2-3 days photo tour itinerary around Beijing

Question

Hi,

I am a photographer.

Have 3 free days in May 20-21-22 around Beijing.

Would like to take pictures of MUST around Beijing, including Great wall, forbidden city, summer palace, Lama palace, Konfucus Temple, etc.

I need a tour/guide to take me around these places, preferebly knows about photography.

Contacted to few travel agencies but prices on the high side.

Anybody can recommend me a logic, sensible tour agency or guide please,

Thanks a lot

Answer

For a photographer visiting Beijing with 2–3 days to capture iconic landmarks, planning a logical itinerary and hiring a guide experienced in photography can significantly enhance your experience. May is a good month for photos as the weather is generally mild and skies can be clear.

Suggested itinerary for 3 days:

Day 1 – Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Lama Temple: Start early at Tiananmen Square to catch morning light and avoid crowds. Then move to the Forbidden City for architecture and courtyard shots. In the afternoon, visit Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple) for intricate interior photography and cultural details.
Day 2 – Great Wall (Mutianyu or Jinshanling section): Head out early to the Great Wall. Mutianyu is more restored and accessible, while Jinshanling offers more rugged, photogenic scenery with fewer tourists. Capture sunrise or early morning shots for dramatic lighting. Plan at least 5–6 hours for travel and photography.
Day 3 – Summer Palace, Temple of Confucius, and Hutongs: Start at the Summer Palace to photograph lakes, pavilions, and reflections. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Confucius and nearby Lama Temple if missed previously, then explore Beijing’s hutongs for street photography and traditional courtyard houses.

Guide/agency recommendations:

Private Photography Guides: Some local guides specialize in photography tours. Look for guides who understand lighting, composition, and timing to avoid crowds. These guides often tailor routes for the best photo opportunities.
Recommended Agencies:
- Beijing Photo Tours – They offer private photography-focused tours and can customize itineraries for 1–3 days.
- Local freelance guides via platforms like ToursByLocals – You can specify “photography-focused” and compare reviews and prices.
- Beijing Walks or Context Travel – While typically more cultural/history-oriented, some guides accommodate photography requests if arranged in advance.
Cost Considerations: Prices vary from around USD 100–200 per day for private photography guides, which is often cheaper than larger travel agencies offering fixed packages. Negotiate in advance for 2–3 day packages.

Additional tips:

Start early each day to catch the best light and avoid crowds, especially at the Forbidden City and Great Wall.
Carry a lightweight tripod for sunrise or low-light shots.
Check the weather forecast and bring appropriate lens filters (e.g., polarizer) for lake and architectural reflections.
Ask your guide for “off-the-beaten-path” spots near major landmarks for unique perspectives.

In summary, a 3-day photography itinerary around Beijing should prioritize morning light at major landmarks, include iconic sites like the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, and hutongs, and use a photography-savvy guide who can optimize timing, composition, and logistics. Booking a private guide or small local agency is usually the most cost-effective and flexible option.

2-3 days photo tour itinerary around Beijing

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