The model stood 30 meters away from the Shenwu Gate, near the exit barrier, and the photographer squatted one meter away from the model to shoot upward, creating a harmonious composition of the person and the scenery. 1. Ticket Prices: ① Regular admission: 60 yuan during peak season and 40 yuan during off-season. The Treasure Gallery and Clock and Watch Gallery require separate tickets, each 10 yuan. You can book your tickets in advance through the "Palace Museum" mini-program, starting at 8:00 PM, 7 days before the visit. ② Shooting Times: Early morning: Arrive half an hour before opening. The soft light is ideal for capturing the empty central axis buildings of the Forbidden City. Evening: Arrive half an hour before closing. The setting sun casts a warm glow on the glazed tiles, enhancing the soft ambiance of the Forbidden City. Tuesdays to Fridays, excluding holidays, are less crowded, making it easier to capture satisfying photos. 2. Dress Suggestions: ① Traditional Hanfu: Choose light and elegant colors such as light blue, light pink, or beige, and pair with matching hairbands, pouches, and other accessories to showcase classical beauty. ② Modern Minimalist: Wear solid-colored windbreakers, coats, and long pants or skirts in dark colors like black, dark blue, or dark gray. These colors contrast well with the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City. 3. Additional Tips: ① For morning sessions, the latest admission time is 12:00 PM. For afternoon sessions, the earliest admission time is 11:00 AM. Arriving too early or too late is not allowed. ② There are no power banks available for rent inside the Forbidden City, so it’s advisable to bring your own. ③ Reflectors for photography are not allowed, and tripods over 1.3 meters are also prohibited.

The Forbidden City - Entrance of the Palace Museum

The photographer stands close to the glazed牌楼 (pailou) and uses an upward shooting angle to highlight the grandeur and details of the architecture. By employing a centered composition, the plaque “Yuanfu Jiaozhe” is placed at the center of the frame, ensuring the main structure of the pailou is fully captured. The shot includes the blue sky above and the foliage on either side, while retaining the red wall and archway in the foreground to add depth. It is recommended to use a standard focal length or the 2x zoom on a phone for the best results. Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry at 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays).

Confucius Temple and the Imperial College Museum - Glazed Tile Archway

The model is crouching in front of the installation, with the photographer standing directly in front of the model, about 5 meters away, using the black cartoon installation as the background for a front-facing shot. ① Photography Equipment: Fujifilm XT-5, 16-50mm lens. ② Pose: The model is crouching in front of the installation, pretending to support it with their hands, slightly tilting their head up. ③ Travel Tips: Free admission, open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pop-up event dates from July 11 to September 11.

Wangfujing Central - Black Cartoon Character Installation

Use the branches of the weeping willow on the right as the foreground to add depth to the image. The shoreline serves as a leading line, stretching from the lower left corner to the upper right corner, guiding the viewer's eye to the ancient architecture on the opposite bank. Shoot from a level angle, including the foreground willow branches, the middle-ground lake and its reflection, and the background buildings and trees. Shooting Time: It is recommended to shoot on a sunny day when the light is good, as this will make it easier to capture high-quality images.

Zhongshan Park in Beijing - Willows at the Boat Dock

Model stands in front of the stone railing, and the photographer stands on the side stairs, shooting from a low angle. A medium to long telephoto lens is needed. Since my lens has a maximum focal length of 55mm, I can only shoot from the side. If the focal length is 85mm-125mm, it would be possible to shoot from directly in front of the model. Pose: Side body, looking at the camera. Admission: 30 RMB per person Outfit Suggestions: Traditional Chinese or Neo-Chinese style Shooting Time: Around 15:00 Equipment: Fuji XT30II + 18-55mm lens

Confucius Temple and National Academy Museum - Stone Railings under Chinese-style Eaves

The photographer uses an upward angle to emphasize the towering sensation of the round stone pavilion. By employing a centered composition, the pavilion is placed in the middle of the frame, showcasing its symmetrical beauty. The shot includes the entire pavilion, with a backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, and green trees on both sides. In the foreground, a flower bed and stone railing are retained to add depth. It is recommended to use a wide-angle or 1x lens on a phone for this shot.

Zhongshan Park in Beijing - Circular Stone Pavilion Architecture

Photo by Beijing Zhongshan Park - Red Gate of Zhongshan Park

Beijing Zhongshan Park - Red Gate of Zhongshan Park

Photography Tips: Have the model stand in front of the wooden door, and the photographer should position themselves at a 45-degree angle to the model. Use a centered composition to place the model in the middle of the frame, enhancing the balance of the image. Dress Code: Neo-Chinese / Cool and Minimalist. Admission: Weekdays - Single Ticket $60, Double Ticket $100; Weekends and Holidays - Single Ticket $80, Double Ticket $140. Opening Hours: Open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (closed for maintenance from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, last entry at 3:30 PM). Closed on Mondays. Please check the official notice for special holidays. Photography Equipment: Fujifilm XT30 II + XF18-55mm lens.

Nanchizi Art Museum - Wooden Door

Shoot from a low angle and use a telephoto lens to focus on the intricate eaves of the ancient building. Blur the golden ginkgo leaves in the foreground to add depth, with the main subjects being the green glazed tiles, divine beasts, and red walls. Include the sky as negative space in the background. Ensure that the carved eaves and divine beasts are centered in the frame, with the texture of the red walls clearly visible and the ginkgo branches naturally spreading around, highlighting the harmony between the ancient architecture and the autumn colors.

Beijing Zhongshan Park - Ancient Architectural Eaves and Ginkgo Trees

Use a centered composition to place the dragon patterns of the藻井 (caisson) directly in the center of the frame, highlighting the symmetry and intricate details. Stand directly beneath the caisson and shoot at an upward angle to capture the grandeur and delicacy of the ceiling. Frame the shot to include the entire caisson and the surrounding painted details. Incorporate natural light from the windows to enhance the transparency and depth of the image. It is recommended to use a wide-angle lens to maintain the完整性 (integrity) of the scene and enhance the visual impact.

The Palace Museum - Dragon Patterned Ceiling