Photo by The Temple of Heaven - a corner of an ancient architectural roof and a bell

The Temple of Heaven - a corner of an ancient architectural roof and a bell

The photographer uses a flat shooting angle, with two bougainvillea plants as the main subjects, employing a front-to-back composition to highlight the layers between the foreground flowers and the background green trees. The framing includes the bougainvillea plant and its wooden pot, while the background incorporates green trees and grass to enhance the environmental atmosphere and avoid clutter. 

Travel Tips: The opening hours are from 06:00 to 22:00 from April 1 to October 31, and from 06:30 to 22:00 from November 1 to March 31, with entry stopping at 21:00.

Temple of Heaven Park - Bougainvillea

Using the rule of thirds, place the model on the left one-third of the frame to balance the composition, and include the Qianmen Hall in the background.

Travel Tips: The park gates are open from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM); attractions within the park are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM); the park is closed on Mondays (only the park is open, but attractions are not).

Temple of Heaven - in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Use the spatial relationship between the architecture and the people to present the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests as a complete background, with the people positioned stably and prominently; the symmetrical structure of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the symmetrical positioning of the people echo each other, enhancing the balance of the image; compress the space.

Travel Tips:
① Ticket Price: Peak Season (April 1 to October 31): 15 RMB, Off-Season (November 1 to March 31): 10 RMB.
② Open Hours: Peak Season: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Off-Season: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM.

Group photo outside the stone steps of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven.

The photographer stands directly in front of the flower bed, maintaining a parallel perspective with it, and shoots slightly from above to showcase the layers of the flowers. Use foreground composition, with branches naturally framing the top of the image to add visual depth and dimension. Utilize a 50mm lens or the 2x zoom on a smartphone to highlight the subject details while preserving the ambient environment.

Travel Tip: It’s recommended to go on a sunny day.

Temple of Heaven Park - Rose Garden

The photographer is positioned at an angle to the subject, shooting from a level or slightly upward angle to highlight the grandeur of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and the dignity of the person. The composition uses a central composition technique, placing the person dressed in traditional attire at the center of the lower part of the frame to draw the viewer's attention. The circular outline and vertical structure of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest create a natural visual guide. Additionally, contrast composition is employed, with the vibrant colors of the person's clothing contrasting against the blue and white tones of the hall, compressing the space and clearly showcasing the details of the hall and the texture of the clothing, making the subject and background blend naturally.

1. Travel Tips: The outdoor areas of the Temple of Heaven Park are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the last entry at 9:00 PM. The indoor venues, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and are closed on Mondays (except holidays).
Other tips: The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is illuminated on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as during major holidays, making it suitable for night photography. The lighting follows the municipal streetlights, with the lights turning off at 9:00 PM.

Temple of Heaven Park Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests - Take a photo with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the stone railing in front of the hall.

The photographer stands in front of the building, shooting at an upward angle with a centered composition. The plaque and main structure of the Imperial Vault of Heaven are placed at the center of the frame, serving as the visual focal point. It is recommended to use a standard lens to authentically reproduce the architectural details and colors, showcasing the dignified and symmetrical layout of the building.

Travel Tips:
① Ticket Prices: General admission is 15 RMB, and a combo ticket for multiple attractions is 34 RMB.
② Opening Hours: Outdoor areas are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while indoor attractions are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. The site is closed on Mondays.

Temple of Heaven - Plaque of the Imperial Vault of Heaven

The photographer is facing the main entrance of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, standing in the center. It is recommended to use a slightly upward angle and a wide-angle lens to place the symmetrical lines of the portico in the center of the frame, emphasizing the grandeur and symmetry of the architecture.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Red Gate at the Temple of Heaven.

The photographer stands at an appropriate position in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest at the Temple of Heaven, shooting the subject at eye level. The composition uses the center framing technique, placing the person in the center of the frame, with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest fully displayed in the background. This highlights the connection between the subject and the landmark building, while using the foreground elements such as railings and stone statues to add depth to the image, compressing the space and blurring the background crowd, ensuring the clear visibility of the subject's clothing and the architectural details of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.

1. Travel Tips:
① Ticket Prices: Adult ticket 15 RMB, combo ticket 34 RMB, free for children under 18 and seniors over 60, half price for students;
② Opening Hours: Main gates 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM, last entry by 9:00 PM; attractions 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry by 4:30 PM.

Temple of Heaven - Take a photo with the Temple of Heaven

Photo by The Temple of Heaven - the top architecture with blue tiles and tree branches.

The Temple of Heaven - the top architecture with blue tiles and tree branches.