Using the rule of thirds, place the model on the left one-third of the frame to balance the composition, and include the Qianmen Hall in the background.

Travel Tips: The park gates are open from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM); attractions within the park are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM); the park is closed on Mondays (only the park is open, but attractions are not).

Temple of Heaven - in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The photographer is positioned at the Duan Gate of the Forbidden City, shooting at eye level. Using a frame-within-a-frame technique, the foreground branches create a natural frame that incorporates the Duan Gate, which is centered in the composition and serves as the focal point. A standard lens is recommended to accurately capture the proportions and scene of the Duan Gate, ensuring a well-balanced and symmetrical image.

Travel Tips:
① Admission to the Forbidden City is 60 RMB per person, and the Duan Gate Treasure Gallery and Clock and Watch Museum each cost 10 RMB per person. Bookings can be made in advance through the Palace Museum's WeChat mini-program.
② The museum is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays.

The Palace Museum - Duanmen and the plaque of Duanmen

Shooting Tips: Have the model stand next to the flag of the Shaanxi-Sichuan Provincial Guard. The photographer should position themselves 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 reservation in advance through the National Museum’s mini program.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00-17:00
Outfit Suggestions: Minimalist and artsy / Neo-Chinese style
Shooting Time: Around 12:00
Shooting Equipment: Fuji XT30II + 18-55mm lens

National Museum of China - Sichuan-Shaanxi Revolutionary Base Defense Team Flag

Use the spatial relationship between the architecture and the people to present the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests as a complete background, with the people positioned stably and prominently; the symmetrical structure of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the symmetrical positioning of the people echo each other, enhancing the balance of the image; compress the space.

Travel Tips:
① Ticket Price: Peak Season (April 1 to October 31): 15 RMB, Off-Season (November 1 to March 31): 10 RMB.
② Open Hours: Peak Season: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Off-Season: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM.

Group photo outside the stone steps of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven.

The copper vat is located in the center of the frame, with the photographer using a level shooting angle, eye-level with the vat. The composition is centered to highlight the main subject, while the background incorporates red walls, yellow glazed-tile roofs, and a blue sky to form a color contrast. The bottom of the frame includes a carved balustrade to enhance depth.

Travel Guide:
1. Admission Fees: The entrance fee for the Forbidden City varies between off-peak and peak seasons. From April 1 to October 31 (peak season), the ticket price is 60 RMB. From November 1 to March 31 of the following year (off-peak season), the ticket price is 40 RMB. Separate tickets for the Treasure Gallery and Clock and Watch Gallery are required, both costing 10 RMB each.
2. Opening Hours: From April 1 to October 31, the hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:10 PM). From November 1 to March 31 of the following year, the hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).

The Forbidden City - Red Walls and Bronze Vats

The photographer stands directly in front of the flower bed, maintaining a parallel perspective with it, and shoots slightly from above to showcase the layers of the flowers. Use foreground composition, with branches naturally framing the top of the image to add visual depth and dimension. Utilize a 50mm lens or the 2x zoom on a smartphone to highlight the subject details while preserving the ambient environment.

Travel Tip: It’s recommended to go on a sunny day.

Temple of Heaven Park - Rose Garden

Photo by Zhenyuan Art Museum - Take a Photo with Architecture and Cacti

Zhenyuan Art Museum - Take a Photo with Architecture and Cacti

The photographer is positioned at an angle to the subject, shooting from a level or slightly upward angle to highlight the grandeur of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and the dignity of the person. The composition uses a central composition technique, placing the person dressed in traditional attire at the center of the lower part of the frame to draw the viewer's attention. The circular outline and vertical structure of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest create a natural visual guide. Additionally, contrast composition is employed, with the vibrant colors of the person's clothing contrasting against the blue and white tones of the hall, compressing the space and clearly showcasing the details of the hall and the texture of the clothing, making the subject and background blend naturally.

1. Travel Tips: The outdoor areas of the Temple of Heaven Park are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the last entry at 9:00 PM. The indoor venues, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and are closed on Mondays (except holidays).
Other tips: The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is illuminated on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as during major holidays, making it suitable for night photography. The lighting follows the municipal streetlights, with the lights turning off at 9:00 PM.

Temple of Heaven Park Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests - Take a photo with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the stone railing in front of the hall.

The photographer stands in front of the building, shooting at an upward angle with a centered composition. The plaque and main structure of the Imperial Vault of Heaven are placed at the center of the frame, serving as the visual focal point. It is recommended to use a standard lens to authentically reproduce the architectural details and colors, showcasing the dignified and symmetrical layout of the building.

Travel Tips:
① Ticket Prices: General admission is 15 RMB, and a combo ticket for multiple attractions is 34 RMB.
② Opening Hours: Outdoor areas are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while indoor attractions are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. The site is closed on Mondays.

Temple of Heaven - Plaque of the Imperial Vault of Heaven

The photographer stands on Donghua Street, capturing the scene that includes tree branches, the main body of the central Donghua Gate, the sky as the background, and part of the street. 

Travel Tip: The area is very crowded on weekends and holidays, so it's recommended to avoid peak hours.

The Palace Museum - Donghua Gate Tower