Transform your photography skills while exploring the culturally rich provinces of Yunnan and Guangxi with expert guidance. This 27-day expedition is designed for serious photographers who want to create meaningful visual narratives beyond surface-level tourism.
Unlike typical “photo tours,” this journey offers a flexible, personalized experience. When compelling photographic opportunities emerge, we adapt our schedule to capture the moment. With 33 years of living and photographing across Asia, Jonathan brings invaluable expertise to this region he knows intimately and loves deeply.
Travel in comfort with our luxury 4×4 vehicle, professional driver, and local fixer/translator who will help you gain authentic access to communities and traditions. Whether you join as an individual or small private group, Jonathan is committed to elevating your photography while immersing you in the extraordinary landscapes and cultures of Southwest China.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 01-02: KUNMING
Photography Focus: Immersion in Kunming’s vibrant daily life and street scenes Accommodation: Boutique guesthouse in Kunming Activities: Orientation to the expedition, exploration of local markets and neighborhoods
DAY 03: KUNMING TO DALI
Photography Focus: Changing landscapes during the journey, initial impressions of Dali region Accommodation:Heritage boutique hotel in Xizhou (Dali area) Travel: Travel by private 4×4 vehicle from Kunming to Dali
DAY 04: DALI
Photography Focus: Bai minority culture, traditional architecture, craftspeople, morning markets Accommodation:Continuing stay in Xizhou Activities: In-depth exploration of villages surrounding Erhai Lake, Xizhou’s morning market
DAY 05: DALI TO SHAXI
Photography Focus: Historic Tea Horse Trail architecture, Bai and Yi people’s daily routines Accommodation: Heritage guesthouse in Shaxi Travel: Journey by 4×4 from Dali to Shaxi, evening photography in town square
DAY 06: SHAXI TO LIJIANG
Photography Focus: Morning in Shaxi, evening exploration of Shuhe Old Town Accommodation: Boutique inn in Shuhe Old Town (Lijiang) Travel: Afternoon journey by 4×4 from Shaxi to Lijiang
DAY 07: LIJIANG
Photography Focus: Naxi culture documentation, potential visit to Baisha Village for Dongba culture Accommodation:Continuing stay in Shuhe Old Town Activities: In-depth exploration of Naxi traditions and quieter areas beyond tourist centers
DAY 08: LIJIANG TO SHANGRI-LA
Photography Focus: Tibetan culture and highland landscapes Accommodation: Boutique inn in Shangri-La Travel:Journey by 4×4 from Lijiang to Shangri-La, views of Dukezong Ancient Town
DAY 09: SHANGRI-LA TO DEQIN
Photography Focus: Scenic mountain drive, Baima Snow Mountain, first views of Meili Snow MountainsAccommodation: Guesthouse with mountain views in Feilaisi area (Deqin) Travel: Journey by 4×4 from Shangri-La to Deqin
DAY 10: DEQIN AREA
Photography Focus: Sunrise over Meili Snow Mountains, Tibetan village life, sacred connection to mountainsAccommodation: Continuing stay in Feilaisi area Activities: Early morning photography, exploration of nearby Tibetan villages
DAY 11: DEQIN TO XISHUANGBANNA
Photography Focus: Travel documentation between contrasting regions Accommodation: Boutique guesthouse in Jinghong (Xishuangbanna) Travel: Morning drive to Diqing Shangri-La Airport, flight to Xishuangbanna
DAY 12-14: XISHUANGBANNA
Photography Focus: Dai culture, Mekong River life, traditional villages, markets, crafts Accommodation: Continuing stay in Jinghong Activities: Three full days exploring Dai villages, documenting stilt-house architecture and local traditions
DAY 15: XISHUANGBANNA TO KUNMING
Photography Focus: Street photography in Kunming, editing time Accommodation: Boutique guesthouse in KunmingTravel: Flight from Xishuangbanna to Kunming
DAY 16: KUNMING
Photography Focus: Rest day, personal assignments, editing Accommodation: Continuing stay in Kunming Activities:Flexible day for review, editing, and preparation for next segment
DAY 17: KUNMING TO GUILIN
Photography Focus: Travel documentation, scenes from train journey Accommodation: Boutique hotel in GuilinTravel: High-speed train from Kunming to Guilin
DAY 18: DAXU ANCIENT TOWN (MARKET DAY)
Photography Focus: Historic streets, riverside life, market day activities Accommodation: Continuing stay in GuilinActivities: Full day at Daxu Ancient Town during its market day
DAY 19: XIANGONG MOUNTAIN & LI RIVER
Photography Focus: Sunrise over Li River, cormorant fishermen, river life Accommodation: Continuing stay in GuilinActivities: Predawn visit to Xiangong Mountain, exploration of Li River sections
DAY 20: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO
Photography Focus: Journey through karst landscapes, rural scenes Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Yangshuo countryside Travel: Journey by 4×4 from Guilin to Yangshuo
DAY 21-26: GUILIN & SURROUNDS
Photography Focus: Zhuang and Yao cultures, landscapes, agricultural activities, village life Accommodation: Strategic locations in Guilin, Yangshuo and Longsheng areas Activities: Six days of in-depth exploration including Longsheng Rice Terraces (1-2 days)
DAY 27: RETURN TO KUNMING
Photography Focus: Final travel documentation and reflections Travel: High-speed train from Guilin to Kunming, conclusion of expedition
THE FLEXIBLE ADVANTAGE
This expedition is intentionally designed to be fluid and adaptable. As compelling photographic opportunities emerge, we can adjust our schedule to fully capture these moments—a key advantage of our private, personalized approach. Jonathan’s expertise and intimate knowledge of the region ensures you’ll experience authentic cultural interactions while developing your photographic vision and technical skills.
Each day balances structured guidance with the freedom to follow your creative instincts, making this far more than a standard photo tour. It’s an immersive journey designed to transform how you see and capture the world.
FEES & PAYMENT TERMS
Total Expedition Investment: £22,991 GBP (approximately $30,486 USD)
Booking & Payment Schedule:
- All fees must be paid in advance via bank transfer
- 50% non-refundable deposit required to secure your place
- Remaining balance due no later than 30 days before expedition start date
- Full terms and conditions: Photography School Asia T&C
Important Notes:
- International flights to/from China not included
- Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory
- Chinese visa fees are your responsibility
- Daily meals (except where specified) and personal expenses not included