December 22, 2011 by Craig

China Photography Workshop – Guilin 2012

China Workshop - Guilin 2012

Discover the unique cultures and natural beauty of southern China with hosts John Batdorff and Craig Ferguson. Our trip will begin in Guilin, one of China’s most popular scenic cities, with a history of more than 2,000 years.

Guilin is situated in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on the west bank of the Li River. Its name means “forest of Sweet Osmanthus,” owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Guilin is a scenic mecca with amazing rock formations known as karst which rise nearly two-hundred-meters from the Li River.

Rock formations known as karst along the Li River

Next we’ll head southeast to Yangshuo, a quiet, rural region also along the Li River. We’ll check out West Street, famous for it’s many sidewalk cafes and shops, where the international appeal blends with the local tradition to create a truly unique place. We will enjoy the Impression Liu Sanjie, a folk music show performed by 600 local artists with the Li River as their stage, and the karst mountains as the backdrop. Finally, we’ll get a chance to watch the traditional cormorant fisherman at work. Using the cormorant bird as a tool to catch fish, bird and man work together in this thousand year old traditional fishing method.

Enjoy visiting local markets

Once we reach our final destination of Longshen, you’ll be delighted by the endless rice terraces built 500 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. The terraces wind along the mountain side, from the top of the mountain all the way down to the river below. The region is referred to as “Dragon’s Backbone” with the tops of the mountains appearing as a spine above scaled terraces spiraling down the sides. These terraces were built by the ethnic minority groups in the area who were forced to flee into the mountains during the Yuan Dynasty (700 years ago). Because they were primarily an agricultural society, they turned the mountain sides into fields by building the terraces. We’ll visit a Yao Village where the women where their traditional clothing of bright pink jackets, silver earrings, and especially long hair.

REGISTRATION

In order to reserve your spot, please complete the reservation form and include your deposit of $1,200. The remainder of the balance will be due no later than 60 days prior to the first day of the trip (March 10, 2012). Trip insurance is highly recommended. A full itinerary and packing list will be sent to you once you have reserved your place.

NOTE: Cancellations made within 60 days a workshop you will receive a full refund of your deposit. Cancellations made less than 60 day prior to the workshop will receive 75% of the deposit refunded.

WORKSHOP INTINERARY

Guilin — Day 1 – 2 – 3

  • Meet & Greet
  • Reed Flute Cave
  • Moon Peak
  • Elephant Trunk Hill
  • Daxu Old Town
  • Sun & Moon Pagodas
  • Xinping Old Town
  • Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Yangshuo — Day 4 -5

  • Impression Liu Sanjie – Night folk music show on the river.
  • Cormorant Fishing
  • West Street
  • visit to small local village, countryside

Longsheng — Day 6

  • visit to small local villages
  • Longji Terraced Rice Fields

Guilin – Day 7

  • Street or markets or revisit one of the earlier places if people want to.

    • INCLUDED IN THE TRIP

    NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRIP

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