THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Photograph western Sichuan's peaks, passes, lakes, meadows and late-autumn forests in November, alongside Tibetan buildings and valley life. Snow, road access and visibility depend on weather and local conditions.
Western Sichuan peaks and Tibetan culture
In November, late-autumn color meets the first winter snow in western Sichuan. Join Owen Ou on a circuit through the plateau, combining mountain landscapes with Tibetan cultural settings. Cross mountain passes to photograph snow peaks, alpine lakes, meadows and forests. In the valleys, prayer flags and clusters of red buildings add a human presence to the landscape, with mist and changing light shaping each scene.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Owen Ou →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Owen Ou
Graduated from the Photography Department of South China Normal University in 2009. Specializes in landscapes, property environments and commercial portraiture. He has worked with the Shenzhen procuratorate, land bureau, Shenzhen Library, cultural centers, China Merchants Bank, Standard Chartered, Agricultural Bank of China, China Telecom, China Mobile, Guosen Securities, Topway Video, and BMW and Porsche owners' clubs. Photography journeys He regularly leads organizations and photography schools on trips to the Balkans, Iceland, Germany, Greenland, Cuba, South Korea, Canada, Kenya, Laos, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Morocco, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Japan, Chiang Mai, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, Semporna and New Zealand. Chinese destinations include Anhui, Beijing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Henan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Inner Mongolia, Shanghai, Sichuan, Suzhou, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Yunnan and Zhejiang. Selected awards Outstanding Work award at the 2009 Pingyao International Photography Festival; silver in the art category of the 2014 Guangdong provincial exhibition; gold in the monochrome category of the 2014 Al-Thani International Photography Competition; Zeyida Photography Club's 2022 Outstanding Instructor award and a 2023 instructor appointment issued in 2022; Fujifilm's 2022–23 Club Gardener Award, received in 2023.
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Nov 1 · Beijing · Asia/ShanghaiD1: November 1 — Meet-up day in Chengdu
Suggested flight: November 1, Shenzhen–Chengdu Shuangliu 3U8704/15:25/18:05 Itinerary: Arrivals and gathering in Chengdu throughout the day. Elevation: Chengdu's urban area averages approximately 500 meters. Driving distance: No driving mileage.
DAY 02Nov 2 · Beijing · Asia/ShanghaiD2: November 2 — Chengdu–Hidden Tinong–Xinduqiao
Itinerary: Leave Chengdu early and follow western Sichuan's scenic highway via the lesser-known hidden landscapes of Tinong. Admire river valleys, streams, and mountain scenery along the way, stopping freely to explore and take photographs. Cross Zheduo Pass and arrive in Xinduqiao. Photograph its classic interplay of light and shadow toward evening and stay overnight in Xinduqiao. Elevation: Zheduo Pass is 4,298 meters; accommodation in Xinduqiao is approximately 3,300 meters. Driving distance: Approximately 340 km, around 6.5 hours, with ample time allowed for sightseeing and rest stops.
DAY 03Nov 3 · Beijing · Asia/ShanghaiD3: November 3 — Xinduqiao–Sacred Mount Genyen
Itinerary: Leave Xinduqiao in the morning toward Litang, enjoying plateau grasslands and distant, continuous snowy peaks. After arriving at the Mount Genyen scenic area, explore major sights in depth, including the Eye of Genyen and Lenggu Monastery. Immerse yourself in magnificent panoramas of the Genyen peaks and experience the pristine purity of this secluded Tibetan region up close. Overnight in the Genyen area. Elevation: Mount Genyen's main summit is 6,204 meters; tonight's accommodation is at 3,800–3,900 meters. Driving distance: Approximately 230 km, around 5.5 hours.
DAY 04Nov 4 · Beijing · Asia/ShanghaiD4: November 4 — Sacred Mount Genyen–Cuopugou
Itinerary: Say farewell to Mount Genyen and drive to Cuopugou along gentle roads with uninterrupted scenery. Explore the scenic area in depth, visiting popular sights such as sacred Cuopu Lake and the Sister Lakes. Snowy peaks reflect in the water amid ancient forests and meadows, creating an ethereal, soothing landscape. Stay near the entrance to Cuopugou in the evening. Elevation: Cuopu Lake's surface is approximately 4,100 meters; accommodation is approximately 3,800 meters. Driving distance: Approximately 210 km, around 5 hours.
DAY 05Nov 5 · Beijing · Asia/ShanghaiD5: November 5 — Cuopugou–Yarchen Gar
Itinerary: Enjoy Cuopugou's morning scenery before departing via Batang and Tibetan valley country. Admire the valleys of tributaries of the Yalong River along the way. After arriving at Yarchen Gar, stroll around the nuns' island, admire the profusion of prayer flags, and visit the monastery buildings. Immerse yourself in the rich atmosphere of Tibetan culture and faith. Overnight near Yarchen Gar. Elevation: Yarchen Gar is approximately 4,000 meters overall. Driving distance: Approximately 240 km, around 5.5 hours.
DAY 06Nov 6 · Beijing · Asia/ShanghaiD6: November 6 — Yarchen Gar–Cuoka Lake–Xinlong
Itinerary: At daybreak, climb to the viewpoint on the hill behind Yarchen Gar to capture morning light and shadow over the Buddhist valley. Thin mist over the Changqu River veils the valley; crimson meditation huts slowly awaken in gentle morning light, and wisps of cooking smoke rise from below. While visitors are few and the light is soft, photograph tranquil panoramic morning views, preserving final memories of this secluded spiritual sanctuary. After the shoot, leave Yarchen Gar and take a photography route through hidden landscapes toward Xinlong. Follow roads through plateau pastoral country, where drifting clouds continually change the light across the land. Stop along the way to capture unspoiled scenes of Kham's grazing country. Descend into the Yalong River basin. The ceaseless river winds through deep gorges bordered by steep cliffs and scattered forests: capture this majestic river-and-canyon landscape. Arrive in Xinlong County town toward evening, check in, and rest. Elevation: Cuoka Lake is approximately 3,900 meters. Xinlong County town is 3,700 meters. Driving distance: Approximately 180 km, around 4 hours. This is the shortest driving day of the trip, designed for easy, relaxed travel.
DAY 07Nov 7 · Beijing · Asia/ShanghaiD7: November 7 — Xinlong–Cuoka Lake–Dangling
Itinerary: Leave before dawn for Cuoka Lake, praised as a celestial jade pool and an earthly paradise. Photograph exquisite compositions combining lake, monastery, and snow peaks. After exploring, drive to Dangling, enjoying western Sichuan's countryside and clusters of Tibetan homes along the way. Arrive in Dangling toward evening, check in, and rest. Elevation: Cuoka Lake is approximately 3,900 meters; Dangling Village is approximately 3,400 meters. Driving distance: Approximately 220 km, around 4.5 hours.
DAY 08Nov 8 · Beijing · Asia/ShanghaiD8: November 8 — Dangling–Jiaju Tibetan Village, Danba
Itinerary: Photograph Dangling in the morning, looking out toward its snow peaks, valleys, and forests. Then visit Jiaju Tibetan Village, known as China's most beautiful village. The village still retains late-autumn colors in mid-November. Walk among watchtowers and traditional homes, admire the layered valley scenery, and wait for the setting sun to bathe the village in light. Overnight in Jiaju Tibetan Village, where the low elevation makes for a particularly comfortable stay. Elevation: The entrance to Dangling Village is approximately 3,400 meters; accommodation in Jiaju Tibetan Village is at 2,000–2,300 meters. Driving distance: Approximately 210 km, around 5 hours.
DAY 09Nov 9 · Beijing · Asia/ShanghaiD9: November 9 — Danba Tibetan Village–Li-Xiao Road–Bipenggou
Itinerary: Today cross the lesser-known but increasingly popular Li-Xiao Road, with open views of alpine meadows, snowy mountain passes, and wilderness throughout. The road offers expansive vistas and several viewpoints for photo stops. After the crossing, arrive at the entrance to Bipenggou, settle into the surroundings, check in, and rest in preparation for tomorrow's visit. Elevation: The highest pass on the Li-Xiao Road exceeds 4,000 meters; the entrance to Bipenggou is approximately 2,000 meters. Driving distance: Approximately 220 km, 5–5.5 hours.
DAY 10Nov 10 · Beijing · Asia/ShanghaiD10: November 10 — Bipenggou–Chengdu
Suggested flight: November 10, Chengdu Shuangliu–Shenzhen 3U8709/19:20/21:40 Itinerary: Explore Bipenggou in depth in the morning. In early November, colorful forests complement snowy peaks and alpine lakes, creating a rich late-autumn atmosphere. Admire four kinds of scenery: glaciers, alpine lakes, colorful forests, and snow mountains. After the visit, drive back along a gentle return route and arrive safely in Chengdu, bringing the circular journey to a successful close. Elevation: The highest sightseeing elevation in Bipenggou is approximately 3,600 meters; Chengdu, the final destination, is approximately 500 meters. Driving distance: Approximately 200 km, around 4 hours.
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Owen Ou
- Up to 12 travelers
- IncludedOn-site service and guidance from the local instructor.
Transport
- IncludedNine days of off-road vehicle service within the itinerary; three participants per Toyota Prado.
- ExcludedTravel between each participant’s departure point and the destination is paid separately.
Travel details and reference schedules
The instructor's outbound and return flights are: Outbound: November 1: Shenzhen–Chengdu Shuangliu 3U8704/15:25/18:05 Return: November 10: Chengdu Shuangliu–Shenzhen 3U8709/19:20/21:40 Before booking transport, please confirm the departure and travel arrangements through this website.
Photography
- Western Sichuan peaks and Tibetan culture
- IncludedPhotography lessons.
Photography details
Western Sichuan peaks and Tibetan culture In November, late-autumn color meets the first winter snow in western Sichuan. Join Owen Ou on a circuit through the plateau, combining mountain landscapes with Tibetan cultural settings. Cross mountain passes to photograph snow peaks, alpine lakes, meadows and forests. In the valleys, prayer flags and clusters of red buildings add a human presence to the landscape, with mist and changing light shaping each scene.
Accommodation
- 9 nights
- IncludedAccommodation listed in the itinerary; hotels are generally four-star or highly rated locally and close to the route’s scenic sites.
- ExcludedA single-room supplement applies if you request a private room or a same-gender roommate cannot be arranged; confirm the amount before booking.
Accommodation details
Planned overnight areas include Chengdu, Xinduqiao, Genyen Town, Cuopugou, Yarchen Gar, Xinlong County, Daofu County, Jiaju Tibetan Village and Bipenggou. Specific hotels and final accommodation arrangements will be confirmed before departure.
Meals
- IncludedBottled mineral water is supplied daily; please avoid waste.
- ExcludedMeals during the itinerary are paid separately; participants jointly cover meals for accompanying personnel.
Visa
- To be confirmed by the operator
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
Accommodation listed in the itinerary; hotels are generally four-star or highly rated locally and close to the route’s scenic sites.
Nine days of off-road vehicle service within the itinerary; three participants per Toyota Prado.
On-site service and guidance from the local instructor.
Photography lessons.
Bottled mineral water is supplied daily; please avoid waste.
Travel accident insurance is provided as a complimentary benefit; confirm the coverage before departure.
Not included
Travel between each participant’s departure point and the destination is paid separately.
Meals during the itinerary are paid separately; participants jointly cover meals for accompanying personnel.
Admission tickets throughout the itinerary are paid separately.
A single-room supplement applies if you request a private room or a same-gender roommate cannot be arranged; confirm the amount before booking.
Natural disasters, war, strikes, flight changes or visa delays may require cancellation or itinerary changes; additional visa, lodging, meal and travel outlays are settled at actual amounts.
Other unlisted services and personal spending are paid separately.
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] The total is based on 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. Some hotel images are from the internet and will be removed if they infringe copyright.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
Itinerary dates use Beijing time (Asia/Shanghai). Flight, transfer and other times follow the time zone stated for each location. Please confirm any time without a stated time zone before departure.