The photographer stands in front of the exhibit, shooting at eye level with the pot centered in the frame to highlight its three-dimensional shape and details, focusing on the phoenix head, dragon handle, and decorative patterns.

The Palace Museum in Beijing - Wuying Hall Celadon Phoenix-Headed Dragon-Handled Pot

The photographer stands at the door, peering through the crack, using a 2x lens to bring the scene closer. By focusing on the center of the frame, you can capture the atmosphere reminiscent of the Forbidden City. Since the gate is locked, it’s not possible to enter.

1. travel tips:
① Admission: Free.
② Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays).

2. Additional Tips: Avoid peak hours and plan your visit during off-peak times.

The Forbidden City - Xiangshu Gate

The photographer is taking a仰拍 (low-angle shot) of the main subject, the plaque of the Qianqing Palace, ensuring that the plaque is prominently featured in the center of the frame.

Travel Tips: Book 7 days in advance, at 20:00 in the evening. Peak season: April 1 - October 31, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Off-season: November 1 - March 31 of the following year, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Peak season: 60 RMB per person; Off-season: 40 RMB per person. 

(Note: "仰拍" is directly translated as "low-angle shot" in English, which is a more commonly used term in photography.)

The Palace Museum's Qianqing Palace - Upward Shot of the Plaque

Photo by The Forbidden City - Red Pillars

The Forbidden City - Red Pillars

Both images feature the stone lantern as a central spatial anchor, positioning it either on the central axis or near it, which helps to stabilize the composition. In the first image, the photographer stands farther away from the subjects and the stone lantern, incorporating more of the surrounding elements into the frame. In the second image, the photographer positions themselves closer to the stone lantern and the subjects, compressing the environmental space and approximating the perspective of human eye level, thus enhancing the sense of realism.

Framing and Guidance: The red walls and the lines of the ground paving form subtle frames and leading lines. The predominantly straight lines of the red walls extend vertically from the top and bottom of the image, guiding the viewer’s eye to focus on the stone lantern and the subjects. The horizontal lines of the stone slabs on the ground help to divide the space and reinforce the spatial positioning of the stone lantern and the subjects, allowing the viewer's gaze to flow logically through the scene.

Travel Tips: Admission is 60 yuan.
Other Suggestions: Tickets for the afternoon session are available from 11:00 AM, but it’s best not to enter around that time! It’s recommended to visit around 1:00 PM.

The Red Wall and Stone Lamp to the East of the Qianqing Palace in the Forbidden City

The model is positioned at the center of the frame, with the photographer using a straight-on angle to highlight the subject. The background includes the red palace walls and gilded door frames, while a stone pillar on the left adds depth to the setting. The model rests naturally against the pillar, one hand gently touching the headpiece, exuding a graceful and classical charm. The details of the palace walls and the intricate patterns of the model's clothing are preserved.

The Palace Museum - Take a photo on the red palace gate cement steps.

The photographer stands on the central axis directly in front of the Wuying Gate, forming a perpendicular symmetrical position with the building to ensure that the main structure of the building is presented completely and centrally. The composition technique used is symmetrical composition, with the central axis of the gate serving as the axis of symmetry. The steps, stone pillars, and painted decorations are symmetrically distributed on both sides, emphasizing the building's neatness and solemnity. The lens accurately captures the proportions and details of the building, clearly showcasing the overall structure and decorative patterns of the Wuying Gate without noticeable distortion, thus faithfully reproducing the true visual effect of the architecture.

Travel Tips:
① Ticket Price: 60 RMB per person;
② Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 08:30-17:00.

The Palace Museum - Wuying Gate plaque and stone steps

Photo by The Forbidden City - Gilded Bronze Water Tanks

The Forbidden City - Gilded Bronze Water Tanks

Photo by The Forbidden City - Photographing the Lion Sculptures in Front of the Taihe Hall

The Forbidden City - Photographing the Lion Sculptures in Front of the Taihe Hall

Photo by Take a photo with the railing, corner tower, river, and willow trees at the Forbidden City.

Take a photo with the railing, corner tower, river, and willow trees at the Forbidden City.