Photo by The Forbidden City - Meridian Gate Plaque

The Forbidden City - Meridian Gate Plaque

The photographer positioned themselves close to the building, using the branches of the magnolia tree as a foreground element that complements the ancient architecture. By using a medium-telephoto lens, they blurred the background to highlight the ancient buildings and the flowers.

Travel Tips:
① Be sure to book your tickets in advance.
② The Palace Museum is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM during peak season and from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM during off-season, and is closed on Mondays (except for statutory holidays).

Zhongcui Palace - Magnolia and Ancient Architecture in the Same Frame

Use a foreground composition with pink blossoms and green leaves to enhance the depth of the image. Place the model in the center of the frame as the midground, with the background featuring red walls, ancient rooftops, and a blue sky to highlight the characteristics of the Forbidden City. The photographer should use an eye-level angle and recommend a medium-telephoto or 3x zoom lens on a smartphone to emphasize the integration of the subject and the environment.

Travel Tips: Admission is 40 RMB per person, and it's recommended to book tickets one week in advance.

The Palace Museum - Taking a photo with the red-walled architecture and blossoming branches.

The photographer uses a low-angle shot, capturing the details of the Zhongcui Palace plaque and the roof of the building from below. By employing a central composition, the plaque is placed at the center of the frame, becoming the focal point, with the architectural decorations serving as the background.

Travel Tips:
① Admission Fee: 60 RMB per person;
② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

The Palace Museum - Zhongcui Palace Plaque

The photographer stands directly in front of the central left gate, shooting at eye level. The subject is positioned at the center of the gate's opening, becoming the focal point and stabilizing the image.

Travel Tips:
① Palace Museum Admission: 60 RMB;
② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays).

Take a photo with the entrance at the Zhongzuomen.

Photo by Forbidden City - Taking a Photo with the Red Wall and Green Tile Architecture Bench

Forbidden City - Taking a Photo with the Red Wall and Green Tile Architecture Bench

Photo by The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the red walls and red gates.

The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the red walls and red gates.

Photo by Shenwu Gate - Traditional Chinese Architecture

Shenwu Gate - Traditional Chinese Architecture

The photographer stands below the side of the Meridian Gate, using an upward angle to include the Forbidden City’s architecture, red walls, and a persimmon tree in the foreground. By employing foreground composition, the branches, leaves, and fruits of the persimmon tree add depth and vitality to the image, while placing the main architectural features of the Forbidden City in the middle ground to highlight the iconic structures. It is recommended to use a standard lens for this shot.

Additional tips: Ticket inspection times are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:10 PM) during the peak season (April to October), and 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 3:40 PM) during the off-season (November to March).

Beijing Duanmen - Red Wall Persimmon Shadows at the Forbidden City

Photo by The Forbidden City - Red walls and yellow-tiled architecture with trees.

The Forbidden City - Red walls and yellow-tiled architecture with trees.