Using the rule of thirds, place the main subject, the Shenwu Gate, in the center of the frame. Keep a portion of the foreground square at the bottom to enhance the depth of the scene. Stand in front of the Shenwu Gate and shoot from a low angle to highlight its grandeur. Use a wide-angle lens to ensure that the entire building and its surroundings are captured.

1. Travel Tips: It's recommended to visit on a clear day for better shooting results under the blue sky.
2. Other Tips: ① Try to enter the park before 8:30 AM or after 1:00 PM to avoid peak hours. ② The Palace Museum is closed on Mondays, so be sure to book in advance and avoid showing up on a closed day.

The Palace Museum - Shenwu Gate

Using a symmetrical composition, the two portraits are evenly distributed on either side of the frame, enhancing the sense of balance. The subject stands on the right one-third of the image, facing away from the camera and naturally viewing the portrait. The photographer captures the scene from a level angle, including both the portrait within the display case and the floor, highlighting the exhibition setting. Ensure the main subject is clear and the composition is well-proportioned.

Travel Guide: Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:10 PM).

National Museum of China - Portraits of Kangxi and Qianlong

In the western corridor of Huangqian Hall, use an upward shooting angle to create layers between the red walls, green roof, and the Qiniandian Hall. Incorporate foreground elements, such as the green roof tiles, to enhance the depth of the composition. Ensure the background clearly includes the top of the Qiniandian Hall and the red walls, with the sky providing a clear and transparent backdrop. A telephoto lens or a 5x zoom on a smartphone is recommended to compress the space and highlight the architectural details of the main structure.

Travel Tip: It's best to arrive early to avoid crowds, which will improve the overall visual effect of your photos.

Temple of Heaven Park - Photo of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and red walls from the corridor on the west side of the Huangqian Hall.

The photographer is positioned opposite the Shenwu Gate, shooting at eye level. The composition is symmetrical, with the water surface serving as the dividing line, reflecting the Shenwu Gate and its mirror image on the water, evenly distributed in the upper and lower parts of the frame. A standard lens is used to faithfully reproduce the scene of the Shenwu Gate and the pond, showcasing the normal proportional relationship between the architecture and the water.

Travel Tips:
① Admission Fee: 60 RMB during peak season, 40 RMB during off-season; half price for seniors, free for military personnel and those aged 70 or older.
② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

The Palace Museum - Shenwu Gate and pond in the same frame

The photographer moves slightly closer to the display case, focusing on the Dehua white porcelain (paper), placing it at the center of the frame to make it the visual focal point, highlighting its intricate textures.

Travel Tips:
① Booking: It is necessary to book in advance, 7 days before your visit. If you fail to book, you can try to pick up a canceled ticket on the same day. You must enter within the scheduled time slot; entry will not be allowed past the designated time.
② Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM.

National Museum of China - Dehua White Porcelain (Paper)

The photographer stands under the ginkgo tree, shoots slightly upward, and combines the ground and the eaves to control the depth of the frame. Use the branches and leaves of the ginkgo tree to form a natural frame, highlighting the main structure of the ancient building. Use a camera with a 24-35mm lens or a phone at 1x to balance the wide angle and clarity of the subject.

Travel Tips:
① Admission: 60 RMB during peak season, 40 RMB during off-season, with an additional 10 RMB for the Treasures Gallery and Clocks and Watches Gallery.
② Opening Hours: April 1 to October 31, 08:30-17:00 (last ticket sold at 16:00, last entry at 16:10); November 1 to March 31, 08:30-16:30 (last ticket sold at 15:30, last entry at 15:40). Closed on Mondays except for public holidays.

The entrance to the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery at the Wenhua Hall in the Forbidden City.

Use an upward shooting angle to emphasize the towering momentum of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. Center the composition with the main structure of the Hall placed in the middle of the frame, highlighting its symmetrical structure of three tiers and the golden roof. The framing should include a background of blue sky and white clouds, with a portion of the eaves on the left and a few green trees on the right to add depth. 

Travel Tips: Opening hours: 6:00-21:00 (全年)全年 means "all year round". Core attractions (such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest) may be closed on Mondays.

Temple of Heaven - Northwest of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The model stands sideways next to the painting, and the photographer shoots from a distance of 3 meters.

Shooting time: 15:00-16:00.

Shooting equipment: Fujifilm XT30 II.

Beijing Space-Time Collection Art Museum - Red Eagle Painting

Focus on iconic architectural elements of the National Museum, such as the entrance, columns, or sculptures, and use the rule of thirds or symmetrical composition to enhance the visual impact.

1. Equipment: iPhone 16 Pro.
2. Admission: Free, but you need to book a ticket one day in advance via the mini-program.
3. Other Tips: Try to avoid peak hours to minimize tourists and vehicles in your photos, allowing for clearer shots of the National Museum.

National Museum of China - Entrance

Use an upward shooting angle and compose the foreground with the golden ginkgo branches and leaves, filling the front of the frame. In the background, include the rooftops of the Forbidden City’s corner towers to highlight the layers of ancient architecture and autumn colors. Travel tip: This is best shot on a clear, sunny day when the light is optimal.

The Palace Museum - Ginkgo Tree at the Corner Tower of Xihua Gate