Day 1 Gathering Day ★ Anywhere → or → Changsha → Liuyang → Changsha
All day
Today is the gathering day for the event. Tourists from all over the world will choose their own transportation to arrive at the designated hotel in Changsha for registration, and then have free time at their own leisure.
Recommended Itinerary |
If you arrive early, tourists can go to Orange Island to see the stone statue of young Chairman Mao and stroll around this unique alluvial sandbar.
Meixi Lake, brimming with futuristic technology, is perfect for aerial photography! The white, streamlined curves and geometrically composed buildings create a visually distorted and distorted atmosphere.
You can also climb Yuelu Mountain to overlook the panoramic view of Changsha City.
Foodie tourists can head to May Day Square, Taiping Old Street, Pozi Street or Fire Palace to try Hunan's unique spicy Hunan cuisine, have a cup of Cha Yan Yue Se, and eat a bowl of Changsha stinky tofu to challenge your taste buds. Please pay attention to safety during free time.
Optional Itinerary |
Unlike the previous free play on the gathering day, this time we arranged a special itinerary - to go to China's fireworks hometown [Liuyang] to shoot fireworks, the scene is comparable to Japan's fireworks festival!
Tourists who arrive early and want to take pictures of the fireworks can choose this itinerary. A group of 3 people can form a group.
At 5:30 PM, we boarded a comfortable car and departed for Liuyang. You can have dinner in Changsha beforehand, or you can enjoy a delicious meal in Liuyang (let me just say this: Liuyang is known as the hometown of steamed dishes in China and one of the ten famous counties for Hunan cuisine).
Xiaoxia has selected a suitable camera position for everyone in advance - the riverside campsite, which can be reached directly by car without having to walk, squeeze with others, and have a wide view.
The fireworks show begins at 8 PM, with timed music and colorful fireworks blending together to create a visual and auditory feast. From waterfalls of fireworks to colorful clouds and AI-powered fireworks, each show has a different theme, reaching new heights of beauty!
It is absolutely worth coming to Liuyang to record a happy and romantic life fireworks!
After the fireworks show, the return trip will be around 10-11pm. You'll need to get up early the next day to continue your journey, so those who mind a late return should be careful when choosing this option.
Tips: After placing an order, you can additionally check [Liuyang Fireworks]. The specific arrangement of the fireworks show is subject to the official announcement of Liuyang.
Day 2 Changsha → Zhangjiajie
·morning
Gather and depart |
We set off from Changsha after breakfast and arrived at Zhangjiajie around noon. After lunch and a short rest, we began our fantastic photography journey.
·afternoon
Yuanjiajie's Strange Peaks and Rocks
In the afternoon, we'll arrive at Yuanjiajie aboard the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator. Rising 326 meters, it soars into the sky in 88 seconds. As the elevator emerges from the mountainside, a breathtaking spectacle unfolds before your eyes—a truly breathtaking spectacle worth capturing in your camera!
When you come to Yuanjiajie, you will find the Hallelujah Mountain (formerly known as the Pillar of Heaven and Earth) from the movie "Avatar", as well as the naturally formed No. 1 Bridge in the World and the mist-shrouded Mihun Terrace. You can take photos while walking, create freely, and wander in the mysterious and unpredictable world of Zhangjiajie with floating mountains and scattered stars.
Tianzi Mountain/Yangjiajie Orange Sunset丨
After admiring Yuanjiajie, we arrived at Tianzi Mountain, known as the "Wang of Peaks." (The phrase "If you don't visit Tianzi Mountain, your trip to Wulingyuan is in vain" seems out of place and likely comes from a different source.) Here, you'll find numerous peaks and ravines, including pillars resembling fairy flowers, rows of straight Imperial Brush Peaks like brushes, and a platform reminiscent of a general reviewing his troops.
The glow of the setting sun transforms Yubi Peak into a beautiful, dreamy natural ink painting. Here, we observe the immovable peaks and the ever-changing clouds. Time-lapse photography is a great way to capture this interweaving of movement and stillness, light and dark.
Or head to Yangjiajie to watch the sunset. Sunlight slices through the dense peaks, casting elongated shadows of the knife-cut stone pillars across the valley. At this moment, the mountain turns from grayish-white to orange-red, and the horizontal lines of the rock face are illuminated with exceptional clarity, like the growth rings of an old tree.
As the sun sets behind the lower peaks, the light gradually warms, the mist between the rocky peaks turns a pale golden color, and you can see beams of light leaking through the cracks in the mountains. The sunset scene in Yangjiajie is spectacular, majestic, and beautiful!
Kind tips:
Go to Tianzi Mountain/Yangjiajie to watch the sunset, depending on the actual situation of the scenic area on that day.
·night
After taking pictures of the sunset, we will head to Tianzishan Town.
We chose this night's accommodation specifically because it is adjacent to a sunset viewing spot, allowing us to embrace the first rays of sunshine in the mountains in a shorter distance the next morning.
Day 3 Zhangjiajie → Fenghuang Ancient Town
·morning
Sunrise at the Tianzi Mountain Cableway Observation Deck
After photographing Zhangjiajie during the day and at dusk yesterday, we woke up early this morning to head to the Tianzi Mountain cable car viewing platform to capture the sunrise from the mist. The four wonders of Zhangjiajie—sunrise, peaks, waterfalls, and winter snow—are also on display.
The morning sky is captivating. It begins as a deep, inky blue, then gradually a tinge of red begins to emerge. Suddenly, a dazzling golden light pierces through the clouds at the horizon, illuminating the entire sky. The colors shift in an instant, and mist lingers over the mountains, creating a dreamlike experience – a true wonderland!
Tips: Sunrise and clouds are closely related to weather factors, so keep a normal mind.
The secret beauty of Laowuchang
After taking photos of the sunrise, we'll head to Laowuchang, a village dotted with peaks and dotted with terraced fields. The scenery is rich with pastoral beauty, and here you can experience a tranquility that transcends the mundane.
The gathering of divine soldiers - here are gathered more than 30 peaks of various shapes, like a divine army hidden in the deep mountains and dense forests; different from the upward angle of the Bailong Ladder Observation Deck, here is a bird's-eye view, with a shocking and ethereal feeling.
Then, you'll arrive at the Sky Garden, a terraced field of lush green grain in the center, surrounded by a chasm of deep valleys on the other three sides. Climbing up to the "Pastoral Garden," you'll feel the breeze blowing through your sleeves, surrounded by clouds and mist, as if you're suspended in the air!
·afternoon
Phoenix Ancient Town Sunset Night View丨
After lunch, we will take a bus to the national historical and cultural city - [Fenghuang Ancient Town].
It was already dusk when we arrived in Fenghuang. The golden afterglow cast a warm golden glow over the stilt houses, cloaking these ancient structures in a warm golden hue. The orange-red sky echoed the red sandstone of the city walls. The shallow Tuojiang River flowed through the city, and pedestrians walked on the stone slab bridge over it. The natural landscape and the humanities merged at this moment, making it a perfect photo opportunity. The blues moment that followed was also worth capturing.
As night falls and the lights gradually come on, the ancient city becomes hazy and intoxicating. The stilt houses, illuminated by the colorful lights, are reflected on the surface of the Tuojiang River, creating a visual and auditory illusion.
Enjoy panoramic views of Phoenix from Nanhua Bridge, a perfect spot for capturing the night scene! Along the way, you can also sample Phoenix's signature snacks or explore the charming and exciting bars of the ancient city.
Day 4: Fenghuang Ancient Town → Xupu Shanbei Huayao Terraces
·morning
Phoenix Ancient Town Morning丨
Without the hustle and bustle of the night, nor the liveliness of the day, the ancient town of Fenghuang in the early morning is left with only its original tranquility and simplicity.
The ancient city is gently shrouded in a layer of mist, and the Tuojiang River is looming in the mist. Small boats slowly pass by on the river, causing ripples, just like an ink painting.
Stand by the Mist Bridge and watch the distant mountains and the ancient city reflected on the water. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture a wider view. Stroll along the ancient, long bluestone streets and enjoy a quiet escape from the city.
We then headed to Xupu, where everyone could take a lunch break. We chose to depart at noon to avoid the high temperatures and to avoid overhead light.
·afternoon
Sunset at the Huayao Terraces on the hillside of Xupu
In the afternoon, we arrived at Xupu, Huaihua. It felt like a forgotten corner of time, devoid of crowds and filled with tranquility, a perfect place for creative expression.
The summit offers a wide view, facing northwest, making it easy to catch the sunset. The afterglow of the setting sun casts a shadow over the water, and the paddy fields, like God's overturned palette, reflect the vibrant colors of the sky, creating a shimmering, dreamlike beauty.
In the distance, smoke rises from the scattered Yao villages. Huayao girls in traditional costumes return home happily. The silver ornaments on their bodies flicker in the light and shadow, adding a lively humanistic atmosphere to this pastoral painting.
·night
Rest and Check-in |
Tonight we will stay in a homestay next to the terraced fields.
The B&B is built on the top of a mountain at an altitude of more than 1,300 meters, facing south and north. The seven unique villas are lined up in a row, like seven stars surrounding the moon, shining on the layers of magnificent terraces.
Day 5: Huayao Terraces at Xupu Mountain → Huayao Ancient Village → Langshan
·morning
Xupu Mountain Back Huayao Terraces Sea of Clouds丨
Shanbei Huayao Rice Terraces, with Shanbei Village as the leader, are connected with the terraces of more than 20 neighboring villages. It is currently the largest terraced field in my country, combining grandeur and beauty, and is known as the "Terraced Fields Above the Clouds."
Stepping into the Huayao Rice Terraces on the back of Xupu Mountain in the early morning feels like stepping into a fairyland. A vast sea of clouds rolls like waves, obscuring the lower half of the terraces, leaving only the ridges floating like ribbons above the clouds. A gentle breeze brings a touch of coolness.
The sun breaks through the clouds, and thousands of rays of light shine on the ridges of the fields and the houses of the Huayao people. Every moment is worth recording!
·morning
The graceful Huayao girl |
After photographing the sea of clouds this morning, we'll head to the mysterious Huayao Ancient Village to capture the customs of this branch of the Yao people, forgotten in Chinese historical records. Thousands of Huayao still live amidst the towering mountains of southwestern Hunan, faithfully inheriting the simple lifestyle of their ancestors.
The women here are particularly fond of beauty. Their clothing inherits the ancient, novel, eccentric, and complex styles of their ancestors, especially their headdresses, which are extremely gorgeous and eye-catching. From head to toe, they are a world of flowers, and from a distance, they look like bundles of dazzling mountain flowers. We will organize everyone to film the daily life of the Huayao people, working, and picking flowers... The Huayao people's flower picking relies entirely on their discerning eyes and skillful hands. They pick whatever they see. The enthusiasm of the Huayao people will continue to inspire everyone's creative inspiration, and the resulting film is sure to be a masterpiece!
Huayao Legend Grandma |
Next, we'll feature a legendary Huayao woman and a young woman as models for our portraits. The woman has lived her entire life in Chongmutang and has won numerous photography awards. Together, they'll cook, brimming with friendship and a vibrant sense of life.
·afternoon
Danxia Langshan |
After lunch, we drove to Langshan, one of China's Seven Great Danxia Mountains. Once you truly delve into this unique Danxia landscape, you'll discover it's truly a relief to have never seen it before. While everyone else is still discovering this hidden gem, we should seize the opportunity to capture some photos!
Camelback Sunset |
Then we went to Camel Peak to wait for the sunset at Langshan. The Danxia landform of Langshan is of medium erosion degree. The red rock layers have been eroded by flowing water just right. The high and low Danxia peaks alternate with the crisscrossing valleys. The continuous green hills unfold like a picture scroll, high and low, like a dream, making people reluctant to leave.
·night
Rest and Check-in |
Tonight we are staying in a hotel not far from Langshan. After it gets completely dark, we will return to the hotel to have dinner and rest.
6. Tianlang Mountain → Zixing
·morning
Bajiaozhai Sea of Clouds |
Today we needed to get up early and hike up the mountain, reentering Langshan to photograph Bajiaozhai. The chances of encountering a sea of clouds at Bajiaozhai are quite high. The mountains alternately merge with the pervasive white mist, and the peaks within the sea of clouds rise and fall, resembling whales frolicking in the ocean, sometimes engulfed by the mist, sometimes emerging from the sky. This is what the villagers call "whales making trouble in the sea." The rising sun, casting a myriad of golden rays, is truly breathtaking.
If you don’t want to get up too early, you can also choose to rest in the hotel for a while before going to the scenic spot.
Warm reminder: The Langshan Cable Car starts running at 8:00. If you don’t want to take pictures of the sunrise, you can take the cable car up the mountain for sightseeing and photography. If you want to take pictures of the sunrise, you need to walk up the mountain. The entire scenic area is a step-by-step trail, and the one-way trip takes about 1 hour.
On the mountaintop, Taoist priests burn dragon head incense. This spectacular sight can only be seen in Bajiaozhai and Wudang Mountain. They travel alone to the summit of a prominent peak to burn incense and chant incantations. While the journey is short, it involves walking on an uneven, unprotected path, surrounded on three sides by towering cliffs. The entire process is thrilling and terrifying, and capturing a photo of this breathtaking spectacle is a true blessing. (Reminder: Dragon Head Incense is no longer burned due to safety concerns, but traces of the incense burning remain.)
·afternoon
Departure to Xiaodongjiang River |
We had lunch at noon and set off for Chenzhou. Since the journey was too long, we went directly to the hotel to rest and save our energy for taking photos of the highlight of our trip, the fog-covered Xiaodongjiang River, tomorrow morning.
Rest and Check-in |
Tonight we will stay at a hotel in Zixing City, which is a five-minute drive from Xiaodong River.
Day 7 Zixing → Xiaodongjiang → Gaoyiling → Zixing
·morning
Fog over Xiaodong River |
Rise early and enter the dreamland of Xiaodongjiang! A five-minute drive will take you to the lakeside photography spot [Misty Xiaodongjiang]. The cool river air is filled with layers of mist, which shifts with the currents, creating a ethereal dance of light and a trance-like experience. At sunrise, sunlight breaks through the mist, creating a "Jesus light" effect – a dreamlike spectacle for all photographers!
As the sky gradually brightens, the red-shirted fishermen on their boats begin casting their nets. The white mist paints vast expanses of white space, the mountains a thick, rich ink, and the backlight outlines the golden lines of the fishing nets, creating scenes of exquisitely beautiful ink paintings. Everyone, snap your shutter like crazy! Be sure to bring plenty of memory cards!
After shooting at Xiaodong River, we returned to the hotel to rest and get ready for the afternoon shoot.
·afternoon
Shuiwa Danxia Gaoyiling |
Drive to Gaoyiling Scenic Area at the right time. Gaoyiling is the symbol of the Danxia landform in southern China. Its most notable feature is the beautiful puddles dotted around the Danxia landform. The red rocks, green waters, dangerous villages and strange ravines are all incredibly beautiful.
The interplay of red sandstone and emerald green waters at Monitor Lizard Lake creates a striking visual impact. The Dragon's Back Ridge, with its exposed back and steep cliffs on either side, resembles a winding dragon, offers a thrilling and adventurous experience. As the sunlight softens in the evening, it's the perfect time to photograph the sunset.
Day 8 Xiaodongjiang → Changsha ★ Event Ending Day
·morning
Second entry into Xiaodong River |
Today I got up early again and entered Xiaodongjiang River, and went to a different camera position than the previous day to shoot the morning mist of Xiaodongjiang River. Today's scene is more open.
The mist thickens and thins, gathers and disperses, freely flowing across the lake and the mountains. The boat moves and stops. Under the golden sunlight, the fishing net rises from the fisherman's hands, stretches out in the air, and then falls heavily into the lake, splashing countless water, becoming the finishing touch of this painting.
·morning
After the shoot, we drove back to Changsha. It was time to wake up from this beautiful dream.
Arrive at Changsha South Station around 2pm and disperse. Remember to hand in your homework when you get back!
Tourists from Guangzhou and other southern regions can also go to Chenzhou High-Speed Railway Station to disband.
Kind tips:
For trains departing from Changsha South Railway Station, please book a train after 15:00
It is recommended to book a train after 16:00 at Changsha Station. Tourists heading to Changsha Station can take Metro Line 2 (about 40 minutes).
Please book flights from Changsha Huanghua International Airport after 17:00. Tourists heading to the airport can take the Maglev Train at South Station (approximately 30 minutes).
If you are going to Chenzhou West Station by yourself, it is recommended to book a train after 12:00.
