Guizhou Autumn Photography 6-Day Itinerary: Best Spots for Ginkgo, Terraced Fields, and Morning Mist
Last month, Mr. Chen from Singapore joined our Guizhou Autumn Photography Tour. Upon returning, he shared a series of photos capturing the morning mist over Jiabang Terraced Fields in our photography group chat. Over a dozen members immediately asked for details on the itinerary. At Meitu Travel, we organize photography tours annually from 9 to the end of 10. Having operated this route for 4 years, we know exactly which shooting spots offer the best results and at what times.
This article breaks down the 6-day itinerary and key shooting tips.
Day 1: Guiyang to Shilong Village, Panzhou — Golden Ginkgo Season
Shilong Village in Panzhou is about 3 hours' drive from Guiyang. With over a thousand ancient ginkgo trees, the oldest exceeding 600 years old, the entire village turns golden from late 9 to mid-10.
Best photo spot: the backyard of a farmhouse at the village's end. Elevated position with ginkgo leaves covering the green-tiled roof; overhead shots are far better than standing by the roadside. Admission is 30 yuan.
MeituShuo Reminder:The ginkgo season lasts only about 20 days. Contact us one week before your trip to confirm leaf status and avoid a wasted journey. There are no restaurants in the village; lunch is served at Panzhou County town.
Day 2: Shilong Village to Jiabang Rice Terraces — Morning mist over the terraces is the highlight
The drive takes about 5 hours. After entering the mountain, there are many winding roads; take motion sickness medication in advance if you're prone to it. In mid-to-late 9, the rice fields of Jiabang Terraces turn golden. With layered terraces, morning mist, and cooking smoke, this is one of Guizhou's most photogenic spots.
Sunrise at Dangniuzhai Viewpoint: The sun rises from behind the mountain at 6:15, shifting light from cool blue to warm gold for about 40 minutes. Bring a tripod. If using a phone, enable Pro mode and set ISO to 800 or lower.
MeituShuo Reminder:Stay in Dangniou or Baotong. Rooms open directly onto the rice terraces—perfect for morning shots. Avoid Jiabang Town; it's a 15-minute drive from the viewpoint, so you'll miss the best foggy morning window.
Day 3: Jia Bang to Zhaoxing Dong Village — Drum Towers and Night Views
Drive time is approximately 3 hours. Zhaoxing features five drum towers, each with a unique design; the Renyi Drum Tower is the most distinctive—shoot vertically for the best composition. Every afternoon at 3, watch an authentic Dong Grand Song performance by local villagers (not a commercial show). Tickets are 30 yuan. For panoramic views, visit the viewing platform on the east side of the village at dusk; the warm yellow lights against the deep blue sky create stunning color contrast. Admission to the platform includes shuttle bus access: 75 yuan.
Day 4: Zhaoxing to Tang'an Dong Village — A Hidden Gem for Photography
Private transfer arrives in 20 minutes. Tang'an has almost no tourists. The rice terraces stretch from the mountain top to the base. In the early morning, sunlight streams through gaps in the clouds onto the terraces, creating striking light beams. In the morning, hike the trail from Tang'an to Zhaoxing, passing 3 viewpoints with different perspectives along the way. The entire route takes about 2 hours.
Avoid PitfallsTang'an Road is narrow with many sharp turns, making it easy to take wrong detours when driving yourself. Our chartered driver knows the best routes, saving you time and ensuring more efficient shooting.
Day 5: Tang'an to Zhenyuan Ancient Town — Stay until full dark to capture the night view.
Drive time is approximately 4 hours. The Wuyang River flows through Zhenyuan town; at sunset around 6 PM, warm light hits the building facades. Visit Zhusheng Bridge at 2 AM for night shots: the bridge lights and their reflections in the river create perfect symmetry, and with tourists gone, you can capture the empty bridge surface.
One thing to watch out for:Zhenyuan riverside homestays have a price difference of 100 to 200 CNY between river-facing and non-river-facing rooms. Please confirm your preferred view during booking.
Day 6: Zhenyuan to Guiyang
Strolled through the ancient town in the morning and captured daytime reflections. Departed for Guiyang at 10, with a 3-hour drive on the highway. If you're catching a flight, book one after 3 PM.
Charter and Fees
5-seater sedan, 6 days for approximately 3500 CNY (includes fuel and tolls; driver's meals and accommodation are at guest's expense). There is no public transportation to Jia Bang or Tang An; chartering a car is the only option. A 5-seater vehicle accommodates 3 to 4 passengers comfortably. Add 1500 CNY for a 7-seater business van.
Total distance is approximately 1200 km. Flight prices from Singapore to Guiyang round-trip range from 2500 to 4000. The all-inclusive package (car rental, accommodation, and tickets) for 6 days and 5 nights costs approximately 6500 to 8500 per person.
Ginkgo and terraced fields last only about 20 days a year. Add WeChat to chat first:18285125548 (Phone / WeChat)Free route planning for you. No deposit required upfront.
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