The model is positioned at the center of the frame, highlighting the subject. The photographer shoots from a low angle, incorporating the dense green trees and the top of a stone railing on the right, capturing the atmosphere of the Imperial Academy. The background is compressed to simplify the composition. The model stands sideways with a natural pose, and white flowers in her hair add intricate details.

Confucius Temple and Guozijian Museum - Take a photo with green trees and stone railings.

Photo by Beijing Imperial College - Eaves, Windows, and Foliage

Beijing Imperial College - Eaves, Windows, and Foliage

Use an upward angle and center the composition to highlight the "Jixian Gate" plaque, placing it in the center of the frame. Surround it with colorful architectural details to enhance the main subject. Utilize the door frame to create a frame within the frame, incorporating the yellow ginkgo tree below to add depth to the image. The composition should include the plaque, the colorful murals above, and the ginkgo tree outside the door frame. A medium-telephoto lens is recommended to capture the details while blending them with the background.

Travel Tips:
① Admission Price: 30 RMB, half price for students;
② Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays except holidays), ticket sales stop at 4:30 PM.

Beijing Imperial Academy - Ji Xian Gate Plaque and Ginkgo Trees

For the composition, position yourself at a distance with a straight-ahead view, allowing the architecture, stone railings, and people to naturally appear in the frame while maintaining true spatial relationships. Arrange the main building, water surface, and stone railings in different horizontal zones, adding people to enhance vitality and balance the composition. Use a standard lens to accurately reproduce the scene’s proportions, capturing the architectural details, stone textures, and human postures clearly, giving the image both documentary quality and a sense of depth.

Travel Tips:
1. Admission: Adults 30 CNY per person, college students 15 CNY per person, free for those under 18 and over 60, and the first 200 visitors on Wednesdays.
2. Opening Hours: May to October (peak season) 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, November to April (off-season) 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays.

Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy Museum - Take a photo with the stone railings in front of the Piyong Hall.

Using a centered composition, place the model in the middle of the frame, standing next to a stone pillar, with the photographer shooting from a low angle in front of the model; incorporate the architecture of the Imperial College in the background.

1. Pose: The model can stand on the stone steps, holding an oil-paper umbrella and looking into the distance.
2. Outfit Suggestion: It’s recommended to wear traditional costumes and makeup.
3. Additional Tips: When taking photos in the summer, be sure to apply sunscreen and bring insect repellent.

The Imperial Academy - next to the white railings

The model stands in front of the statue, and the photographer stands two arm's lengths away, using a 1x/wide-angle lens.
Shooting time: 3-5 PM, when the sunlight is good.
Shooting equipment: Fuji XE4 + 18-50mm f/2.8.
Outfit suggestion: The entire scenic area is solemn and mainly red, so simple clothing is recommended.
Pose suggestions: You can stand facing the sculpture; if you’re unsure about poses, you can look down at the camera, or look up at the sky or down at the ground.

The Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy Museum - The white statue of the sage Confucius.

The model stands in front of the door, and the photographer stands one arm's length away, using a 1x/wide-angle lens.
Shooting time: 3-5 PM, when the sunlight is good.
Shooting equipment: Fuji XE4 + 18-50mm f2.8.
Dressing suggestions: The whole scenic area is solemn and mainly red, so simple attire is recommended.
Posing suggestions: You can stand with your feet crossed. If you’re unsure about poses, you can look down at the camera, look up at the sky, or look down at the ground.

The Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy Museum - Dacheng Gate Plaque and Red Gate

The photographer stands outside the barrier and uses a 1x/wide-angle lens for the shot.
Shooting time: 3-5 PM, with good sunlight.
Shooting equipment: Fujifilm XE4 + 18-50mm f/2.8.
Precautions: Pay attention to keeping the buildings level and vertical; there are many tourists, so be prepared to move out of the way.

Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy Museum - Dao Qia Datong Plaque

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

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