Take in the scenes in the best light possible
Mercier runs professional tours armed with his intimate knowledge of when and where to capture the best photos. He will arrange pick up 4:30am in order to reach some remote locations in time for the dawn's blue light. Try that on your own!This was my most memorable experience during my 4 weeks in China.
Mercier Zeng Ten Day Photography Tour to Guilin and Zhangjiajie
Mercier Zeng planned an excellent ten-day photography tour to Guilin and Zhangjiajie for myself, my husband, and a good friend. The tour arrangements were exceptional; I highly recommend Mercier Zeng Custom Photography Tours! I found Mercier Zeng on the internet. I filled out a form about what type of tour I wanted, including the type of photography I wanted to experience. Mercier customized a trip that included the beautiful sites as well as the opportunity to photograph portraits of minority people in their natural environment. All of the hotels were good. We were escorted from place to place by a driver and tour guide. We spent 5 days in Guilin guided by Top, who is an excellent photographer. Not only did he take us to beautiful places at the best times for photography; he also offered his help and shared his knowledge about photography techniques in each particular area and weather situation. I especially liked the opportunities to photograph iconic scenarios, such as a farmer with his water buffalo on a stone bridge in Tianxin Village, Cormorant Fishermen at sunrise Lijiang River and local women of Dazhai and Ping'an Villages and Rice Terraces. After experiencing Guilin, we traveled by train to Zhangjiajie where we spent three days touring the beautiful park with all of the magnificent canyons and mountains. The tour guide, Eric was very knowledgeable about all of the best locations from which to take our photographs. I chose to book a Mercier Zeng tour because I love his photography and the fact that he offers guides who are well versed in English. Although I have been studying Mandarin Chinese for four years, my husband and friend only speak English. They felt comfortable traveling with guides who speak English, and I was able to practice my Mandarin. This trip provided all three of us with wonderful experiences and a special opportunity to experience the Chinese culture in Guilin and Zhangjiajie. I am sharing some images because pictures can "speak louder than words".
Fantastic Photographic Tour
My wife and I recently went on a tour of China designed and organised by Mercier Zeng. All the organisation beforehand was perfect with a bespoke tour created for us which perfectly matched everything we wanted to do and more. All the communications were clear and timely and all accommodation and activities were great. We particularly liked the boutique hotels that were booked for us, they were really special. The photographic activities and locations were fabulous.The 2 professional photographers who guided us, Chasing and Top, were both exceptional. Chasing is a master of photography in general and street photography in particular. Chasing is brilliant at ‘seeing an image’ and then capturing it, he is a great teacher and a super host who looking after us fantastically. Top is also hugely accomplished and he is great at landscape and people photography. Top is constantly enthusiastic and very supportive, he is also a great teacher and a very attentive host. We learned a lot from Chasing and Top and we are really pleased with the images we have bought home.We wholeheartedly recommend Mercier Zeng and his team and we felt privileged to have been on one of their tours, it was an amazing experience we will always remember.
An Opportunity to Take Great Pictures
My cousin and I are keen amateur photographers from New Zealand.Mercier and his colleague Kevin were terrific. They were very helpful with giving us options to take amazing pictures and provided valuable advice around traveling in China.We went on a 4 day tour where we were given the opportunity to take some great pics.This experience exceeded our expectations. This is why I am giving them 5 stars.
Photographic opportunity of my lifetime (So Far)
Mercier and his colleague Kevin were incredibly helpful - before and during the tour.My cousin and I went on a 4 day private tour. It exceeded my expectations by miles.They organised private shoots with a fisherman and farmer with his water buffalo.We were taken to scenic viewpoints to take pictures of the beautiful scenery around Yangshuo and Guilin.I managed to take some of pictures which I am very, very happy with.I have no hesitation in recommending Mercier and his team if you want a photographic opportunity of a lifetime. Being an amateur photographer, it was a real pleasure to have professional and friendly assistance during the tour.Thank you Mercier and Kevin. We are very happy and grateful.
MAGICAL Guilin/Yangshuo/Longji
The magical trip to Guilin/Yangshuo/Longji has been made more magical by Mercier.With carefully curated itinerary, not just from a guide, but with sincerity of a photographer, Mercier has ensured the right timings, at the right locations, to capture moments every photographer can hope for.As much as the stunning sunrises have more than made up for the lack of sleep, the rewarding sunsets eliminate the tiredness as each day ends. The planning wasted no photography opportunity, balanced with ample rest in between.Ever ready to help, and an avid photographer himself, Mercier has been generous in sharing his knowledge and tips.The differing needs and interests of the group have been carefully taken care of by Mercier throughout.Looking toward to the next magical trip with Mercier!
An Unforgettable Visual Feast Of Natural Beauty!
I have participated in several photography trips organised by reputable photographers and guides. Fresh from our recently concluded trip to Guilin, Yangshuo and Longji, I will say Mercier is absolutely top rate when it comes to trip planning and looking after his guests. Apart from a carefully planned shoot schedule and finding the best locations for each shoot, he was very mindful of our individual photographic aspirations. Always accommodating and ever ready with some practical advice, it made for a wonderful experience for photographers of all skill levels. Beyond the advantage of local knowledge, being an accomplished photographer himself helps with guiding us to capturing the best shots from the right place and at the right time..... which means very early 4am wake-up calls to hike up 1000 steps to capture some gorgeous sunrise over the karst mountains!The quality of our accommodation and transport was excellent and there was ample leisure time which allowed us to recover and relax. Along with interesting facts and history of each location, it made for a wonderful experience which I am sure we will appreciate the background when we review our photos from the trip.I strongly recommend engaging Mercier if you expect nothing but the best for a photography trip in China, especially to the Guangxi region. He is far more than your regular guide because he makes a real effort to ensure you have a great time photographing people and places that are just simply unforgettable!As photographers, we are mere visual messengers of the beautiful imagery we witness, so enjoy the experience if you can!
Very professional, flexible, excellent support throughout the journey
My first contact with Mercier and his guides was prior to Covid so I already knew the quality of his service. I've been to China for around 30 times but never had the opportunity to go to Guizhou. As my time was very restricted I needed a professional to guide me and show me the best places. We changed the itinerary more than once but Mercier was always ready to listen to my needs. The guide itself was a gifted photographer. We had a great time and despite of bad weather during the first days we captured some really stunning sceneries. He was never in a hurry. When I asked him to wait for a clear sky he answered: "No problem". We did wait for about 3 hours until the clouds lifted. But it was worth every minute. I do recommend Mercier wholeheartedly.
Wonderful photo-tour
I want to thank Mercier very much for the brilliant photo-tour! Mercier very promptly and accurately tailored the program which 100% matched and even exceeded all my expectations about visiting Xiapu and Guilin! We didn't miss any sunrise, the cars were very modern and comfortable and the guides very attentive.I hope I can return one day with my friends and repeat this wonderfool trip again,Thank you Mercier very much! And many thanks to Chanxing and Kevin for their support!!
Worth Every Penny
I arranged a private photo tour so that I could surprise my girlfriend with a proposal. Mercier was very accommodating and arranged a photographer - Gao - to take us to 4 amazing places - 3 viewpoints and the ancient bridges in the rice fields. At the final stop Gao took engagement photos for us and was amazing. He was so helpful, very friendly and the entire day was more than worth the money. My now future wife and I both agreed that it would have been worth the tour even if I hadn't planned the surprise proposal! The driver provided was also amazing, very accommodating and patient. The car was very well air conditioned and very spacious - a 7 seater. I can't recommend Mercier and Gao enough!
One of the best experiences!
Had an amazing few days in Guilin with our guide Gao! These guys go above and beyond and provide excellent service. I think this is the best way to experience Guilin for any photographer. I usually almost exclusively shoot landscape photos, but this trip pushed me and got me to experience everything from portrait photography, to action photography, and then of course landscapes. Gao also made sure we got the best locations at all our shoots, which was amazing. Each day was fully packed, but we enjoyed every minute of it. I highly recommend these guys!
this is was one of my best photography tour i took. it was well organized and the guide was so helpful beside the view is amazing.something deserve to be seen at least once in your life..
Reply from Mercier Zeng
2020.06.02
Hi Meshal, thank you so much. Hope can meet you again in China! Stay safe.
Tour Fotográfico Inolvidable!!!
Hice un tour fotográfico privado de un día con Gavin, uno de los guías, que incluía mañana (amanecer hasta el mediodía) y tarde, debido al poco tiempo que tenía. Mi guía me fue a recoger y tuvimos un amanecer espectacular y además pude disfrutar de un tradicional desayuno de noodles. En la visita a los campos de arroz pude disfrutar del recorrido por la zona más rural que me pareció una gran experiencia, donde Gavin siempre nos ofrecía parar si necesitábamos y fuimos a dos localizaciones en los campos de arroz y con los yaks. El atardecer fue algo más deslucido pero el sitio fue igualmente espectacular. Debo destacar la profesionalidad y atención de nuestro guía Gavin, que nos explicaba los lugares, usos y costumbres, nos conseguía conmida cuando hacía falta y atendía a nuestros deseos fotográficos, proponiendo también opciones. La verdad fue una experiencia inolvidable, me gustaría repetir pero más días.
Fantastic photography tour
All of these reviews are absolutely true, this is a stunning remote off-the-grid location to capture. Kevin was my guide, from arrival at the airport to departure via train it was a perfect itinerary for 2 days. The locations are stunning to begin with, not much has to be done in post production. Kevin is helpful along the way offering suggestions on camera settings and perspectives. At one point I lost the tripod camera mount, Kevin identified a camera shop and I was able to purchase a cheap one to utilize for my tripod. The weather unfortunately did not cooperate for a stunning sunset, but I still managed to capture a moody feel in my outdoor shots. I guess I'll have to go back again, and I will certainly pick Mercer and his crew again. Outstanding photography adventure!
Avventura fotografica
4 giorni super intensi. Svegliarsi 2 ore prima dell’alba, scalare montagne , risalire fiumi ed essere sempre al posto giusto al momento giusto! Ancora non riesco a credere di aver fatto io quelle foto ! Cosigliato anche a chi vuole uscire dal percorso turistico. La nostra guida Geo è stato una guida ed un fotografo eccezionale pieno di entusiasmo . Tutto oltre le mie aspettative.
Most AMAZING tour ever!!! Kevin was absolutely the best. A+
I'm a regular international traveler and almost never book a guided tour as I enjoy the challenge of finding my way (or losing my way). The Guilin area looked challenging to navigate during a weekend journey so I booked this photo tour. My guide Kevin was an absolute pro. He was timely and we carried on interesting conversation in English during the car rides between each amazing destination. Kevin even brought a hot thermos and coffee for our trip.I never would have found these great photo spots on my own. Kevin provided some good tips and guided me on some really useful composition ideas. Trip of a lifetime. Well worth the $$$ even though it was stretching my budget.
I hope we meet again
We had 2 amazing days with Gao!The days where long but very enjoyable. All the process went very well since the planning of the tour until the end. The comunication at beginning with Mercier was always very easy and smooth. Mercier and Gao they both speak very good english and they are always available to answer your questions and helpful. The path of this 2 days was perfect for us, we had the time to enjoy the amazing locations without beiing in a rush and for us was also very interesting to visit and be able to interect with the people whom we photograph.Highly recommend it!
Wonderful Experience
Travelled to Guilin in Summer for a 6 day tour.Mercier was great with my booking, recommending itineraries to suit my particular needs, answered all my questions and made accomodation recommendations. The accommodations were all very good, safe and clean with the exception of Yangshuo Mountain Nest which was just excellent in every way and run by a lovely welcoming family. I travelled alone and had a guide and driver. My guide was Top who was a great asset. Always on time and always getting the prime location. I never felt rushed or pressured at any location. Top is also an excellent photographer himself and always knew what settings were best if i was ever unsure. Top went above and beyond the call of duty and on one occasion, saved the shoot with his ingenuity.I would not hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone serious about their art.They truly deserve their 5 star rating.
Tour specially tailored for photographers
Was guided by Kevin who is a photography enthusiast based in Yangshuo. We had one day at Longji and 3 days at Yangshuo. Of the 4 days, we had to leave by 3.30 am to go to the locations of the morning shoots on 2 of the days. That means Kevin had to be up by at least 3.00 am in order to pick us up at the hotel in time. There was a chance to rest in the mid day and we were out again in the afternoon to go to the locations of the evening shoots. We were able to get prime places for the morning and evening shoots. My wife and I enjoyed the experience very much thanks to Kevin for the expert guiding service and Mercier for arranging the logistics of the accommodations and models for the shoots.