Oriental Notre Dame Cathedral - Ruoshan Folk Houses, Daba Foxiao, Diaobindong Beach and Rocks, and Fengqing Stone Pond 3-Day Tour

Day 1 Shanghai → Shitang

All day

In the morning, between 7:00 and 7:30, everyone gathered at the bottom of the Mingshen Center Building and signed in. We boarded the bus and set off. The leader introduced the photography itinerary, and the team members introduced themselves, all with laughter and joy along the way.

We arrived in Shitang around noon. After checking into the hotel and lunching, we headed to Shiwu Village. It was deserted, but the most striking feature of the Shitang stone houses is their exterior walls, constructed from regularly shaped stones of varying sizes. Unlike the stone houses in the mountains, these houses exude a strong maritime feel. Years of sea breezes have etched the yellow stone walls, making them rough to the touch. A closer look reveals numerous small holes, evidence of erosion. The light faded, and the photoshoot ended.

Return to the hotel for dinner, photography discussion and rest.

Driving distance: about 416km

Day 2 Shitang Full Day

All day

We woke up before daybreak to shoot the "Dam Dawn" video. The sky in the east was just beginning to turn pale, a scene perfect for photographers. Listening to the crash of waves against the dam and reefs, and inhaling the unique ocean air of the rocky pond, we watched the sun suddenly break through the sea, its dazzling rays filtering through the water. This is the perfect time to capture the most stunning photos! As the light gradually brightened, we concluded our shoot and returned to the hotel for breakfast. Free time afterwards.

In the afternoon, we'll gather at an opportune time to visit Ruoshan Old Street. Ruoshan Old Street weaves through residential buildings nestled against the hillside. These stone-clad houses bear witness to the rich history of the Ruoshan fishing area. With the right lighting and a bit of luck, you can create a wealth of cultural artifacts. Afterward, we'll head to Dongxia Beach for slow-motion photography of the beach and reefs. Those who enjoy being photographed can dress up for a beach encounter, concluding the shoot as the sky gradually darkens.

Let's eat seafood and chat together in the evening. Remember to go to bed early.

Day 3 Shitang → Shanghai

All day

We woke up early and headed to a local instructor's private plot to capture the magnificent sunrise. The islands and reefs in the distance, and fishermen already busy at work, marked a typical morning at the fishing port. We then headed to the Millennium Dawn Monument, where President Xi Jinping visited the spot where the first rays of dawn in 2000 shone. We took photos standing where he once stood, overlooking the panoramic view of Shitang Fishing Port.

After lunch, we gathered to return to Shanghai. We arrived in Shanghai around 6 PM. We had a tearful goodbye and didn't forget to hand in our homework!

Q: How do I shoot if it rains?

A: This is a route that combines both cultural and scenic beauty. The Stone Village is even more charming in the rain. A shower or light rain will not affect your photography much as long as you bring a raincoat and a camera rain cover. (Based on the weather forecast from the Central Meteorological Observatory)

Shitang, like a shimmering pearl, attracts numerous painters, photographers, and art academy students from across the country year-round to sketch and paint. People call Shitang the "Town in a Painting." The cliffs of Shitang jut into the sea, while the sea embraces the cliffs. The stone mountains and stone houses are scattered and interspersed, creating a unique and picturesque scene. Stone streets crisscross the waterfront, with narrow alleys and eaves facing each other like lovers about to kiss. The beauty of the sea, the unique architecture, and the charm of a fishing village blend seamlessly, creating a rich artistic atmosphere. This has attracted renowned contemporary artists such as Zhang Ding, Wu Guanzhong, Shen Roujian, Yuan Yunfu, Yan Han, and Lu Yangchun, who have come to Shitang to sketch and create. They have compared Shitang to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, a global art sketching destination, calling it "China's Notre Dame."