Photo by The Temple of Heaven - Roof and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The Temple of Heaven - Roof and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The model stands in front of the small gate, and the photographer stands 3 meters directly in front of the model to take photos, with about 1/4 of the sky as the background.

Ticket prices: Off-season 10 RMB, peak season 15 RMB (not a combo ticket), no separate ticket needed for the斋宫 (Zhaigong).

Shooting time: Around 14:30

Shooting tips: Most of the Yulania buds on this tree are still in bud form. It's recommended to wait a few more days for a better shot from this angle.

Shooting equipment: Fuji XT30II + 18-55mm lens

Temple of Heaven - Qi Palace Sleeping Palace Courtyard

The model should stand in front of the threshold, positioned to the right side of the door without blocking the view behind. The photographer should stand 1 meter below the steps and use a close-up shot.

Admission: Off-season 10 CNY, peak season 15 CNY (not a combo ticket); no separate ticket is required for the斋宫 (Zhai Palace).

Shooting Time: Around 14:00

Equipment: Fujifilm XT30II + 18-55mm lens

Temple of Heaven - Qianmen Gate of the Fasting Palace

The photographer stands at an oblique front position relative to the main subject tree, maintaining a considerable distance, and shoots at eye level with a slightly upward angle to enhance the visual impact of the tree canopy. The composition follows the rule of thirds, placing the tree trunk on the right one-third of the frame, allowing the branches to extend to the left, forming a natural leading line. The background wall is positioned in the middle of the frame to add depth.

Travel Tip: It is recommended to choose mornings or afternoons with better lighting conditions for shooting.

Temple of Heaven Park - Ancient Pear Blossoms at the Slaughter Pavilion and the Sacred Pear Tree

The photographer should use a low angle shot to include both the Temple of Heaven in the background and the crowd in the foreground, ensuring that the Temple of Heaven is fully captured. Employ a frame-within-a-frame technique, using the tall trees on either side to naturally frame the scene, directing the viewer's attention to the distant Temple of Heaven, while moderately blurring the foreground crowd.

1. Equipment Settings: Sony a7m4, 70-200mm zoom lens, GM2 lens, with the aperture set to the smallest value of F22.
2. Travel Tips:
① Ticket Prices: Entry ticket 15 RMB, combined ticket 34 RMB (includes entry, Temple of Heaven, Echo Wall, and Circular Mound), it's recommended to purchase the combined ticket.
② Opening Hours: 06:00 to 22:00, the Temple of Heaven opens at 08:00.
3. Additional Tips:
① You can also crouch down for a low angle shot, which can capture the starburst effect of sunlight filtering through the leaves.
② Shooting Ginkgo trees alone can be单调 (monotonous), so consider incorporating various elements of ancient architecture, such as red walls, architectural paintings, blue skies, and roof ornaments, which will result in more visually appealing photos. The leaves of the Ginkgo trees are particularly vibrant in the morning and afternoon light, making them appear like a tree ablaze with golden leaves.

Temple of Heaven - Avenue of Trees and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Center the composition with the scroll placed in the middle to capture the entire scroll. The photographer uses a level angle to showcase the overall layout of the scroll, flowers, and stones. The framing includes the foreground with grass and stones, and the background with trees to enhance depth.

Travel Tip: The exhibition runs from June 28 to July 6.

Temple of Heaven Science Park - Bustling Flower Border

Including the roof of the Seventy-Two Corridors in your photos can make the composition richer. For a half-body shot, use an upward angle to capture you side by side with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

1. Equipment Settings: Fuji XH2S, 18-55mm lens.
2. Photography Poses:
① Place both hands on the railing and lean forward.
② Stand sideways, looking into the distance, to capture your profile and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
3. Travel Tips: General admission is 10 RMB, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is 20 RMB, and the combo ticket is 28 RMB.

The Temple of Heaven - Seventy-Two Long Corridors

When taking the shot, use an upward angle from the base of the structure to emphasize the height of the dome and the grandeur of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The composition employs a central perspective, placing the main building at the center of the frame to focus on architectural details and symmetrical structure. The upward angle stretches the vertical lines of the building, clearly showcasing elements such as the roof, painted decorations, windows, and doors. The blue sky in the background simplifies the environment, accurately capturing the architectural form and spatial layers, highlighting the iconic features of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

1. Travel Tips:
① Ticket Prices: Combined ticket is 34 RMB, free for those 60 years old and above (includes core attractions such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound, etc.);
② Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is closed on Mondays (except holidays).

Temple of Heaven Park - Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The model stands beneath a flourishing branch, and the photographer is positioned opposite on the steps. It's best to shoot with a telephoto lens.  
Admission: Off-season 10 RMB, peak season 15 RMB (not a combo ticket), no separate ticket needed for the斋宫(Zhai Palace).  
Shooting Time: Around 14:30.  
Shooting Gear: Fuji XT30II + 18-55mm.

Temple of Heaven - In front of the Red Wall of the Fasting Palace

The photographer stands below and to the side of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, using an upward angle to emphasize the building's towering height and layered details. The main subject is positioned on the left side of the frame, with the right side left blank for blue sky to enhance the sense of space. The composition includes the full view of the building (golden dome, multi-tiered eaves, and colorful carvings) as well as the white marble railing at the bottom, maintaining the integrity of the architectural structure while showcasing intricate patterns. Additional tips: It's recommended to take photos on sunny days for the best results.

The祈年殿side view at the Temple of Heaven