Day 1 Various places → Xiapu → Xiaohao/Dongbi → Xiapu
All day
After checking in that afternoon, we met at the hotel and boarded the bus promptly at 3:30 PM. We chatted and enjoyed photography along the way, enjoying the moment. We first headed to Xiapu's iconic mudflats, Xiaohao, to capture the scenery. Here, you'll have the opportunity to watch fishermen returning from their work at low tide. An ultra-telephoto lens is required to capture this scene. Depending on the weather and lighting, we'll capture the scenery of the mudflats illuminated by the sunset. Xiaohao is primarily sandy. Shooting with the light directly above, you can see the vast golden mudflats beneath the mountains, shifting with the waves. Shooting against the light, the streams flowing across the beach transform into winding arteries, shimmering with a captivating silver glow. The experience is truly visually and artistically captivating, allowing us to further experience the allure of light and shadow on the mudflats. Afterwards, we'll check in and rest at the hotel. It's time to get some rest, as we'll have an early start the next day.
Day 2 Xiapu → Beiqi → Yangjiaxi → Salt Field
All day
Head to Beiqi early in the morning to capture the sunrise over the sea, the tidal flats illuminated by the morning glow, and the fishermen at work. Beiqi is a famous sunrise spot in Xiapu, Fujian, attracting numerous photography enthusiasts. Therefore, China-TravelNote will arrive early to guarantee a spot for every tourist. Beiqi is a prime spot for capturing the stunning tidal flats of Xiapu, renowned for its tiger-skin-like patterns and the shadows of fishing rods, people, and boats that fill the beach. At high tide, the bustling boats, the shimmering sea, and the distant mountains and islands blend seamlessly into a spectacular scene. At low tide, the beach's textures become more refined, and the sight of fishermen at work on the tiger-skin beach adds to the rhythmic and dynamic beauty of the tidal flats. At this moment, no matter the angle, the frame is captivated by the vibrant play of light and shadow, a captivating tidal flat that captivates countless photographers from home and abroad.
Afterward, we'll head to Yangjia Creek to photograph the banyan forest scenery. Yangjia Creek boasts a breathtaking beauty, with green mountains surrounding the emerald waters. Its pools, rapids, and shoals are interwoven with flowers, grasses, and forests. Shrouded in mist and rain, the ancient banyan trees appear even more tranquil and mysterious. In late autumn and early winter, the thousand-acre maple forest, with its vibrant crimson leaves, resembles a resting crimson cloud, a breathtaking spectacle that will leave you wanting to linger. Here, we'll arrange for a photo session featuring an elderly farmer leading a cow.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the Xiapu Salt Fields to capture the coastal scenery illuminated by the sunset. We'll also photograph the sunset from the Qingshan Bridge in the Yantian area. The focus here is on the rich cultural atmosphere of the Lianjia fishing boats. Lianjia fishermen are families who have lived on simple boats for generations, often carrying their entire family's possessions. They lead a difficult life on the sea, often called "sea gypsies." After the light fades, we'll return to eat and rest.
Day 3 Mantou Mountain → Kasumigaura Train Station
All day
This morning, we headed to Mantou Mountain to capture the sunrise over the sea. The mountain's scenery, along with the morning spectacle of hanging oysters, connects with the horizon, creating a spectacular scene. This is a perfect spot for capturing sunrises and sunsets on the beach. You can also photograph the harvesting of kelp and the boats on the mudflats. Weijiang is also known as Mantou Mountain, named after an isolated, unnamed hill in the sea that resembles a steamed bun. It is now known as "Liaoli Island" and features a monument. As the sun rose, we continued to photograph the local culture and customs nearby. The oysters farmed along the Weijiang River's banks create a subtle, elegant color palette, and the black and white tones create a captivating visual experience.
After we had enough fun shooting, we returned to the hotel for breakfast and then arranged the shooting activities appropriately according to the weather and scene characteristics.
We concluded our enjoyable photography trip just in time and were driven to the train station. Everyone was still reluctant to leave, so we kissed goodbye with tears in our eyes. Remember to return and hand in your homework!
