Using a wide-angle lens can capture the towering stone pillars, the ruins of the architecture, the vast surrounding grasslands, and the distant green trees, highlighting the blend of historical vicissitudes and nature. Shooting from a low angle in front of the stone pillars can emphasize their grandeur, with the sky as the background, making the scene feel more open. You can also shoot from the side to include adjacent stone pillars and the background scenery, adding depth to the composition.

1. Photography Poses:
① Stand beside the stone pillar, touch it with both hands, and look up, feeling the weight of history.
② Lean against the stone pillar, turn your body slightly, and look into the distance, showing a pensive look.
③ Sit on the grass in front of the stone pillar, stretch out your legs, and prop yourself up with your hands behind you, with the stone pillar in the background, smiling brightly.

2. Best Time for Photography: The soft light in the afternoon is especially ideal for taking photos.

The Old Summer Palace - Haiyantang Stone Pillars

The model stands under the wisteria trellis, and the photographer takes a slightly angled shot from the side, using a central composition with the model centered in the frame. The wisteria in the upper left corner serves as a natural decorative element, creating a natural framing effect. It is recommended to use a camera with an 85mm lens or a phone with a 3x zoom to highlight the subject and blur the background.

Pose suggestion: The model holds a fan naturally with both hands at her sides, and her gaze is slightly directed towards the distance, conveying a classical elegance.

The Old Summer Palace - Octagonal Wisteria Trellis

The model is sitting on a chair, and the photographer is taking a high-angle shot from a position diagonally in front of the model. The camera lens is zoomed in to the left, just touching the edge of the stone bench post/half of the stone bench post, while the right side covers the main trunk of the peach tree. Behind the bench, the blooming peach blossoms serve as the backdrop. Wearing a college-style or light-colored outfit will make it easier to capture a Japanese film-like feel.

The Old Summer Palace - Lakeside Bench

The model stands beside the wisteria trellis, and the photographer squats slightly to shoot at eye level, bringing the model and the wisteria flowers closer together. It is recommended to use an 85mm lens on a camera or a 3x zoom on a phone to highlight the details of the model and the wisteria while blurring the background.

1. Posing: The model should stand naturally against a wooden pillar, gently holding the edges of her clothing, and look slightly towards the wisteria flowers to enhance the soft and romantic atmosphere.
2. Travel Tips: Admission fee is 10 RMB.

Old Summer Palace - Lotus Base Wisteria Flower Corridor

Use a flat angle and incorporate foreground composition to enhance depth with blurred flowers in the foreground. Focus the midground on a field of yellow daisies and various small flowers, and keep green plants in the background to create a natural atmosphere. 

Travel Tips: Open from April 1 to October 31, 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with ticket sales and entry stopping at 7:00 PM. From November 1 to March 31, open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with ticket sales and entry stopping at 5:30 PM.

Old Summer Palace Ruins Park - Yellow Chrysanthemums

1. Positioning: The photographer stands on one side of the bridge, at a lower position, shooting at eye level to clearly capture the figure and the structure of the bridge.
2. Composition: Use the winding lines of the bridge as leading lines to guide the viewer's gaze towards the subject, enhancing the depth of the image.
3. Lens Usage: Employ a wide-angle lens to include more of the bridge, surroundings, and water, showcasing the expansive scene while exaggerating the bridge's curvature and reinforcing the spatial feel.
1. Photo Poses:
① Stand in the center of the bridge, arms outstretched, feeling the breeze.
② Sit by the bridge, legs hanging naturally, and gaze off into the distance.
③ Walk slowly along the bridge for dynamic shots.
2. Travel Tips: The best time for photography is between 15:00 and 17:00 in the afternoon. The light is soft, slanting onto the bridge, creating a perfect contrast between shadows and highlights, and the colors are more vibrant.

Old Summer Palace - Nine-Bend Wooden Bridge

The model is seated sideways on a rock, with the photographer zooming in, framing the shot down to the edge of the rock where the model is sitting.
Travel Tip: It's recommended to visit between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM when the light is softer.

The Old Summer Palace - Peach Blossoms by the Bank of General Liu Meng Temple

The photographer should shoot slightly from above, keeping the subject’s eye level parallel to the lens to create an elegant atmosphere. Use the rule of thirds, placing the subject slightly left of center, with the lake and flower beds dividing the background into upper and lower sections to enhance the depth of the image. A lens focal length of 75mm (or 3x zoom on a phone) is recommended to highlight the subject and compress the background, creating a soft bokeh effect. The background should include the lake and distant trees, while the foreground features a peony flower bed, blending natural and cultural elements to create a beautiful and harmonious scene.

Outfit suggestion: A light gray qipao is very suitable for this traditional Chinese style.

The Old Summer Palace - Waterfront Peonies

Using a reflection composition, capture the clear reflection of trees on the water from a level angle to enhance the balance of the image. The composition should include foreground elements such as fallen leaves and rocks, the middle ground with the water surface, and the distant trees in the background to add depth. Travel Tips: ① Admission Price: 25 RMB for adults; ② Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM).

Old Summer Palace Ruins Park - Autumn Leaves by the Pinxiang Pavilion waterside

The photographer shoots from a frontal side angle at eye level, with the subject positioned in the middle of the frame. The reed bed is located on the west side of the shore, making it perfect for capturing the atmosphere of a sunset in the fall, adding a strong sense of inevitability!

Travel Tips: The best time for photography is during the sunset in the fall afternoon.

The Old Summer Palace - Reed Marsh