Suggested Itineraries

I just completed a foreign work assignment in China which was between January 1999 and October 2000. I stationed in Beijing while I was in China, and I was quite familiar with the city. If anyone wants to travel Beijing, I might be able to help while my memory is still fresh.

Steve Chan

I just returned from three weeks in China. I agree with the Beijing part of the suggested itenerary. However, I found that the "tourist" loop is not as exciting as getting out into the country. We went to Qinqhai province and, with a Tibetan guide, visited the Tibetan Buddist Monasteries of/at Ta'er (close to Xining), Tongren, and Xiahe (Labrang) where there was an abundance of Tibetan people in traditional dress and a noticeable absence of westerners. The people were extremely warm, friendly and curious about us, and the whole atmosphere was very different than the more touristed sites of Xi'an, Beijing and Guilin. I took 55 rolls of film, a great many of which were of ordinary people who were happy to pose for portraits. Try it, you'll like it.

A trip up the Yangtze River is a must. I would recommend Wuhan to Chongqing. Incredible scenery that will not be around for much longer. Truly, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

If you're already in Guilin and have a week to spare, I would recommend flying up to Kunming and exploring Yunnan. Yunnan is a beautiful place! Go from Kunming and explore the "Lion Forest" two hours away, and then take the train or bus to Dali and sit in a cafe and relax while looking at unique Dai architecture. Erhai is also very nice. Then go up to Lijiang and explore the old city, which is very charming... kind of like the Hutongs of Beijing, except much more compact and colorful. And if you have time, go to Zhongdian, which is as close to Tibet as you can get without applying for a separate visa to visit the autonomous province. There are also some nice places in northern Yunnan, such as Tiger Leaping Gorge - but it all depends on your budget, how much "wilderness" you can take, how much time you have, and how many hours of bumpy busrides you can take. Enjoy!

Dazu Wall Carvings

A place not to miss is Dazu (Dazhu?) with magnificent wall carvings. These were apparently missed by the Cultural Revolution.

I have traveled to China several times. Some Chinese say that Guilin is the most beautiful place in China. I have to agree. Plan to spend 4 days, 3 nights minimum. Take a trip down the Li River (Lijiang). Prepare yourself for some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, including dramatic karst landscapes. Bring both wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Hope for one of those misty, mystical days for great shots. You will not be disappointed! Also, sun can be intense, so bring a wide-brim hat! When you arrive at the terminus of the Lijiang cruise, take time to tour Yangshou. You will be treated to some great photograhic opportunities along the main street and definitely the market square. Here you will use a wide angle lens. Most of tours you join will allow a couple hours in the town, where you can enjoy a snack or photography. If you are traveling light or you have brought your baggage, Yangshou is a great stopover town less than 90 minutes south of Guilin.

You cannot beat Hong Kong for diversity of subject matter, especially if you like to photograph people. Alternatively, you are within a short hour's ride to one of the many islands in the Hong Kong area where the population is surprisingly sparse! Also, less than one hour from Hong Kong, you can experience the influence of the Portuguese in Macau. The hydrofoil from Hong Kong island only takes an hour, and once in Macau you will experience the influence of 18th century Portugal on the then colony. Again, wide angle lenses will prove to be useful. Plan on plenty of color opportunities.

Plan on plenty of light during late spring to fall. Don't plan on many camera bargains if you travel to or through Hong Kong. The hassle of haggling, gray market warranties and suspect goods isn't worth it in my opinion. You will find better prices from U.S. mail order companies. Happy travels!

The Yangtse River cruise usually starts or ends at Chongqing. If you have a day to spare, the World Heritage site of Dazu Stone Carving is worthwhile to visit. It is about 2 hours by bus from Chongqing. Taxi is about RMB 500-600.

Dazu Stone Carving, at Dazu County.