Central composition, spot metering, keep the ISO as low as possible, match the shutter speed to the flow of traffic, and use the smallest aperture possible. Place the clock tower at the center of the frame to ensure the symmetry and stability of the main subject, while the interplay between the background clouds and the ground traffic creates a rich layering in the image. Maintain a level shooting angle to avoid perspective distortion. The frame should include the clock tower and the intersection of the four surrounding streets, reflecting the unique urban layout and the sunset atmosphere. 

Additional advice: Not recommended for beginners to fly here.

Kaiyuan Mall (Bell Tower Store) – Aerial Sunset View of Bell Tower

The model stands on the stairs, and the photographer stands about 1 meter opposite the model, shooting at eye level. The portrait should not be too close; include the surrounding scenery in the frame.

Kaiyuan Mall Bell Tower Store – Photo with Bell Tower

Walk under the container, zoom in and shoot the 'Xi'an' characters from a low angle.
Other tips: There are many other visually appealing containers nearby that can be photographed together.

Kaiyuan Mall – Rooftop Containers

The photographer stands directly in front of the subject, using a horizontal perspective to capture the image. They employ the central composition method, placing the subject at the center of the frame to highlight the main figure and the fan in their hand. A standard focal length lens is chosen to restore the scene's true proportions and avoid image distortion.

Additional tips:
1. The bell tower lights up at 7:30 PM, so you can arrive early to find a good spot. The moment the lights come on is very beautiful and is worth recording in a short video.
2. The security guard will clear the area at the Kaiyuan Shopping Mall observation deck at 9:30 PM, so please be mindful of your photography time.

Kaiyuan Mall – 5F Viewing Deck Yellow-Green Wall

The model stands in front of the decoration, and the photographer stands about 1 meter opposite the model, taking a flat shot of the model, without making the portrait too large, and including the surrounding scenery in the frame.

Kaiyuan Mall – Chang’an Wall, 6F

When taking photos in Xi'an, try to frame the Bell Tower within your shot for a particularly striking image. For poses, you can refer to the stance where two people stand side by side behind the frame for the photo.

Kaiyuan Mall – Xi’an photo frame

Photo by Kaiyuan Mall NW Gate – Bell Tower Panorama

Kaiyuan Mall NW Gate – Bell Tower Panorama

The model stands in front of the decoration, and the photographer stands about 2 meters opposite the model and takes a flat shot of the model, without making the portrait too large and including the surrounding scenery.

Shooting time: It is recommended to choose a sunny day when the light is good, which makes it easier to produce good photos.

Other tips: It is suggested to use a wide-angle lens because the Terracotta Warriors are quite tall, which allows for capturing the full scene.

Kaiyuan Mall – Cyberpunk Terracotta Warrior

The photographer should position themselves at the entrance of the platform, capturing the scene from a horizontal perspective. There will be a street lamp in the middle obstructing the view, so it is recommended to place the lamp in the middle of the clock tower's line to minimize its impact.

Shooting time: It is recommended to shoot during the daytime.

Kaiyuan Mall – Northwest Gate Platform

The model stands beneath the white cloud-like building, and the photographer takes the shot from a distance of about 8 meters, paying attention to the composition to avoid distortion and maintaining a horizontal direction. Equipment settings: lens 24-70, focal length 55, aperture around 6. Travel tips: it is recommended to choose around 14:00 for the photoshoot.

Kaiyuan Mall – 6F Red Wall with “Chang’an”