THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Photograph Lake Baikal's winter blue ice, cracks and reflected light. Ice conditions, access and photography locations must be confirmed for the season.
Winter on Lake Baikal
This mysterious Russian lake Becomes an astonishing blue-ice wonderland in winter As Li Jian's song By Lake Baikal plays in our ears We seem to feel that tranquillity and purity
A blue-ice encounter
Lake Baikal's winter blue ice, cracks, bubbles and reflected light are the main subjects here. Explore compositions along the shore in changing light. Ice conditions and accessible areas must be confirmed for the season.
Irkutsk
Irkutsk is a Siberian transport hub with historic buildings, churches and museums. Explore urban architecture and daily life through its wooden houses and streets.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Weixi Lin →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Weixi Lin
Has led photography trips to Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Russia, Indonesia, Semporna, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Niubei Mountain in western Sichuan, Nyingchi, the Qiantang River, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Yangzhou, Wuxi, Yongfu in Fujian, Dongying, Zhongwei, the Yuanyang rice terraces, Xianggong Mountain and Zhangjiajie.
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Jan 22 · Asia/IrkutskDay 1: January 22 — Home cities–Beijing–Irkutsk
Meet at Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3 at the designated time and take an international flight to Irkutsk, Russia. Arrive in Irkutsk, meet the guide, and photograph sunset glow along the Angara River near Alexander III Square. Have dinner, then check into the hotel and rest.
Accommodation:Irkutsk hotel
Meals:Dinner
DAY 02Jan 23 · Asia/IrkutskDay 2: January 23 — Irkutsk–Listvyanka
After breakfast, drive to Taltsy Wooden Architecture and Ethnographic Museum, a vivid representation of Russian and Buryat homes and daily life. Photograph morning mist downstream of the hydroelectric station on Irkutsk's Angara River. In winter, lower temperatures create more rime and extraordinary beauty. After lunch, visit Baikal Museum to understand the lake's history, culture, and ecological value, then take a cable car uphill for elevated photography overlooking frozen Lake Baikal and magnificent lake-and-mountain scenery.
Accommodation:Distinctive Listvyanka hotel
DAY 03Jan 24 · Asia/IrkutskDay 3: January 24 — Listvyanka–Khuzhir, Olkhon Island
After breakfast, drive to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal's largest island and a centre of shamanism, with spectacular scenery and enchanting sunsets and sunrises. The journey is 280 kilometers, 5–6 hours. Have lunch en route and continue to the Small Sea pier, changing to a four-wheel-drive bus for the island. Arrive in Khuzhir, check into the wooden-cabin accommodation, rest, and photograph Shaman Hill. Rest after dinner.
Accommodation:Wooden-cabin hotel on Olkhon Island
Meals:Hotel breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 04Jan 25 · Asia/IrkutskDay 4: January 25 — Photography on Olkhon Island's southern route
Go independently to a sunrise photography location early in the morning. After breakfast, take the southern route to photograph intricate ice cracks, mirrorlike surfaces, and raised crystal-clear ice glowing beautifully in sunlight. Photograph icefalls and icicles. Plants beneath the lake release methane that freezes near the surface, creating exquisite bubbles. Search the ice for suitable viewpoints and use frozen bubbles as foregrounds.
Accommodation:Wooden-cabin hotel on Olkhon Island
Meals:Hotel breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 05Jan 26 · Asia/IrkutskDay 5: January 26 — Photography on Olkhon Island's northern route
After breakfast, timed according to daylight, take a 4WD bus to Cape Khoboy at Olkhon's northern tip, passing Kharantsy, Crocodile Island, Face Mountain, and Three Brothers Mountain. Photograph blue ice at Khoboy; if overcast, switch to ice cracks at the Small Sea's southern end. Minimize stops outbound, prioritizing blue ice in good light, then photograph other sights on the return. For blue-ice photography, stay safe and avoid the foot of cliffs because falling rocks and icicles are dangerous. Have a picnic lunch and continue photographing blue ice in the afternoon. At night, the leader and guide take you to a designated location for star photography.
Accommodation:Wooden-cabin hotel on Olkhon Island
Meals:Hotel breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
DAY 06Jan 27 · Asia/IrkutskDay 6: January 27 — Olkhon Island–Small Sea or Cape Khoboy
After breakfast, spend another full day photographing blue ice or ice cracks, decided the previous day according to weather. At Cape Khoboy, you will be surprised by multicolored rocks changing color with viewing angle. The interplay of lake and sunlight makes the stones radiate magical colored beams. Pass beaches, Three Brothers Mountain, Love Mountain, Face Mountain, and Crocodile Island.
Accommodation:Wooden-cabin hotel on Olkhon Island
Meals:Hotel breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 07Jan 28 · Asia/IrkutskDay 7: January 28 — Olkhon Island–Irkutsk
Return to Irkutsk on a long drive of approximately 5–6 hours, 250 kilometers, traveling across deserted snowfields. If snowy forests appear en route, arrange 1–2 photography stops. Finally reach Love Bridge and Irkutsk's mother river, the Angara, to photograph evening glow. Have dinner and check into the hotel.
Accommodation:Irkutsk hotel
Meals:Hotel breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 08Jan 29 · Asia/IrkutskDay 8: January 29 — Irkutsk–Beijing
Today focuses on Irkutsk cityscapes and local life. Its many churches include Kazan Cathedral, Spasskaya Church, the Church of the Epiphany, and the Roman Catholic Church, along with nearby Kirov Square and the triumphal arch. After lunch, visit Karl Marx Street and the 130 Quarter, popular with local young people. Transfer to the airport at the appropriate time and fly home.
Accommodation:None
Meals:Hotel breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Weixi Lin
- IncludedLocal guide: Chinese-speaking local guide services;
- ExcludedOverseas guide and driver tips are paid separately; amounts are pending confirmation with the operator.
View trip staffing details
Photography leader · Weixi Lin Included · Local guide: Chinese-speaking local guide services; Excluded · Overseas guide and driver tips are paid separately; amounts are pending confirmation with the operator. Excluded · Overtime: Drivers and guides work 10 hours/day. Special note: On Olkhon Island, Russian off-road drivers work 7 hours because daylight is short and conditions are cold. Any overtime charges must be paid to drivers/guides and shared equally by guests on site; Excluded · Tips for hotel porters, restaurant staff, etc. are payable individually;
Transport
- IncludedTransportation: Local tour vehicles: 10-seat bus for 5+1; 19-seat bus for a group of 9; 30-seat bus for a group of 12; Russian off-road vehicles on Lake Baikal;
- ExcludedRound-trip airfare and taxes from your city to Irkutsk; the organizing team can help book;
Travel details and reference schedules
The following services are the tour leader's reference options, not mandatory or confirmed group transport. Services and times are pending confirmation with the operator. [Departing Guangzhou] Outbound: January 22, 2027: Guangzhou–Beijing Capital CA1310/08:00/11:15 January 22, 2027: Beijing Capital–Irkutsk CA869; departure and arrival times pending confirmation with the operator Return: January 29, 2027: Irkutsk–Beijing Capital T3 CA870/18:00/20:40 Before booking transport, please confirm the departure and travel arrangements through this website. Included · Transportation: Local tour vehicles: 10-seat bus for 5+1; 19-seat bus for a group of 9; 30-seat bus for a group of 12; Russian off-road vehicles on Lake Baikal; Excluded · Round-trip airfare and taxes from your city to Irkutsk; the organizing team can help book; Excluded · Overtime: Drivers and guides work 10 hours/day. Special note: On Olkhon Island, Russian off-road drivers work 7 hours because daylight is short and conditions are cold. Any overtime charges must be paid to drivers/guides and shared equally by guests on site;
Photography
- Winter on Lake Baikal
- A blue-ice encounter
- Irkutsk
Photography details
Winter on Lake Baikal This mysterious Russian lake Becomes an astonishing blue-ice wonderland in winter As Li Jian's song By Lake Baikal plays in our ears We seem to feel that tranquillity and purity A blue-ice encounter Lake Baikal's winter blue ice, cracks, bubbles and reflected light are the main subjects here. Explore compositions along the shore in changing light. Ice conditions and accessible areas must be confirmed for the season. Irkutsk Irkutsk is a Siberian transport hub with historic buildings, churches and museums. Explore urban architecture and daily life through its wooden houses and streets. Winter on Lake Baikal A blue-ice encounter Irkutsk Included · Photography instruction and services throughout the journey;
Accommodation
- 7 nights
- Nights 1 and 7: hotel in Irkutsk.
- IncludedHotels: Local three-star city hotels and Olkhon wooden-cabin accommodation near Shaman Hill, with private bathrooms;
Accommodation details
Nights 1 and 7: hotel in Irkutsk. Night 2: distinctive hotel in Listvyanka. Nights 3–6: wooden-cabin hotel on Olkhon Island with private bathroom. City accommodation is listed as local three-star standard; properties are pending confirmation with the operator. Day 1 · 2027-01-22 Irkutsk hotel Day 2 · 2027-01-23 Distinctive Listvyanka hotel Day 3 · 2027-01-24 Wooden-cabin hotel on Olkhon Island Day 4 · 2027-01-25 Wooden-cabin hotel on Olkhon Island Day 5 · 2027-01-26 Wooden-cabin hotel on Olkhon Island Day 6 · 2027-01-27 Wooden-cabin hotel on Olkhon Island Day 7 · 2027-01-28 Irkutsk hotel Day 8 · 2027-01-29 None 7 nights Nights 1 and 7: hotel in Irkutsk. Included · Hotels: Local three-star city hotels and Olkhon wooden-cabin accommodation near Shaman Hill, with private bathrooms; Excluded · Accommodation is in standard twin rooms. Room sharing, extra beds and private rooms are pending confirmation with the operator; single supplements are paid separately, with amounts to be confirmed. Excluded · Tips for hotel porters, restaurant staff, etc. are payable individually;
Meals
- IncludedMeals: As listed in the itinerary;
- IncludedDaily drinking water supply; waste is not permitted.
- ExcludedTips for hotel porters, restaurant staff, etc. are payable individually;
Meal details
Day 1 · 2027-01-22 Dinner Day 3 · 2027-01-24 Hotel breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 4 · 2027-01-25 Hotel breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 5 · 2027-01-26 Hotel breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner Day 6 · 2027-01-27 Hotel breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 7 · 2027-01-28 Hotel breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 8 · 2027-01-29 Hotel breakfast, lunch, dinner
Visa
- ExcludedVisa fee: Russian tourist visa;
A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included
Deposit in the operator’s published information
per personThis amount reflects the payment terms in the operator’s published information. When booking through this platform, follow the payment schedule shown at checkout.
Public prices may change. Checkout quotes expire at a stated time; your confirmed order records its price and payment deadlines.
Included
Hotels: Local three-star city hotels and Olkhon wooden-cabin accommodation near Shaman Hill, with private bathrooms;
Transportation: Local tour vehicles: 10-seat bus for 5+1; 19-seat bus for a group of 9; 30-seat bus for a group of 12; Russian off-road vehicles on Lake Baikal;
Local guide: Chinese-speaking local guide services;
Admission: Listed attractions;
Meals: As listed in the itinerary;
Photography instruction and services throughout the journey;
Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance and group travel accident insurance, maximum coverage RMB 300,000/person;
Daily drinking water supply; waste is not permitted.
Not included
Round-trip airfare and taxes from your city to Irkutsk; the organizing team can help book;
Visa fee: Russian tourist visa;
Overseas guide and driver tips are paid separately; amounts are pending confirmation with the operator.
Accommodation is in standard twin rooms. Room sharing, extra beds and private rooms are pending confirmation with the operator; single supplements are paid separately, with amounts to be confirmed.
Overtime: Drivers and guides work 10 hours/day. Special note: On Olkhon Island, Russian off-road drivers work 7 hours because daylight is short and conditions are cold. Any overtime charges must be paid to drivers/guides and shared equally by guests on site;
Tips for hotel porters, restaurant staff, etc. are payable individually;
Personal expenses;
In force majeure circumstances, such as natural disasters, war or strikes, or exceptional events including flight delays or cancellations and consular visa delays, the organizing team reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary. Additional expenses, including extended visas abroad, accommodation, meals, transport and national airfare adjustments, may be charged based on the actual additional expenditure incurred. We will nevertheless try within our ability to minimise participants' losses;
Other unspecified additional service charges;
Tax is excluded; the applicable invoice tax must be paid additionally if an invoice is required.
Single-room supplements, additional local expenses and the final total must be confirmed in writing.
BEFORE YOU GO
What to know before you go
Availability and booking
Let us know if you’re interested in this trip. Availability is not updated in real time, so please contact us to check whether the trip is confirmed, how many places are available, and the final total and booking terms.
Trip information
[Transport] 1. Flights arranged by the organizing team use economy-class group tickets. Before tickets are issued, check the airline's rules for changes and refunds. 2. Flight, road and boat journey times may vary with conditions on the day. 3. The airlines and flight times listed are for guidance only. Flight changes may require minor adjustments to the itinerary. Please follow the final trip details sent before departure. [Accommodation] Accommodation is arranged for two people sharing a room. We'll try to match solo travelers with a roommate of the same gender. If you prefer not to share, or no roommate is available, you must pay a single supplement for your own room. [Group meals] We aim to serve meals suited to Chinese tastes. We make sure everyone has enough to eat. [Photography] 1. Photography sessions follow the itinerary, but conditions on the day may affect how long we spend at each location. 2. Read the itinerary carefully and choose a trip that suits your health and circumstances. Skipping part of the itinerary for health or other personal reasons, or choosing not to use the arranged accommodation or transport, counts as voluntary withdrawal from those arrangements. You are responsible for your own safety while not taking part in the itinerary. 3. Stay with the group during photography sessions unless you have permission to leave. This does not apply during free time. The organizing team is not responsible for accidents that occur while you are away from the group. 4. Typhoons, blizzards or other events beyond our control may require changes to the itinerary. [Fuel surcharges] The organizing team reserves the right to adjust the amount payable if fluctuations in global oil markets lead to a substantial rise in fuel surcharges. If the team can absorb the increase, the amount payable will remain unchanged. [Before departure] 1. We'll send your final trip details no later than the day before departure. If arrangements are confirmed sooner, we'll let you know as soon as possible. 2. If the online itinerary differs from the final trip details sent before departure, the final trip details take precedence. [Optional activities at your own expense] Under the Tourism Law provisions prohibiting travel agencies from arranging optional paid activities, please contact the provider directly for details, charges and bookings if you wish to take part. If you need language assistance from a guide or tour leader, any help is provided in a personal capacity, whether paid or unpaid. It is not provided on behalf of the organizing team or the local tour operator. The organizing team is not involved in the payments, transactions or service standards for activities during free time. You are responsible for the outcome of those arrangements.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
The order of activities may change with local conditions without changing service standards. Return flights and meeting location and time are pending confirmation with the operator.
Itinerary dates use Asia/Irkutsk. Flight, transfer and other times follow the time zone stated for each location. Please confirm any time without a stated time zone before departure.