The photographer stands by the lake, shooting at eye level. The outline of the trees in the distance contrasts with the empty sky, enriching the visual layers of the image. A standard lens is used to realistically reproduce the proportions and spatial sense of the scene. Shooting time: The blue hour just after the lights come on at night is particularly beautiful.

Changqiao Park - Shuangtou Bridge

1. Positioning: The photographer should stand on the steps by the lake and crouch slightly to get a low angle, framing the reflection on the water and aiming at the Leifeng Pagoda and the eaves of the pavilion ahead. 2. Composition Technique: Use a frame-within-a-frame composition, employing the eaves of the pavilion as a foreground frame to guide the viewer’s eye to the Leifeng Pagoda in the distance, while keeping the pagoda’s tip on the golden ratio line in the frame. 3. Lens Recommendation: It is recommended to use a camera with a 50mm-85mm focal length, or to use the 2x zoom on a smartphone, to ensure moderate compression of the scene and highlight the details of the Leifeng Pagoda and the eaves.

West Lake Shuangtou Bridge - Pavilion and Plum Blossoms in the Same Frame

The model stands on the bridge, and the photographer shoots from a wide angle (suggested 12-14mm) at eye level from the model's right rear. Use the rule of thirds to compose the shot, dividing the frame into upper and lower halves with the sunset and the lake water, enhancing the balance of the image.

West Lake Changqiao Park - Sunset at Shuangtou Bridge

The photographer uses an upward angle and centers the composition to place the top of Leifeng Pagoda in the middle of the frame, with the full moon positioned directly above it for vertical symmetry. The shot includes the pagoda’s spire, two levels of the pagoda body, and the full moon, with a few trees at the bottom to add depth. A 500-600mm telephoto lens is used to ensure clear details of the moon and the pagoda’s top, and the exposure is adjusted to balance the lighting. Travel Tip: To capture the moonset, choose a morning with a full moon during the blue hour, from 4 AM to 6 AM.

Hangzhou Changqiao Park - Moon and Leifeng Pagoda Night View

Photo by West Lake Changqiao Park - Sunset Glow

West Lake Changqiao Park - Sunset Glow

Photo by West Lake Long Bridge Park - Stone Bridge and Reflection of Leifeng Pagoda

West Lake Long Bridge Park - Stone Bridge and Reflection of Leifeng Pagoda

Photo by West Lake Changqiao Park - Take a photo with the Evening Shadow Pavilion by the lakeside.

West Lake Changqiao Park - Take a photo with the Evening Shadow Pavilion by the lakeside.

Photo by West Lake Long Bridge Park - Long Bridge, West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, and Starry Night Sky

West Lake Long Bridge Park - Long Bridge, West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, and Starry Night Sky

The photographer stands at eye level, using the naturally formed frame of the foreground branches to capture the scene. By employing the frame-within-a-frame technique, the branches serve as the foreground frame, incorporating the Leifeng Pagoda into the composition, creating a picture within a picture effect. It is recommended to use a telephoto lens to compress the space, emphasizing the Leifeng Pagoda as the main subject, while utilizing the foreground branches to add depth and a natural atmosphere, conveying the serene and distant charm of the West Lake scenery. Travel Tips: 1. Admission: Free 2. Opening Hours: 24/7

Hangzhou Changqiao Park - Lakeside Woods and Leifeng Pagoda

Photo by Changqiao Park - Leifeng Sunset

Changqiao Park - Leifeng Sunset