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Unparalleled Beauty of Fall in Inner Mongolia
$5950.00 / $2,000.00 deposit
18th - 28th Sep, 2021
Join internationally-renowned photographer, Thierry Bornier on a photography expedition to the unspoiled photographic paradise of Inner Mongolia. This is an unparalleled destination for horse lovers, where you will witness majestic teams galloping across vast grasslands and crystal-clear rivers.
Our small group photography tours of Inner Mongolia allow you to learn more about Asia’s untouched hinterlands while developing your skills as a wildlife and landscape photographer.
This workshop will also offer great opportunities for drone photography.
BASHANG GRASSLAND
The Bashang Grassland is located in Weichang County in North China’s Hebei Province. Its unique climate and position at the junction of the North China Plain and the Inner Mongolia Grassland mean that Bashang is home to incredible landscapes. This is a famous photographic destination for landscape and horse photography - we can’t wait to show you its beauty.
WULANBUTONG GRASSLAND
This area, located on the south of the Hunshandake Sandland, is also known as the Ulan Buh, which means “Red-colored Altar-shaped Hills” in Mongolian.
XILINGOL GRASSLAND
Xilingol, “rivers on the highlands” in Mongolian, is one of the world's most extensive grasslands, spanning more than 10,786 square kilometers. The landscape consists of marshlands, grasslands, dunes, and wetlands, with over 1,200 plants endemic to the area. Its splendid natural scenery and unique nomadic culture make it a popular destination for photographers from around the world.
During our stay we will engage in photoshoots in the following areas:
- Xinlin River Bend: At the Xinlin River Bend you’ll encounter a wide variety of rich verdant vegetation and dark moody waters.
- Pingdingshan: The iconic Pingdingshan landform was formed by volcanic eruptions that resulted in its diverse terrain. From some angles, its hilltops appear flat, while other vantage points reveal a tumbling topography of tuff blocks formed from cooled magma.
- Hunshandake Sandland: The Hunshandake Sandland is an ecologically sensitive region that is now undergoing rapid desertification because of overgrazing. From 1960 to 2000, the area of sand dunes increased from 2% to 33%. The dunes are located on the south shore of Dali Nur, and make stunning photographic subjects.
- The East Ujimqin Grassland: The East Ujimqin Grassland is one of the most abundant grasslands in China, known for its unique Wuzhumuyu fat-tailed sheep and small Ujimqin horses, tended to by local herdsmen.
Day 1 - Beijing-Bashang
This morning, we will board a coach from the hotel and drive from Beijing to Bashang (8 hrs).
Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and get some rest.
Day 2-4 - Bashang Grassland
For each of our 3 days in Bashang, we will follow a similar schedule, but with different shooting locations.
Every morning we will make an early start in order to catch the sun rising over the grassy plains, sparkling slightly from the morning dew. After the morning shoot, we will return to the hotel for lunch and some rest before heading out for another photography session.
The locations each day will be dictated by weather and the status of the leaves changing colours on the prairie. Of course, we won’t be just be looking at tranquil plains and rivers; we will also visiting villages and experiencing the culture of the nomadic people that call Bashang home.
In the evening, we will return to the hotel for dinner and a group discussion led by Thierry. There is no better way to improve your photography than to exchange ideas and tips with other photographers. We will also engage in a private horse photoshoot by the river each day.
Day 5 - Bashang-Wulanbutong
We will drive to Wulanbutong Grassland (4 hrs ) .
After we arrive to Wulanbutong in the late morning, we will relax and have lunch. In the afternoon, we will engage in a private horse photoshoot, taking in their majestic musculature as they traverse the landscape.
Day 6 - Wulanbutong Grassland
We will have a similar schedule as the previous days, including a private horses photoshoot.
Day 7 - Wulanbutong–Xilingol Grassland
After our final morning photoshoot and breakfast in Wulanbutong Grassland, we will drive to the Wulanbutong–Xilingol Grassland (4 hrs).
We will then a rest in our hotel before a delicious dinner and group critique session.
Day 8-9 - Xilingol Grassland
Over the course of these two days we will explore the Xilingol Grassland, which consists of marshlands, grasslands, dunes, and wetlands.
Often considered the cradle of Mongolian culture and civilization, we will visit a local family to enjoy Mongolian music and local food before staying overnight in a traditional Mongolian Yurt.
Day 10 - Inner Mongolia – Jinshanling Great Wall
We will leave for the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall early in the morning.
Situated on the Jinshanling mountains, this restored section of the Great Wall of China is known as a ‘Paradise of Photographers.’ It was initially built from 1368 to 1389 in the Ming Dynasty, and was restored in the 16thcentury.
You will be treated to vistas of unparalleled beauty while you marvel at the centuries of history at your feet.
Day 11 - Jinshanling Great Wall- Beijing Airport
After our morning session shooting of the Great Wall, we will transfer you to Beijing International Airport in order for you to catch your international flight in the evening, or the following day.
We strongly recommend you take out a Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance policy after booking your trip. If you cancel and your place on the workshop is otherwise filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid, minus a $300 service charge. If you cancel and your place on the workshop is not then filled, you will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the workshop:
More than 90 days before the start date of the workshop: full refund minus $300 service fee.
75 days or more: 75% refund.
60 days or more: 50% refund.
Less than 60 days: no refund.
Refunds will be paid by the same method the original payment was made.