Xiapu & Zhangjiajie National Park

Join Thierry Bornier for a photographic workshop and discover a quaint and photogenic fishing village in Xiapu and  the splendid Zhangjiajie Sandstone Peak Forest in Hunan  Province.

Itinerary 

Day 1 –May 11,2019: : Shanghai to Xiapu.

This morning, we will catch a fast train to Xiapu (5.5 hrs.), then transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Day 2 to Day 5– May 12-15 ,2019: : Xiapu

We will be spent amidst Xiapu’s quaint fishing village atmosphere. Each morning will start early to catch the village’s fisherman preparing their boats and nets for the day’s work while the sun rises at their backs, their silhouettes against the shining waters from different angles.

After the morning shoots, the group will return to the hotel for a full breakfast and a rest. Then, spend the rest of each day exploring Xiapu’s lively fish markets, quiet, rustic corners, creaking wooden docks, and much more. Every evening, the group will have dinner together, followed by a group discussion about technique and composition with everybody’s photos.

Day 6 – May 16,2019 : Xiapu -Zhangjiajie

 

The day starts early with our last shooting, then we will take a high- speed train to return to shanghai and catch a flight in the evening after dinner to Shanghai city to spend the night in our hotel.

 

Day 8 –May 17,2019: : Zhangjiajie City to Zhangjiajie National Park

After breakfast, we will take a 1.5hr car ride from Zhangjiajie City to Tianzi Town, and check in at the local guesthouse, where we will be based for the next 4 days. We will have the first photography session in Zhangjiajie National Park the afternoon.

Day 9 to 12 – May 18 to 21,2019: : Zhangjiajie National Park

Each of these three days starts with a morning photography session to capture Zhangjiajie’s magnificent landscapes. We will then return to the hotel for some rest. Later in the day, we will travel to a second location for more photography. In the evening, there will be dinner and group discussion to exchange ideas, tips, suggestions and analysis of the day’s pictures. May 21 after our afternoon shooting, we will be transfer at night to catch our flight to shanghai and you will stay in Pudong international airport hotel.

DESTINATION OVERVIEW

Xiapu (Fujian Province)

Xiapu, known as the most charming fishing village in China, is located in the northeast of Fujian province. The village’s surrounding hills provide great vantage points from which to compose stunning photographs. With your camera, recreate the scenes of traditional Chinese ink paintings, of the sun rising or setting, of fishing boats coming in and out, throwing and pulling nets behind them, and of massive nets strung between tall bamboo poles, hung with the day’s prizes.

After the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Xiapu is Thierry’s second favorite location to shoot in China. The waters’ easy currents and sunny weather make the village’s mudflats rich in kelp, laver, oyster and yellow croakers. So, the village is not only a prime location to photograph fisherman at work, but also a great place to taste their fresh catches. Xiapu also has a bit of variety for photographers—low-lying beaches with stunning sunrise, working fishermen communities and a picturesque old banyan tree forest, just to mention some.

 

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie has become famous in recent years as the inspiration for the floating hallelujah mountains in the famous blockbuster movie – Avatar. One of the park’s quartz-sandstone pillars, the 1,080-metre ‘Southern Sky Column’, has been officially renamed ‘Avatar Hallelujah Mountain’ in honor of the film. The magnificent scenery of the park certainly seems like it could be part of a celestial, magical world.

The pillar-like rock formations are the most notable geographic feature of the park. They are the result of many years of erosion, caused by expanding ice in winter and the plentiful foliage, due to the permanent moist weather. These formations are a distinct hallmark of Chinese landscapes and can be found in many ancient Chinese paintings.

Officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Zhangjiajie was also listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2004. On this workshop, we will have great opportunities to capture these fascinating formations.

ACCOMMODATION

Haiyue Hotel Xiapu

This hotel is really a 5-star hotel. It’s very new. The interior decors are new and trendy. The towels are white and soft. The services are good. While it is not located in the central main area of Xiapu, it has its own underground carpark and it is very convenient for those who are self-drive or who take taxis. Featuring free WIFI, HaiYue Hotel offers accommodations in Xiapu. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.

Zhangjiajie national park Hotel

The Mountain Boutique Hotel is a great choice for guests looking for accommodation in Zhangjiajie, having been recently opened in 2017. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available at this property.
The hotel is located approximately 54km from Zhangjiajie Railway Station and 55km from Hehua Airport.
This hotel makes a great place to kick back and relax after a long day of sightseeing. For guests’ convenience, airport pickup can be arranged.
There’s never a dull moment at this hotel, our guests indicate that the facilities are excellent. This hotel is a popular accommodation for guests traveling with families.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Xiapu & Xitang water town

Join Thierry Bornier and discover a quaint and photogenic fishing village in Xiapu and the water of Xitang ( close to shanghai )

Itinerary 

Day1 – October 19,2019 : Shanghai to Xiapu

This morning, we will catch a fast train to Xiapu (5.5 hrs), then transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Day 2 to Day 6 – October 20-24 ,2019 : Xiapu

Wewill be spent amidst Xiapu’s quaint fishing village atmosphere. Each morning will start early to catch the village’s fisherman preparing their boats and nets for the day’s work while the sun rises at their backs, their silhouettes against the shining waters from different angles.

After the morning shoots, the group will return to the hotel for a full breakfast and a rest. Then, spend the rest of each day exploring Xiapu’s lively fish markets, quiet, rustic corners, creaking wooden docks, and much more. Every evening, the group will have dinner together, followed by a group discussion about technique and composition with everybody’s photos.

Day 7 – October 25 ,2019 : shanghai -Xitang

In the morning after breakfast we will catch a fast train back to Xitang  (5.5 hrs), then a service car will bring us to  our hotel, end of the afternoon we will start our shooting before our dinner.

Day 8 – April 27, 2019 : Xitang- Shanghai

Early morning, we will capture the magic sunrise in the water town, then after breakfast we will return to shanghai where our workshop will end and you will be transferred in the international Pudong airport  to catch your night flight or stay  one night in the airport hotel.

 

 

DESTINATION OVERVIEW

Xiapu (Fujian)

Xiapu, known as the most charming fishing village in China, is located in the northeast of Fujian province. The village’s surrounding hills provide great vantage points from which to compose stunning photographs. With your camera, recreate the scenes of traditional Chinese ink paintings, of the sun rising or setting, of fishing boats coming in and out, throwing and pulling nets behind them, and of massive nets strung between tall bamboo poles, hung with the day’s prizes.

After the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Xiapu is Thierry’s second favorite location to shoot in China. The waters’ easy currents and sunny weather make the village’s mudflats rich in kelp, laver, oyster and yellow croakers. So, the village is not only a prime location to photograph fisherman at work, but also a great place to taste their fresh catches. Xiapu also has a bit of variety for photographers—low-lying beaches with stunning sunrise, working fishermen communities and a picturesque old banyan tree forest, just to mention some.

Xitang Water Town (Nearby shanghai)

Xitang Water Town is a beautiful town that seems like a completely different world from the hustle and bustle of nearby Shanghai 
. Cobbled streets, old buildings, bridges arching over canals, rowing boats lingering on the river, and locals singing folk songs are the features of Xitang, a charming, ancient water town. Mornings in Xitang bring fresh air and light fog; during the evening, the setting sun casts a rosy glow on the old tiled roofs.

ACCOMMODATION

Xiapu : HaiYue Hotel

This hotel is really a 5-star hotel. It’s very new. The interior decors are new and trendy. The towels are white and soft. The services are good. While it is not located in the central main area of Xiapu, it has its own underground carpark and it is very convenient for those who are self-drive or who take taxis. Featuring free WIFI, HaiYue Hotel offers accommodations in Xiapu. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.

Xitang: Chengshang Generations Hotel

The Chengshang Generations Hotel was recently opened in 2016, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Jiashan. This property features Free in-room Wi-Fi. The hotel is located close to Xitang Scenic Spot.

 

PHOTOGRAPHER

Xiapu Fujian & Yellow mountains

Join Thierry Bornier and Take your camera on an adventure to Xiapu, the world’s most photogenic fishing village, and the breathtaking cliffside walkways that hang over the seas of clouds around the Yellow Mountain.

 

Itinerary 

Day 1 – November 23,2019 : Shanghai to xiapu

This morning, we will catch a fast train to Xiapu (5.5 hrs.), then transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Day 2 to Day 6 – November 24-28 ,2019 : Xiapu

We will be spent amidst Xiapu’s quaint fishing village atmosphere. Each morning will start early to catch the village’s fisherman preparing their boats and nets for the day’s work while the sun rises at their backs, their silhouettes against the shinber ing waters from different angles. After the morning shoots, the group will return to the hotel for a full breakfast and a rest. Then, spend the rest of each day exploring Xiapu’s lively fish markets, quiet, rustic corners, creaking wooden docks, and much more. Every evening, the group will have dinner together, followed by a group discussion about technique and composition with everybody’s photos.

 

 

Day 7 – November 29 ,2019 : Xiapu -Yellow mountain

In the morning after breakfast we will catch a fast train to Fuzhou, where we stop and change high speed train from Fuzhou to Yellow mountains  Upon arrivalwe commence the journey to the Yellow Mountain, which entails a 1-hr private transfer by coach, a shuttle hop to the cable car station, a fast cable car ride taking everyone up to the Yellow Mountain, followed by a ~45min hike before we finally arrive at our hotel. As you exit the cable car, there will be porters available for hire to carry your luggage.

Day 8 to day 10– November 30 – December 2, 2019 : Yellow Mountains

Each of these 3 days starts before dawn in order to catch the magnificent sunrise. We will then return to the hotel for breakfast and some rest. Later in the day, we will be trekking up and down the Yellow Mountain’s many overgrown peaks where, tucked away amidst craggy granite overhangs and pine trees, you can find hidden hot springs and vantage points offering splendid panoramic views of the surrounding peaks that burst and break through the rolling sea of clouds. Every evening, we will gather for dinner and group discussion.

 

Day 11 – December 3 ,2019 : Yellow mountain - shanghai

After a final morning photo shoot, we bid farewell to the Yellow Mountain, and make our way downhill by cable car, and then a shuttle hop followed by a private transfer to Huangshan North Railway Station to catch a high-speed train back to Shanghai, where the workshop concludes and transferred to your hotel in the international Pudong Airport to catch your flight the next day.

 

DESTINATION OVERVIEW

Xiapu (Fujian Province)

Xiapu, known as the most charming fishing village in China, is located in the northeast of Fujian province. The village’s surrounding hills provide great vantage points from which to compose stunning photographs. With your camera, recreate the scenes of traditional Chinese ink paintings, of the sun rising or setting, of fishing boats coming in and out, throwing and pulling nets behind them, and of massive nets strung between tall bamboo poles, hung with the day’s prizes.

After the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Xiapu is Thierry’s second favorite location to shoot in China. The waters’ easy currents and sunny weather make the village’s mudflats rich in kelp, laver, oyster and yellow croakers. So, the village is not only a prime location to photograph fisherman at work, but also a great place to taste their fresh catches. Xiapu also has a bit of variety for photographers—low-lying beaches with stunning sunrise, working fishermen communities and a picturesque old banyan tree forest, just to mention some.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

“Huang” meaning “yellow” and “shan” meaning “mountain”. One writer remarked on the view of the clouds from Huangshan as follows: “To enjoy the magnificence of a mountain, you have to look upwards in most cases. To enjoy Mount Huangshan, however, you’ve got to look downward.” That writer was referring to the Sea of Clouds, which is named quite literally. The area also is host to notable light effects, such as the renowned sunrises. Watching the sunrise is considered a “mandatory” part of visiting the area. A phenomenon known as Buddha’s Light is also well-known and, on average, Buddha’s Light only appears a couple of times per month.

The Yellow Mountain is a mountain range in southern Anhui province in eastern China. It was named Huangshan in 747 AD in recognition of the legendary Huang Di, who was the reputed ancestor of the Chinese people and who supposedly made magic pills of immortality here. The area is well known for its scenery, sunsets, peculiarly-shaped granite peaks, pine trees, hot springs and winter snow. Huangshan is a frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings and literature, as well as modern photography. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of China’s major tourist destinations. Huangshan is also a famous place for Chinese teas of high quality.

 

 

ACCOMMODATION

Haiyue Hotel

This hotel is really a 5-star hotel. It’s very new. The interior decors are new and trendy. The towels are white and soft. The services are good. While it is not located in the central main area of Xiapu, it has its own underground carpark and it is very convenient for those who are self-drive or who take taxis. Featuring free WIFI, HaiYue Hotel offers accommodations in Xiapu. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.

Beihai Hotel Yellow Mountains

Huangshan’s Beihai Hotel (Beihai Binguan) is a popular 4-star hotel extremely well located for those wishing to watch the sun set or rise from the mountain’s Eastern step.

This Huangshan hotel has standard rooms and suites that come equipped with all the standard up-to-date amenities.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Last Steam Trains of china & Xiapu Fujian

Join Thierry Bornier and Take your camera on an adventure to Xiapu, the world’s most photogenic fishing village, and the Last Chance to shoot the steam Trains of China in the coal mines (will end September 2020)

 

Itinerary 

Day 1 – December 9,2019 : Shanghai to Hami

we will catch a Flight from Shanghai to Hami (5.5 hrs.), then transfer to the hotel for check-in and have our dinner.

Day 2 to Day 5 – December 9-13,2019 : Steam Trains of Sandaoling

This  morning will be transferred by car (2 hrs.) to reach our final destination in the coal mines of Sandaoling where many steam trains run 24 hours. Every day we will follow the same schedule, with early Morning shooting when the trains get ready and need to refill water and check their trains before to start to work. we will have afternoon shooting and one-night train shooting. Every day we will review the pictures after dinner.

Day 6 – December 14,2019 : Hami - Shanghai

we will catch a Flight from Hami to Shanghai (4.5 hrs.), then transfer to the hotel for check-in and have our dinner.

Day 7– December 15,2019 : Shanghai -Xiapu

This morning, we will catch a fast train to Xiapu (5.5 hrs.), then transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Day 8 to Day 10 – December 16-18,2019 : Xiapu

We will be spent amidst Xiapu’s quaint fishing village atmosphere. Each morning will start early to catch the village’s fisherman preparing their boats and nets for the day’s work while the sun rises at their backs, their silhouettes against the shining waters from different angles. After the morning shoots, the group will return to the hotel for a full breakfast and a rest. Then, spend the rest of each day exploring Xiapu’s lively fish markets, quiet, rustic corners, creaking wooden docks, and much more. Every evening, the group will have dinner together, followed by a group discussion about technique and composition with everybody’s photos.

 

Day 11 – December 19,2019 : Xiapu- shanghai

After a final morning shoot in Xiapu, we catch a fast train to shanghai where the workshop ends and you will be transferred  to your hotel in the international airport Pudong  and spend the last night before to catch your international the next day .

DESTINATION OVERVIEW

Steam Trains of Xinjiang

Chinese steam trains are becoming a thing of the past.As China reduces coal capacity to combat pollution, mines and their locomotives are being shut down. An approaching cacophony of rattles and blasts of steam tore through the silence of the Xinjiang. Noises from another era. Then it appeared, clattering and shuddering at 30 kilometers per hour－one of China’s few surviving steam trains at the Sandaoling coal mine currently the biggest steam locomotive operation in the country. The operations of the 11 steam locomotives will stop in September 2020 forever. the only time to shoot these locomotives are during middle December to end of January because temperature reaches minus 21 degrees. Thierry know the local people working there and will organize the only 2 last session for these trains, December 2019 and January 2020.

Xiapu (Fujian Province)

Xiapu known as the most charming fishing village of China, is located in the northeast of Fujian province. After the Yuanyang rice terraces, the fishing village of Xiapu is Thierry’s next favorite location to shoot in China. Due to the peaceful water current and abundance of sunshine, the Xiapu mudflats are rich in kelp, laver, oyster and yellow croakers, thus a flourishing fishing and farming industry have developed. The local fishermen insert bamboo poles, fishnets and stone columns into the mudflats to dry their catch, creating a vast and striking spider web of black and white outlines. In Xiapu, the surrounding hills serve as great locations to compose many stunning photographs over the bay. As the sun rises and sets, the tide rises and falls, bamboo poles, fishing nets and fishing boats coming in and out create a spectacular scene that looks like an old traditional Chinese ink painting. For this reason, Xiapu is regarded as a photographer’s paradise.

 

ACCOMMODATION

Sandaoling Hotel

this hotel is a simple twin bed  room and warm place to stay , just average  hotel.

Boyue Airport Hotel

Free Wi-Fi is provided at the hotel. All rooms here are equipped with domestic long distance telephone, electric kettle, bathtub, slippers, TV, independent desk, etc. For the comfort and convenience of guests, the hotel offers laundry service, car rental service, concierge service, luggage storage service, elevator. Besides, the hotel’s host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay. Superb facilities and an excellent location make the Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Hotel-AirChina the perfect base from which to enjoy your stay in Shanghai.

Haiyue Hotel Xiapu

This hotel is really a 5-star hotel. It’s very new. The interior decors are new and trendy. The towels are white and soft. The services are good. While it is not located in the central main area of Xiapu, it has its own underground carpark and it is very convenient for those who are self-drive or who take taxis. Featuring free WIFI, HaiYue Hotel offers accommodations in Xiapu. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Cancellation and Refund Policy

We strongly recommend you get a Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance after booking your trip. If you cancel and the Workshop is otherwise filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $300 service charge. If you cancel and the Workshop does not fill, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the Workshop:

Greater than 90 days from the start date of the Workshop: full refund minus $300 service fee.

75 days or more: 75% refund
60 days or more: 50% refund
Less than 60 days: no refund

Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.