Photo by The Forbidden City - A Bottom-Up Shot of the Qianchunting Pavilion

The Forbidden City - A Bottom-Up Shot of the Qianchunting Pavilion

The shooting angle is taken at eye level to maintain clarity and symmetry in the frame. A frame-within-a-frame technique is used, with the natural edges formed by the red pillars on either side of the door creating a border that places the Baohedian plaque at the center, highlighting the main subject. 1. Equipment settings: Camera: SONY, ILCE-7M4; Focal length: 200mm; Aperture: f5.6; ISO: 100. 2. Travel tips: ① Ticket price: 60 RMB. ② Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

The Forbidden City - Space between pillars and the plaque of Baohe Hall

The photographer stands at eye level in front of the subject, using the central composition technique to place the subject in the center of the frame, highlighting the main subject. Travel Tips: ① Admission Price: 15 RMB per person, combination ticket 28 RMB per person. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest requires a combination ticket, and it is closed on Mondays. ② Opening Hours: The park is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with entry stopping at 9:00 PM. Attractions within the park are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with entry stopping at 5:30 PM.

Temple of Heaven Park - Take a photo with the white jade railings in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

The model stands in front of the Jiaotai Palace, and the photographer shoots from a level angle, placing the model at the center of the frame. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Prices: Off-season 40 CNY, Peak season 60 CNY, free for minors. ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, last entry at 3:30 PM, closed on Mondays.

The Forbidden City - Jiaotai Hall, the same filming location as Empress Xiaoxi's return to the palace.

The photographer is positioned below the model, using an upward shooting angle with the camera slightly lower than the model. The model is placed on the right side of the frame, with a red wall and railing serving as leading lines. A standard camera is recommended. Travel Guide: Opening Hours: ① Peak Season (April 1 - October 31): 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM, ticket sales stop at 8:00 PM; ② Off-Season (November 1 - March 31): 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM, ticket sales stop at 8:00 PM.

Temple of Heaven - Group photo with stone pillars and architectural doors and windows.

Shoot from the arch in front of Huangqian Hall, using a frame-within-a-frame composition with the arch and the trees on both sides as natural borders to highlight the Qiniandian. Face the building directly and shoot from a low angle to enhance its towering presence. The composition should include the arch in the foreground, the full view of the Qiniandian, and the night sky in the background, creating a clear sense of depth. Use a medium telephoto lens to compress the space and emphasize the architectural details, ensuring that the main subject remains clear in the night scene. Travel Tip: It’s recommended to avoid traveling during holidays.

Take a night view photo of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests through the archway of the North Heavenly Gate at the Temple of Heaven.

The photographer uses an upward angle and central composition to place the ceiling of the Chengrui Pavilion in the center of the frame. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Price: Book 7 days in advance on the official "Palace Museum" mini-program (adults 60 RMB, Treasure Gallery/Clock and Watch Gallery 10 RMB, free for under 14 years old) ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM), closed on Mondays. Best Photography Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.

The Clearing and Auspicious Pavilion - Ceiling Carving in the Forbidden City

Photography Tips: The model should stand admiring the painting of the maid playing chess, while the photographer positions themselves at a 45-degree angle to the side of the model. Use the rule of thirds to place the model on the right side of the frame. Ticket Reservation: Free advanced reservation through the National Museum’s mini program. Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00-17:00. Outfit Suggestions: Minimalist literary/neo-Chinese style. Shooting Time: Around 12:00. Shooting Equipment: iPhone 16 Pro.

National Museum of China - Lady Attendants Playing Chess

Shooting Tips: The model stands next to the Que Li sign, reading the sign while the photographer positions themselves at a 45-degree angle to the side of the model. Use the rule of thirds to place the model on the right side of the frame. Event Dates: October 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025. Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Ticket Reservation: ¥153 for two people. Dress Suggestions: Minimalist modern, Neo-Chinese, or Traditional Chinese. Shooting Time: Around 12:00 PM. Shooting Equipment: iPhone 7.

Zhenyuan Art Museum - Kuili Brand

On the stairs, choose a position halfway up and take a 45-degree upward shot of the side of the Shenwu Gate. Use the staircase railing as a foreground to add depth to the image. If you're using a phone, switch to wide-angle mode to capture more of the scene. For a camera, a wide-angle lens or a standard zoom lens will work well. Best time for shooting: early morning or late evening.

The Gate of Divine Might - Staircase, Forbidden City