Photo by Temple of Heaven - North Heavenly Gate Ginkgo Avenue

Temple of Heaven - North Heavenly Gate Ginkgo Avenue

Use a 50mm camera lens or the 2x zoom on your phone to shoot from a medium distance, ensuring the subject is clear and the background is fully visible. Employ a symmetrical composition, placing the magnolia tree at the center of the frame, and use the red and gray walls to create a strong color contrast, highlighting the layers of the subject. Additional tips: The flowering period for magnolias is from February to April each year.

The Forbidden City - Double-colored City Wall Magnolia Trees at Donghua Gate

The photographer is positioned below the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest at the Temple of Heaven, capturing the architecture and sky from a low angle. The composition uses a symmetrical approach, utilizing the building’s structure to create vertical symmetry, enhancing the sense of order. The lens includes the main body of the Hall of Prayer, architectural details, and the vast blue sky, stretching the spatial depth and clearly showcasing the layout of the architecture and its surroundings. Travel Tips: The entrance ticket is 15 RMB per person, and the combo ticket is 34 RMB per person.

Temple of Heaven - Gazing up at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The photographer adopted a low-angle position to highlight the architectural details and grandeur of the Yikun Palace roof, enhancing the vertical space. Placing the roof in the upper part of the frame, the photographer uses the repetitive lines of the eaves and roof tiles to create a sense of order, with the blue sky serving as a clean background. Travel Tip: The area can be very crowded on weekends and holidays, so it’s recommended to visit outside of peak hours.

Imperial Palace Museum - Upward shot of the plaque in front of the Yikun Palace Hall and the yellow eaves.

Photo by The Temple of Heaven - Roof and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The Temple of Heaven - Roof and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Capture the intricate details and extension of the stone carvings on the imperial path, placing the carved stones at the center of the frame. On both sides, symmetrically positioned stone railings and steps balance the image. The composition should include the dragon patterns on the stone carvings, the railings and steps on either side, and the red palace gate and rooftops in the background to enhance the sense of depth. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Price: 60 RMB, free for minors (reservation required); ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).

The Palace Museum - Imperial Way Stone Carvings and Steps

The model stands in front of the small gate, and the photographer stands 3 meters directly in front of the model to take photos, with about 1/4 of the sky as the background. Ticket prices: Off-season 10 RMB, peak season 15 RMB (not a combo ticket), no separate ticket needed for the斋宫 (Zhaigong). Shooting time: Around 14:30 Shooting tips: Most of the Yulania buds on this tree are still in bud form. It's recommended to wait a few more days for a better shot from this angle. Shooting equipment: Fuji XT30II + 18-55mm lens

Temple of Heaven - Qi Palace Sleeping Palace Courtyard

Shooting Tips: The model should sit on one side of the projection screen, while the photographer squats 3 meters in front of the screen. You can choose a projection that you find visually appealing. Event Dates: October 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025. Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Ticket Reservation: ¥153 for 2 people. Outfit Suggestions: Minimalist modern, neo-Chinese, or traditional Chinese styles. Shooting Time: Around 12:00 PM. Shooting Equipment: iPhone 16 Pro.

Zhenyuan Art Museum - Ancient Architecture Projection

Stand beneath the persimmon tree and shoot at a slightly upward angle with the red wall as the backdrop. Include the yellow eaves and the persimmon branches laden with fruit in your frame. The red wall and the eaves add depth and create a striking color contrast. Travel Tip: It’s recommended to take photos when the sunlight is good for the best results.

The Palace Museum - Red Wall and Persimmon Trees

The photographer stands below the building and uses a medium telephoto lens or the 3x zoom on a smartphone. The dark eaves on the left extend diagonally, forming a leading line that guides the viewer’s gaze to the central yellow roof. The foreground includes autumn leaves and branches on the right, adding depth, while the sky remains visible in the background. The main subject, the yellow roof and the “Palace Museum Cultural Creativity” sign below it, are centered, balancing the elements in the frame. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Price: 60 RMB per person, book in advance on the official WeChat account up to seven days before your visit, with ticket sales starting at 8:00 PM daily; ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays.

The Forbidden City - Cultural and Creative Buildings with Eaves and Tree Branches