The photographer stands inside the arch, using it as a frame to compose the shot, which can add interest and depth to the image.
Equipment: Fuji XT30II, lens 18-55mm.
Post-processing: Adjust the contrast, saturation, and enhance the vibrancy of the colors to make the image more vivid.
Outfit suggestion: Wearing traditional Hanfu can harmonize well with the scene.

The Summer Palace - The Four Great Continents Cave Gate

The model is sitting on a chair, and the photographer is shooting from two meters away.
Equipment: iPhone 16 Pro.
Additional tip: Pair with a sunset for a stunning shot.

The Summer Palace - South Lake Island East Dike Kunlun Stone Stele

The photographer stands by the lake, using foreground composition to include the peach blossoms and willow trees in the front, while capturing the distant Fragrant Buddha Pavilion in the background.
Travel Tip: It is recommended to visit on a sunny day for better lighting, which makes it easier to get good shots.

The Summer Palace - Western Causeway Peach Blossoms Framed with the Buddha Fragrance Pavilion

The photographer should turn right after crossing the Bin Feng Bridge and take photos from the lakeside. 

1. Photography Equipment: iPhone 16 Pro.
2. Travel Tips: It's recommended to visit on a weekday when there are fewer people.

Summer Palace - Binfeng Bridge

The photographer stands on a small path by the lake, slightly crouches to lower the camera, and uses the rule of thirds to place the boat at the intersection of the right third of the frame. The left side of the image retains the path as a leading line. Using a 24mm lens on a camera or the 1x setting on a phone, they maintain a moderate wide angle to capture both the boat and the surrounding environment in detail.

Summer Palace - Lakeside Path along the Back Lake

The model stands in front of the railing, leaning against the red pillar. The photographer stands to the side of the model, about 2 meters away, shooting from the side to capture a top-down view of the distant Kunming Lake and ancient architecture.

1. Equipment: Fuji XT5, 16-50mm lens.
2. Pose: Stand in front of the railing, side-on to the lens, with both hands resting on the railing, looking in the direction of the lake.
3. Travel Tips:
① Admission: 20 RMB.
② Open Hours: High Season 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Low Season 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM, with last entry one hour before closing.

Summer Palace - Central Pavilion of the Painted Tour

The photographer stands outside the fence, holding the camera/phone up to the stone cave. The camera can use a focal length of 50mm-85mm, while the phone can zoom in 2x, placing the Pavilion of Buddhist Incense at the center of the frame. 
Equipment settings: Fujifilm XT30II, lens 18-55.

Summer Palace - Taking Photos of the Buddha Fragrance Pavilion Inside the Stone Cave

The photographer stands at a high vantage point in the Picture-Viewing Boat and shoots the 17-Arch Bridge from above, using foreground composition with eaves decorations and tree branches as the foreground elements. A camera with a 120mm lens or a phone with 5x zoom is recommended for this shot.

Travel Tips:
① Admission Fee: The Summer Palace costs 20 RMB in the off-season and 30 RMB in the peak season (no additional ticket is required for the Picture-Viewing Boat).
② Opening Hours: Off-season 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Nov 1 - Mar 31), Peak season 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Apr 1 - Oct 31).

Summer Palace - Gazing at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge from the Painting-like Tour

Frame composition, using a 2x lens or medium telephoto to capture the Buddha Incense Pavilion, the lake, and the reflection together.
Equipment settings: Fuji XE4, lens 18-50mm f2.8.
Ticket price: Summer Palace - Lan Cui Pavilion 20 RMB.
Travel tips: Sunset is quick, it’s recommended to shoot early. Lan Cui Pavilion is not lit up.

The Summer Palace - Lan Cu Jian

The photographer captures the Fragrant Hill Pagoda from inside a stone cave using a frame-within-a-frame composition, leveraging the cave's edge to naturally frame the pagoda and focus the viewer's attention on the main subject, highlighting the sense of depth. For a smartphone, use a 2x or 3x zoom, and for a camera, a 50mm to 85mm lens is recommended to ensure the main subject is clear and the proportions between near and far elements are balanced. The background should include the main structure of the pagoda, with eaves and tree branches as intermediate layers, and the edge of the stone cave forming the foreground frame to enhance the depth of the image.

Paiyun Hall - Buddha's Fragrance Pavilion inside the Stone Grotto