Day 1 Various locations → → Huangshan ★ Gathering day
All day
Photographers from all over the country will report to designated hotels in Huangshan City throughout the day. Early arrivals can explore Huangshan's famous Tunxi Old Street, known as the "Long River Along the Qingming Festival." This pedestrian shopping street, steeped in architectural styles from the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, offers a unique experience for filming. Alternatively, visit the Tunxi Museum, which showcases Huizhou brick carvings, paintings, and ancient furniture, as well as the customs, moral principles, and ethical codes of ancient Huizhou. Precious collections include Qing Dynasty figure door covering brick carvings, Sheshi inkstones, Fahua glazed porcelain pillows, and Spring and Autumn bronzes. The second floor features a rare painting titled "Fu Lu Shou Xi Tu" (Fortune, Longevity, and Happiness) from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty.
Please be careful during your free time. Keep your cell phone connected. The tour leader will meet you at the hotel around 8 PM to announce the upcoming arrangements and precautions.
Day 2 Huangshan City → Yangchan → Fangtang
·morning
After breakfast, we headed to Yangchan Village to photograph the distinctive Tulou (earthen buildings) of southern Anhui. Tucked away deep in the mountains, these ancient buildings stand in rows, each connected by a paved path, creating a truly picturesque scene. It was autumn harvest season, and the leaves on the mountains had already turned red and yellow. Every household brought out their corn, peppers, and pumpkins, hanging them from their rooftops. The cascading clusters were a truly spectacular sight.
·afternoon
After lunch, we'll head to the heart of the Qinglongwan Reservoir in Fangtang Township, a journey of approximately three hours. In the afternoon, we'll enter the famous "Southern Anhui 318" road, offering breathtaking scenery along the way, with stops for photos along the way.
We arrived at the Metasequoia forest around 4:00 AM, ready to photograph the sunset over the bald cypress trees. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, the towering mountains in the distance, surrounded by white water, echoed the golden-red layers of cedar trees beside us.
After the photoshoot, we stayed overnight next to the bald cypress forest, had a good rest, and prepared for the next day’s photoshoot in the morning mist in the Metasequoia forest.
Day 3 Fangtang → Jingxian → Taohuatan
·morning
Get up early to capture the sunrise over the bald cypress forest. If you're lucky, you might capture the morning mist at the edge of the bald cypress forest. The 2,000-acre redwood forest and the vast, emerald waters complement each other like a natural tent. The morning sunlight filters through the leaves, scattering onto the water. The mist flows through the forest, creating a flowing, almost water-like beauty.
·morning
After finishing our morning mist photography, we had breakfast. We then boarded a bamboo raft and sailed through a thousand-acre metasequoia forest, following the shallow bay current and weaving through a forest of red leaves. As the autumn colors deepened along the way, the redwoods gradually turned red, then pale red, deep red, and finally golden red. The interweaving of these various colors, reflected in the clear water, was incredibly beautiful, reminiscent of the scenery of Kanas in northern Xinjiang.
·afternoon
After wrapping up our photoshoot, we headed to the Jingxian Oilcloth Umbrella Factory to capture the making of oilcloth umbrellas, an intangible cultural heritage and a centuries-old craft. The entire process involves twelve steps, and the vibrant yellow tung oil-coated umbrellas are sure to capture your attention!
In the evening, we'll head to Taohuatan and check into our inn. You can stroll and photograph the east bank before sunset, then capture the sunset glow by Taohuatan. Enjoy the tranquility of the countryside at night, and energetic tourists can even take photos of the starry sky.
Day 4 Taohuatan → Zhaji → Tachuan → Hongcun
·morning
We rose early in the morning and headed to Peach Blossom Pond, awaiting the sunrise. A thin layer of mist was shrouding the surface of the water, its shape shifting constantly. We arranged a fishing boat for a photo op. A small boat loomed in the mist, only to be reflected in the sunlight, creating an even more dreamy scene.
·morning
After wrapping up our photoshoot, we headed to Chaji Ancient Village. Upon first encountering Chaji, we were struck by its antiquity and rich history. Women pounded clothes by the stream, elderly men basked in the sun by their doors, and students sketched their imaginary landscapes by the river. Time seemed to slow down, prompting us to raise our cameras and capture every detail. As an ancient poem goes, "Cha Village is a village of ten miles, nine miles shrouded in smoke; three streams converge among thousands of households; under the shadows of temples, pavilions, and pagodas, small bridges flow through the water, apricot blossoms bloom." The villagers here are all surnamed Cha, and the village is home to numerous folk artists. Explore the village for your own cultural insights, or climb to a higher vantage point for panoramic views of the village.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll drive to Tachuan, known as one of China's three best autumn photography locations, rivaling the autumn colors of Kanas in Xinjiang and the Populus euphratica forests in Ejina. The village entrance and surrounding areas are home to many towering tallow trees, which, after frost, turn from green to yellow, then red, creating a rainbow of colors. The vibrant colors of the autumn leaves blanket the mountains, framing the pink walls and black tiles with a breathtaking beauty. This is perfect material for photography enthusiasts.
After photographing the sunset at Tachuan, everyone gathered at the entrance to Hongcun Scenic Area, purchased tickets, and was assigned a room. Then, we had some free time to photograph the Hongcun nightscape. If the weather was good, we could also photograph star trails.
Day 5 Hongcun → Lucun → Xieli → Huangshan
·morning
Today we woke up early again to take pictures of Lu Village in the morning mist (it is recommended to bring some snacks and hot water for breakfast). Standing on the observation deck and looking down from above, it is a visual feast of colors.
·morning
After the shooting, we returned to Hongcun for free creation. Hongcun is the epitome of Huizhou architecture. It is an ancient village with an ox-shaped layout. The whole village is surrounded by a wonderful water system designed by our ancestors, which is grand and exquisite.
We'll gather in time for the return trip, stopping at Xieli for some photos. Xieli is known as the "Colorful World," while Xieli is a more secluded and rustic Huizhou village, brimming with autumn colors and a truly picturesque setting.
·afternoon
We then drove to the Huangshan Scenic Area, where we transferred to a scenic shuttle bus and ascended the mountain via the cable car. Once at the summit, tourists began to appreciate the wonders, dangers, beauty, and charm of Huangshan. After disembarking, we headed to Shixin Peak, Huangshan's most stunning photo spot. Along the way, we could also photograph the Black Tiger Pine and the Harp Pine. Afterward, we headed to Lion Peak to capture the sunset over Huangshan's sea of clouds. Of course, those who prefer a more relaxed experience can also capture the sunset from the hotel plaza, a scene equally spectacular. After the afterglow faded, we returned to our hotel for check-in.
Day 6 Huangshan Scenic Area → Huangshan City ★ Dismissal Day
All day
Wake up early today and head to Guangmingding to capture the sunrise over the sea of clouds at Huangshan. From afar, we'll overlook the Three Penglai Islands, Aoyu Peak, Lianhua Peak, and Tiandu Peak, marveling at the towering peaks and ever-changing scenery. Of course, tourists with limited energy can also capture the sunrise over Huangshan directly from the hotel's plaza, which I'm sure will not disappoint. Huangshan in autumn boasts crisp air and vibrant colors.
Afterwards we returned to Yungu Temple and took the cable car down the mountain. We had lunch in Tangkou Town at the foot of Huangshan Mountain.
We arrived in Huangshan City around 12:00 PM and dispersed. We were first taken to the high-speed rail station and then to the airport. Everyone was reluctant to leave and kissed goodbye with tears in their eyes. Don't forget to hand in your homework when you get back.
