www.ewenbell.com

[Mark D Segal]

I'd add Huanglong and Sukunianshan in Shichuan if you like grand nature.

A few images taken in the area last fall:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bernardlangui...57594364221841/

Cheers,
Bernard
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Fabulous photos as usual Bernard!

[Mark D Segal]

You may find that you can manage without a tour or tour group in many places - for example Beijing, Shanghai, the canal cities outside Shanghai. The travelling infrastructure is very good in and between these cities and people are generally helpful.

For the Yellow Mountains you need to book adequate accommodation far in advance, and for this it is a good idea to link-up with a reputable company that has a proven track record of arranging accommodation and insuring that you get it when you arrive. The best photos are VERY early in the morning. Make sure you are physically fit - lots of stairs to climb and descend! Be prepared a tripod, flashlight and a raincoat.

[BernardLanguillier]

Fabulous photos as usual Bernard!
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Thanks a lot Mark.

Regards,
Bernard

[joi]

Hello Gordon.

I went on a similar trip you are planning 2 years ago in china.  I started in Beijing - went there to Xi'an, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guillin, Yangshuo, Lusang and ended in Hong Kong.

I went there with my girlfriend and we did very much photographing because that is our main interest.  China is very relaxed and I never felt uncomfortable to walk with expensive gear in public and photograph people on the streets.
We didn't go on a organized trips in China, we made all arrangements as we went along and traveled between cities in buses, trains and airplanes.
We went from Guillin to Yangshuo on a boat and in Yangshuo we bought some daytrips at a local travel agency.

Let me know if you want any more info.

You can see some of my pictures from China by going to http://gudbjargarson.net and select China on the menu.

Regards,
Johann
Iceland
http://gudbjargarson.net

[csling]

May i recommend Jiu Zhai Gou Valley? it's in Sichuan, China and i've just went there in Dec last year during winter.

Best time to go is in Autumn although there will be a hell lot of tourist... and i do mean LOTS! Which is why i prefered to go later, in early winter.... part of the autumn foliage is still visible...  



you can view more of them here... http://cslingphotography.com/imagesearchre...=scenic%20china