The model stands on the platform, and the photographer stands below on the steps, about 4 meters away from the model, taking shots from the front.
1. Equipment settings: Fuji XT-5, lens 16-50mm.
2. Shooting poses:
① Walking forward with big steps, capturing dynamic shots;
② Standing at a half-profile angle to the lens, looking to the side.
3. Travel tips:
① Admission: $20 per person. Opening hours: Peak season / 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Off-season / 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM, with entry closing one hour before closing time.
② Enter through the North Gate for the shortest walk.

The Summer Palace - Red Gate

The photographer stands in a lower position, looking up to capture the Fragrance Pavilion from below, using the roofs of the surrounding buildings and trees in the foreground to create a sense of depth and emphasis. The composition is centered, with the Fragrance Pavilion placed directly in the middle of the frame to highlight its architectural prominence. It is recommended to use a telephoto lens, as it can compress the space and clearly show the multiple layers of the Fragrance Pavilion, avoiding the distortion that may result from using a wide-angle lens.

Ticket prices: Adults 30 RMB, infants free.

Summer Palace - Buddha Fragrance Pavilion Tower

The figure is positioned at the right one-third of the frame, adhering to the rule of thirds, which creates a visually balanced and rhythmic composition. The background features a large red wall, which contrasts sharply with the figure’s light-colored traditional clothing adorned with colorful patterns, highlighting the subject. The red wall also adds a rich, classical atmosphere to the scene. The overall composition is simple yet visually striking.

Admission price: 30 RMB per person during peak season, 20 RMB per person during off-season.

Summer Palace - Paiyun Gate Red Wall

The photographer stands indoors near a wooden window frame, using it as a foreground element. The composition includes the eaves of ancient buildings, wall decorations, and blooming trees, distributing the main elements in suitable positions within the frame without focusing on a single subject. A medium telephoto lens is used to slightly blur the background, creating a sense of depth.

Timing: It is recommended to arrive at the park at 8 a.m. to avoid crowds; the light is most beautiful after 4 p.m., making it a great time for photos.

Props: Use oil-paper umbrellas, folding fans, antique books, or a reflector to add light to faces.

Ji Qing Xuan - Ancient Pavilion

 Composition using a frame within the frame technique, with the foreground featuring hanging willow branches to enhance depth. The model is centrally placed, using a centered composition to highlight the subject. The photographer shoots from a slightly higher position, capturing the hanging willow branches in the foreground, the lakeside stone shore and the model in the middle ground, and the 17-Arch Bridge and boats on the lake in the background, creating clear layers. The model stands naturally, with hands crossed in front, facing the camera sideways in a relaxed pose.

Ticket prices: Peak season: 30 RMB per person, combination ticket: 60 RMB including the garden and inner gardens.

Beijing Summer Palace - Taking a photo with the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and the lake on a boat tour.

The model is sitting on a bench by the lake, using the reflection and silhouette composition. The symmetry of the lake's reflection and the figure, combined with the framing effect of the willow branches, integrates the sunset, mountains, lake water, and the silhouette of the person. The interplay of light and shadow creates a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere, highlighting the beauty of the integration of nature and human culture.

Travel Tips: Off-season ticket is $20, peak season ticket is $30. Frequent visitors can opt for an annual pass.

Summer Palace - Sunset at Dongdi

The model stands close to the stone railing, while the photographer positions themselves diagonally in front of the model, about 1 meter away (too many people to get closer, adjusting the composition through the zoom). The photo captures the hanging white peach blossoms and the small seven-arch bridge in the distance.

1. Photography Equipment: This photo was taken with a Fuji XT5 camera + 18-55mm lens.
2. Photography Poses:
① Slightly turn the body, fold the arms across the chest, tilt the head slightly upward, and look sideways toward the lake.
② Side to the camera, place both hands on the stone railing, tilt the head slightly upward, and look toward the lake.
3. Travel Tips: Admission is $20 per person, and it's recommended to arrive before 8:00 AM, as the crowd will be large after 10:00 AM.

The Summer Palace - in front of the Willow Bridge Stone Railing

The photographer stands on the top floor of Paiyun Hall to take an overhead shot with a wide angle, using symmetrical composition centered on the axis of Paiyun Hall. The buildings are arranged in layers, and the distant Kunming Lake balances the horizon, fully showcasing the roof textures and the far-off lake.

1. Equipment Settings: Use a 24mm lens, which is suitable for capturing broad scenes while maintaining clarity in both the buildings and the lake.
2. Travel Tips:
① Ticket Prices: High season (April-October) is 30 CNY per person, and low season (November-March) is 20 CNY per person. An additional 10 CNY per person is required to enter the Fragrant Pavilion.
② Shooting Time: It is recommended to shoot at sunset, using the oblique light to enhance the three-dimensional texture of the roof and improve the overall quality and atmosphere of the photo.

Summer Palace - Climbing to the top of the佛香阁 for an aerial view of the 排云殿 and Kunming Lake.

The model stands under a peach tree by the lakeside, while the photographer positions themselves about 5 meters to the side of the model, using the blooming peach blossoms as the foreground to capture the Liàn Bridge in the background.

1. Photography Equipment:
You can use a phone for shooting. This photo was taken with a Fujifilm XT5 + 18-55mm lens.
2. Travel Tips:
Admission: 20 RMB per person. Enter from the west gate of the Summer Palace for the closest access. It is recommended to arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid crowds. Otherwise, popular shooting spots may require queuing.

The Summer Palace - Lianqiao Pavilion

The model stands in front of a red wall, and the photographer shoots at eye level to enhance the effect of the model blending with the shadows on the wall. The left side of the frame is left open for tree shadows to form a natural foreground. It is recommended to use a 50mm lens on a camera or the 2x zoom on a phone to highlight the subject and compress the background, avoiding excessive environmental distractions.

The Summer Palace - Red Walls and Green Tiles