The photographer stands on a higher step above the model and shoots from an overhead angle. The composition uses leading lines, with the stairs and the Great Wall's extending lines guiding the viewer's gaze to the distant mountains. The model is positioned slightly below the center of the frame, sidestepping while holding the stair railing and giving a V-sign with a smile, creating a natural and energetic pose. The shot includes the foreground railing, the winding wall of the Great Wall, and the green mountains in the background.

Additional tip: The sloping S-bend between Tower 8 and Tower 9 is a great spot for overhead shots, often resulting in stunning images.

The Great Wall at Badaling - Take a photo with the Wall steps and the surrounding mountains.

The model stands one-third to the right of the city gate arch, shading her eyes with her hand in a natural pose to add interaction to the scene. The photographer uses a low-angle shot to emphasize the grandeur of the gate, employing a centered composition to place the gate and the “Zhen Wai Lu Ju” plaque in the middle of the frame. On the right, a stone stele and greenery are included to balance the composition. The framing captures the entire gate, a blue sky background, and the ground shadows, enhancing the depth of the scene.

Great Wall at Badaling, Beijing - Taking a photo with the city gate archway.

The photographer stands slightly below the front of the bas-relief wall, shooting upward to capture the entire wall and the top of the wall. Position the bas-relief wall in the center of the frame to highlight the symmetry and completeness of the main subject. When composing the shot, include the background of green trees, blue sky, and the foreground stone path to enhance the depth. It is recommended to use a wide-angle lens.

1. Travel Tips: Admission Fees: Peak season (April - October) 40 RMB per person, off-peak season 35 RMB per person. FREE for those under 18 and over 60, and half-price for full-time college students with a valid ID.
2. Other Tips: It is recommended to wear slip-resistant sports shoes (some stairs are inclined at 45°), bring a sun hat/ice sleeves, and pack your own water and snacks.

The Great Wall - A Good Man Must Reach the Great Wall Relief Wall

The photographer used a low-angle shot to capture the winding Great Wall stretching along the mountain ridge, guiding the viewer's gaze toward the watchtower. The foreground includes branches on the right side to add depth, while the background retains a clear blue sky, highlighting the grandeur of the Great Wall. 

Additional suggestions: Choose a sunny day for shooting to ensure ample light and enhance the clarity of the image.

Badaling Great Wall - Great Wall Beacon Towers

The photographer uses a slightly upward angle, with the model positioned at the center of the frame, arms naturally spread and head tilted back, creating a relaxed and expansive pose that enhances the interaction with the Great Wall. The composition is centered, with the watchtower and the walls on both sides symmetrically arranged, guiding the viewer's focus to the main subject.

Badaling Great Wall - Take a photo with the watchtowers, brick walls, and trees.

The model stands to the right of the replica Heroes' Monument, while the photographer positions themselves slightly to the left of the front, using a horizontal shooting angle with a standard lens, placing the monument and the model on the left and right sides of the frame for a balanced visual composition.

1. Equipment settings: Fujifilm X-S10, film simulation NC, exposure compensation +2, grain effect off, color effect strong, color FX blue strong, white balance environment priority, dynamic range 400, D range priority off, tone curve H-2 S-2, color +1, sharpness +1.
2. Travel tips: ① Ticket prices: Peak season adult ticket 40 RMB, concessionary ticket 20 RMB; off-peak season adult ticket 35 RMB, concessionary ticket 17.5 RMB. Cable car: one-way 100 RMB per person, round-trip 140 RMB per person.
② Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.

Badaling Great Wall - Simulated Hero Stele

Photo by Badaling Great Wall - Take a photo with the wall and the mountains.

Badaling Great Wall - Take a photo with the wall and the mountains.

The photographer stands inside the city gate arch, using a frame-within-a-frame composition to highlight the winding Great Wall and the mountains beyond, with the arch of the city gate serving as the frame. The shot includes the foreground arch, the Great Wall and mountains in the background, and the sky, with people on the Great Wall added to provide a sense of scale.

Travel Tips: Admission price is 40 RMB during peak season (April–October) and 35 RMB during off-season. The cable car or sled ride is 100 RMB one way and 140 RMB round trip.

Badaling Great Wall - Night view of the Great Wall at the beacon tower archway

The photographer uses an upward shooting angle, with the model standing at the top of the Great Wall steps, centered in the frame. Leading lines are used in the composition, guiding the viewer’s eye to the model through the depth of the steps. The shot includes the side walls, the entire staircase, and the sky above, enhancing the environmental atmosphere. 

Pose: The model’s arms are outstretched, adding a dynamic feel.

Badaling Great Wall - On the Great Wall

Photo by Badaling Great Wall - Ridge Beacon Towers Great Wall and Mountain Ranges

Badaling Great Wall - Ridge Beacon Towers Great Wall and Mountain Ranges