Use a top-down angle to shoot from a slightly higher position, showcasing the depth and layers of two glass vases. Employ a foreground-background composition with the front vase as the main focus and the back vase as the secondary element, enhancing the three-dimensional effect of the image. The main subject is the vase, with a white display stand and an orange background, creating a striking color contrast. Recommend using a standard lens to ensure clear details of the flowers and the transparent vase body.

Other tips: Avoid peak hours and choose a time with fewer people.

National Museum of China - Photographing Glass Vase Exhibits

Photo by The Forbidden City - Taking a photo with stone railing steps and ancient architecture.

The Forbidden City - Taking a photo with stone railing steps and ancient architecture.

The model stands against a stone wall in the center of the frame, with the photographer shooting at eye level. The composition follows the rule of thirds, with the left side capturing the intricate carvings of the stone wall to balance the image. The scene includes the texture of the stone wall, steps, and the railing above, emphasizing the texture of the ancient architecture. The model holds a fan, with her arms crossed and hanging naturally, creating an elegant pose. It is recommended to use a standard focal length for this shot.

Travel Tips:
① Admission fee: 34 RMB per person;
② Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM.

Temple of Heaven Park - Take a photo with the stone walls and railings

The photographer stands directly in front of the artifact, shooting from an overhead angle. A central composition is used, with the painted pottery basin featuring dance patterns positioned at the center of the frame, making it the focal point.

Travel Tips:
① Admission: Free but requires reservation. Tickets are released daily at 5:00 PM, and entry is granted with a valid ID.
② Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays. Admission is strictly based on the reserved time.

National Museum of China - Dance Pattern Painted Pottery Vessel

The Jade Dragon exhibit is positioned at the center of the image, using a centered composition to highlight the main subject. The frame includes the exhibit, the white display pedestal, and the information plaque below, with a dark background to minimize distractions and clearly showcase the full view and details of the exhibit.

Travel Tips:
1. Admission: Free
2. Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

National Museum of China - Jade Dragon Exhibit and White Display Stand

The photographer is positioned to the side front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, using the corridor formed by the red walls and pillars to frame the scene. The shot is taken from an eye-level perspective, incorporating the Hall of Supreme Harmony into the frame. The composition employs a frame-within-a-frame technique, using the red walls, pillars, and eaves to create a foreground frame that guides the viewer's gaze to the main subject, the Hall of Supreme Harmony. This technique also uses the size and color contrast between the foreground and the hall to emphasize the main subject. Additionally, symmetrical composition is used to highlight the inherent symmetry of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. A medium-telephoto lens is used to compress the space, clearly capturing the architectural details of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the texture of the glazed tiles, and the patterns of the red walls and pillars, creating a richly layered and focused image.

1. Travel Tips:
① Admission Fee: Free.
② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
2. Additional Tips:
- Book your visit on the Palace Museum’s official mini-program up to 7 days in advance. Reservations are divided into morning and afternoon sessions, with morning sessions requiring check-in by 12:00 PM and afternoon sessions allowing check-in from 11:00 AM.

The Forbidden City - photographing the Hall of Supreme Harmony under the eaves

Using the rule of thirds, the person is positioned at the right one-third of the frame, with the crane sculpture placed at the left one-third, creating a balanced composition that highlights the interaction between the subjects. The model stands to the right of the sculpture, leaning naturally against the railing, holding an object and turning slightly towards the camera with a relaxed posture. The shot is taken at eye level, including the foreground railing, the mid-ground figures and sculpture, and the background featuring the palace rooftops and a clear blue sky to enhance depth.

Travel Tips:
① Admission Fee: 60 RMB;
② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).

The Palace Museum - Take a photo with the crane-shaped sculpture and the palace.

Shooting Tips: The photographer should crouch about 1.5 meters away from the model, using the wall frame as the foreground and applying the central composition technique.

Model Pose: The model should sit cross-legged directly in front of the decorative painting, centered within the wall frame, with hands shaped into lotus fingers resting on the knees, eyes naturally closed, maintaining a meditative state.

Exhibition Theme: Cats in the Form of Air.

Photo Spot: Snow Lotus Highlights Art Center, Beijing.

Ticket Prices: Single ticket $39, double ticket $69. Available online (Damai/Cat Eye) or at the venue.

Exhibition Dates: July 19 - October 12.

Special Benefit: Cats are welcome.

Recommended Outfit: Light colors.

Shooting Time: 1:25 PM - 2:10 PM.

Shooting Equipment: Ricoh GR IIIx HDF.

Snow Lotus Art Center - Large-scale Decorative Paintings of Cats and Flowers

Shooting Suggestions: The model should stand in front of the bar, and the photographer should stand at a distance of two arm lengths, using a 1x/ wide-angle lens.
Shooting Time: 3-5 PM, when the lighting is better.
Shooting Equipment: Fuji XE4 + 18-50mm f2.8.
Outfit Suggestions: The café has an American retro style, and a little black dress would be a great fit.
Posing Suggestions: If you’re unsure about poses, you can look down at the camera, look up at the sky, or look down at the ground.

INNER CAFE - Bar Counter

The photographer is aiming at the display case, placing the exhibit inside the glass cabinet at the center of the frame to ensure the main subject is complete. The composition includes the full view of the exhibit and the explanatory plaque below it that reads “Blessings of Longevity and Health.” The background is kept simple and unobtrusive. When taking the photo, be sure to avoid reflections on the glass and focus on the main subject to ensure clarity.

Travel Tip: Admission is free.

National Museum of China - "Fu Shou Kang Ning" Theme Exhibition