Photo by The Forbidden City - Capturing stone railings and ancient architecture through window lattices.

The Forbidden City - Capturing stone railings and ancient architecture through window lattices.

Photo by The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the red walls and pine branches of the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the red walls and pine branches of the Forbidden City.

Photo by The Forbidden City - Tree Branches and Architectural Eaves and Archways of the City Towers

The Forbidden City - Tree Branches and Architectural Eaves and Archways of the City Towers

The photographer stands in front of the Zhongcui Gate, using an upward shooting angle. The composition is centered, with the "Zhongcui Gate" plaque placed in the middle of the frame. The green carvings and yellow borders on the door lintels are symmetrically distributed, enhancing the sense of balance. The shooting range should include the plaque, the roof tiles above, the decorative bands on the door lintels, and the red part of the door frame below, while retaining the details of the reflection inside the gate. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the architectural details and depth. Ticket prices: Peak season 60 RMB / Off-season 40 RMB (online booking required 1-7 days in advance, closed on Mondays). Opening hours: Morning session (8:30 - 12:00 entry); Afternoon session (entry from 11:00, last entry at 15:30).

The Palace Museum - Zhongcui Gate Plaque and Door Lintel

The model is positioned at the right one-third of the frame. It is recommended that the photographer use a telephoto lens and apply the rule of thirds for composition. The left side should include the yellow-glazed eaves of Baohe Palace and the blue “Baohe Palace” plaque, while the right side should have the blurred silhouette of the person, enhancing the depth and narrative of the image, and highlighting the architectural details and ancient atmosphere. Other tips: Avoid crowds by traveling off-peak.

Beijing Palace Museum - Take a photo with the plaque on the eaves of the Baohe Hall building.

It is recommended to use an upward shooting angle, standing below the stone carving to shoot upwards, to highlight the three-dimensional effect of the carving; it is suggested to use a centered composition technique, placing the stone carved dragon head in the center of the frame, with the pillars on both sides symmetrically distributed to enhance the sense of balance; it is recommended to use a telephoto lens to capture details and avoid clutter. Admission price: 40 RMB per person.

The Forbidden City in Beijing - Close-up of Architectural Fence Stone Carvings

Using a bird's-eye view, the photographer stands slightly higher in front of the stone carving, with the lens directly aligned with the central axis, placing the stone carving in the center of the frame. The symmetrical steps and railings on both sides balance the composition. The shot includes the full view of the stone carving, the railings on both sides, and the distant red wall, maintaining the symmetrical structure.

The Forbidden City - Stone Carvings on Steps and Ground

Photo by The Forbidden City - Upward shot of the chī shǒu drainage structure.

The Forbidden City - Upward shot of the chī shǒu drainage structure.

Photo by The Forbidden City - Taking a group photo with the architecture and snowy scenery of the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City - Taking a group photo with the architecture and snowy scenery of the Forbidden City.

Photo by The Forbidden City - Taking a photo with the memorial arches

The Forbidden City - Taking a photo with the memorial arches