The photographer is taking a仰拍 (low-angle shot) of the main subject, the plaque of the Qianqing Palace, ensuring that the plaque is prominently featured in the center of the frame.

Travel Tips: Book 7 days in advance, at 20:00 in the evening. Peak season: April 1 - October 31, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Off-season: November 1 - March 31 of the following year, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Peak season: 60 RMB per person; Off-season: 40 RMB per person. 

(Note: "仰拍" is directly translated as "low-angle shot" in English, which is a more commonly used term in photography.)

The Palace Museum's Qianqing Palace - Upward Shot of the Plaque

1. Shooting Angle: The model is seated on a bamboo chair, and the photographer shoots from a slightly higher angle.
2. Composition: Use the window frame to create a frame within the frame, placing the model in the lower left corner to highlight the subject and add depth to the image.
3. Lens Focal Length: Use a 35mm lens on a camera or the 1x focal length on a phone to maintain a harmonious ratio between the background and the model.
1. Equipment Settings: The shooting equipment is a Fuji XE4 camera with an 18-50mm f2.8 lens.
2. Pose: The model can choose to look at the camera or not, maintaining a natural posture.
3. Outfit Suggestions: It's recommended to wear simple and comfortable clothing, with black, white, and gray being the preferred color choices.
4. Additional Tips: It's best to shoot around 2 PM when the sunlight is good and the light is soft.

Tie Shou Coffee Manufacturing Bureau (Wudaoying Store) - Bamboo Chairs

Photo by The Forbidden City - Red Pillars

The Forbidden City - Red Pillars

Both images feature the stone lantern as a central spatial anchor, positioning it either on the central axis or near it, which helps to stabilize the composition. In the first image, the photographer stands farther away from the subjects and the stone lantern, incorporating more of the surrounding elements into the frame. In the second image, the photographer positions themselves closer to the stone lantern and the subjects, compressing the environmental space and approximating the perspective of human eye level, thus enhancing the sense of realism.

Framing and Guidance: The red walls and the lines of the ground paving form subtle frames and leading lines. The predominantly straight lines of the red walls extend vertically from the top and bottom of the image, guiding the viewer’s eye to focus on the stone lantern and the subjects. The horizontal lines of the stone slabs on the ground help to divide the space and reinforce the spatial positioning of the stone lantern and the subjects, allowing the viewer's gaze to flow logically through the scene.

Travel Tips: Admission is 60 yuan.
Other Suggestions: Tickets for the afternoon session are available from 11:00 AM, but it’s best not to enter around that time! It’s recommended to visit around 1:00 PM.

The Red Wall and Stone Lamp to the East of the Qianqing Palace in the Forbidden City

The subject is positioned slightly left of the center, with the background on the right, creating a layered composition that adds depth. The frame includes a green railing in the foreground and the eaves of an ancient building on the left, enriching the environmental details. The model stands naturally by the railing, one hand in pocket and the other resting on the railing, in a relaxed pose.

Travel Tip: Opening hours: Park gates 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM.

Temple of Heaven Park -祈年殿 selfie with the architecture

Shooting Tips: Have the model stand next to the eternal flame facing the camera, with the photographer positioned 1 meter directly in front of the model. Use the rule of thirds to place the model on the right side of the frame.

Ticket Reservation: Free advance reservation through the National Museum’s mini program.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00-17:00.

Outfit Suggestions: Minimalist and artistic / Neo-Chinese style.

Shooting Time: Around 12:00 PM.

Shooting Equipment: Fuji XT30II + 18-55mm lens.

National Museum of China - Eternal

The model is positioned at the center of the frame, with the photographer using a straight-on angle to highlight the subject. The background includes the red palace walls and gilded door frames, while a stone pillar on the left adds depth to the setting. The model rests naturally against the pillar, one hand gently touching the headpiece, exuding a graceful and classical charm. The details of the palace walls and the intricate patterns of the model's clothing are preserved.

The Palace Museum - Take a photo on the red palace gate cement steps.

The photographer uses a low-angle shot, incorporating branches in the foreground to create a natural frame, adding depth to the image. The moon is positioned at the center as the main subject, with the background preserving the dark night sky, highlighting the interaction between the moon and the branches, and creating a serene atmosphere.

Travel Tip: The place gets very crowded during weekends and holidays, so it’s recommended to visit during off-peak hours.

Night view of the northeast corner of the outer wall of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven.

The photographer stands on the central axis directly in front of the Wuying Gate, forming a perpendicular symmetrical position with the building to ensure that the main structure of the building is presented completely and centrally. The composition technique used is symmetrical composition, with the central axis of the gate serving as the axis of symmetry. The steps, stone pillars, and painted decorations are symmetrically distributed on both sides, emphasizing the building's neatness and solemnity. The lens accurately captures the proportions and details of the building, clearly showcasing the overall structure and decorative patterns of the Wuying Gate without noticeable distortion, thus faithfully reproducing the true visual effect of the architecture.

Travel Tips:
① Ticket Price: 60 RMB per person;
② Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 08:30-17:00.

The Palace Museum - Wuying Gate plaque and stone steps

Photo by The Forbidden City - Gilded Bronze Water Tanks

The Forbidden City - Gilded Bronze Water Tanks