01 / THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view.
When the last notes of autumn meet the first winter snow, western Sichuan enters its quietest, purest season. Far from urban crowds, this hidden Tibetan region sheds its bustle, leaving vast mountains and rivers, gentle breezes and moonlight. In November, instructor Ou Haichun leads you on an immersive circuit of western Sichuan, through the plateau's heartland, connecting mountain wilderness with Tibetan culture. Landscapes unfold in successive layers along the way, revealing the plateau's many faces. Drive ever upward across successive snowy mountain passes and immerse yourself in the plateau's vast scenery. Towering snow peaks stand between earth and sky, clear alpine lakes nestle among meadows and valleys, and a dusting of early-winter snow covers colorful forests. Interwoven warm and cool hues create a snowy landscape unique to the transition from late autumn to early winter. Venture into secluded Buddhist communities, where prayer flags flutter in mist-wrapped river valleys and clusters of crimson buildings stand quietly on the slopes. Everyday life and spiritual calm blend as you experience the Tibetan region's sincere faith and unhurried passage of time.
About the route
When the last notes of autumn meet the first winter snow, western Sichuan enters its quietest, purest season. Far from urban crowds, this hidden Tibetan region sheds its bustle, leaving vast mountains and rivers, gentle breezes and moonlight. In November, instructor Ou Haichun leads you on an immersive circuit of western Sichuan, through the plateau's heartland, connecting mountain wilderness with Tibetan culture. Landscapes unfold in successive layers along the way, revealing the plateau's many faces. Drive ever upward across successive snowy mountain passes and immerse yourself in the plateau's vast scenery. Towering snow peaks stand between earth and sky, clear alpine lakes nestle among meadows and valleys, and a dusting of early-winter snow covers colorful forests. Interwoven warm and cool hues create a snowy landscape unique to the transition from late autumn to early winter. Venture into secluded Buddhist communities, where prayer flags flutter in mist-wrapped river valleys and clusters of crimson buildings stand quietly on the slopes. Everyday life and spiritual calm blend as you experience the Tibetan region's sincere faith and unhurried passage of time.
The journey in pictures
Leading photographers: OWEN ou →
Destination illustrations · select a photo to explore
02 / IN GOOD COMPANY
A different way of seeing.
Leading photographers
OWEN ou · View photographer profile →
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 centres, 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.
03 / THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light.
Shooting locations, accommodation and transport are subject to confirmation before departure and may change with the weather.
Note: this itinerary is for reference only. Actual arrangements may be adjusted according to local weather, transport and other conditions. Hotel Accommodation Hotel accommodation in Chengdu 👇 Hotel accommodation in Xinduqiao 👇 Hotel accommodation in Genyen Town 👇 Hotel accommodation in Cuopugou 👇 Hotel accommodation near Yarchen Gar 👇 Hotel accommodation in Xinlong County 👇 Hotel accommodation in Daofu County 👇 Hotel accommodation in Jiaju Tibetan Village 👇 Hotel accommodation in Bipenggou 👇
Itinerary dates and text times without their own zone use: Beijing · Asia/Shanghai。Exact times use your selected timezone; dates alone and descriptions such as “morning” are not converted.
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.
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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.
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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.
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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.
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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.
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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.
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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.
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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.
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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.
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefDAY 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.
Final arrangements follow the operator’s departure briefWhere we stay
To be confirmed by the operator
Getting there
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.
04 / A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included.
Platform service fee to be confirmed
Deposit USD 1,493.06 Original CNY 10,000 · Reference rates 2026-09-18 · Frankfurter / person
Included
1. Accommodation listed in the itinerary: at almost every stop, four-star hotels or the highest-rated local hotels close to photography locations are arranged;
2. Nine days of off-road vehicle service within the itinerary: 3 passengers per Toyota Prado;
3. Photography instruction from the local instructor;
4. Photography tuition from the accompanying instructor;
5. Unlimited bottled mineral water per person per day, but waste is not permitted.
Not included
1. Major transportation to and from the destination from participants' departure points;
2、行程餐食（工作人员餐费由团友AA）；
3. All admission fees throughout;
5. Travel accident insurance is specially provided as an additional complimentary benefit to every participant;
7. Other additional service fees not listed;
8. Any other additional expenses not expressly listed under inclusions.
Service fees, supplements, taxes and the final total are subject to written confirmation.
05 / BEFORE YOU GO
Clarity before departure.
Availability and registration
This website accepts expressions of interest in this trip and does not synchronize the operator's remaining places in real time. Please contact us to confirm group departure, availability, the final quotation and booking conditions.
Cancellation and breach provisions (source text)
Before departure, participants and the organizing team may sign a written travel contract or give notice terminating the trip agreement. The contract is legally binding. If termination is requested more than 30 days before departure, excluding day 30, neither party is liable for breach. Days are calculated by subtracting the date the termination notice is received from the departure date; the same calculation applies below. If the organizing team terminates the agreement, all travel fees must be refunded without deducting visa or entry-permit fees. If a participant terminates after a visa or entry permit has been processed or a flight booked, the relevant visa, entry-permit and flight cancellation charges are deducted. The organizing team must refund the travel fees within 5 working days of receiving the termination notice. If either party terminates within 30 days of departure, including day 30, the terminating party bears liability for breach. [Liability of the organizing team] If the organizing team terminates the trip agreement within 30 days of departure, including day 30, it must refund all travel fees without deducting visa, entry-permit or similar charges, and pay compensation according to the following schedule: 30 to 15 days before departure: compensation of 2% of the total trip fee; 14 to 7 days before departure: compensation of 5% of the total trip fee; 6 to 4 days before departure: compensation of 10% of the total trip fee; 3 to 1 days before departure: compensation of 15% of the total trip fee; On the departure date: compensation of 20% of the total trip fee. If this compensation does not cover the participant's actual losses, the organizing team must compensate those actual losses. The organizing team must refund the full trip fee and pay compensation within 5 working days of receipt of the cancellation notice. [Participant liability] Participants terminating the agreement within 30 days of departure must pay the organizing team a business-loss charge according to the following schedule: 30 to 15 days before departure: 5% of the total trip fee; 14 to 7 days before departure: 15% of the total trip fee; 6 to 4 days before departure: 70% of the total trip fee; 3 to 1 days before departure: 85% of the total trip fee; On the departure date: 90% of the total trip fee; If these percentages do not cover the organizing team's actual losses, the participant must compensate the actual losses, up to the total trip fee. After deducting the business-loss charge, the organizing team must refund the remaining travel fees within 5 working days of receiving the participant's cancellation notice.
Fitness, equipment and conditions
Equipment and fitness requirements will be provided by the operator.