The photographer uses an upward angle to capture the red walls and rooftops of the Forbidden City, framing the shot with traditional yellow tiled roofs in the foreground and modern skyscrapers in the background, forming a contrast between ancient and modern. The central composition places the tallest building in the middle as the visual focal point, while the sky is left open in the background to enhance the depth and layers of the image. Travel Tip: It is recommended to shoot during clear weather with good daylight.

The Forbidden City - Taking a photo of modern high-rise buildings in the distance against the red walls and roofs.

The model stands in front of the red wall with a natural and relaxed pose, positioned on the right side of the frame, leaving space on the left to enhance the balance of the composition. The shot includes the full view of the red wall, along with the bottom part of the brick wall and some of the stone paving, highlighting the texture of the red wall and the layers of the environment. Travel Tips: Admission Price: 40 RMB.

The Palace Museum - Take a photo with the red walls and brick walls.

1. Positioning: The photographer stands a bit further away from the lakeside, shooting the lake, the buildings on both shores, and the trees at a level angle. 2. Composition Techniques: Use symmetrical composition, where the reflection in the lake and the scenery on both shores are mirrored, enhancing the stability and beauty of the image. Additionally, use leading lines to guide the viewer’s gaze towards the distant horizon, adding depth to the scene. 3. Lens Usage: Employ a wide-angle lens to capture a broad view of the lake, buildings, and trees, showcasing the vast space and overall atmosphere of the scene.

The Forbidden City - Lakeside

The photographer should use a level shot with the model positioned slightly to the left of center, holding a fan above her head in a natural and graceful pose. The frame should include the stone bridge railing, the moat’s water surface, and the distant trees, creating clear layers. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the environmental details. Shoot during the soft light of evening and use the water's reflection to enhance the ancient and elegant atmosphere.

Take a photo with the moat on the Stone Bridge at the Forbidden City.

The photographer, positioned in front of the jade vases, shoots from a bird's-eye view, directly above the display stand. Using a symmetrical composition, the green and white jade vases are arranged on either side, with the entire setup centered in the frame to ensure balance on both sides. The shot includes all the jade vases and part of the dark display stand, with a clean and uncluttered background. Travel Tip: Open from January 7, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

The Palace Museum - Jade Vessels from the Zhai Palace Exhibition

The photographer uses the door frame as a foreground element to create a sense of depth and guide the viewer’s eye. By framing the architecture and passages within the door, the composition enhances the spatial depth and layers. A standard lens is recommended to accurately capture the proportions of the door frame and the scene within, ensuring a realistic representation of the space. The door frame also serves to divide and guide the composition. 1. Travel Tips: ① Admission Fee: Reservations are required 7 days in advance, by 20:00. The reservation process is highly competitive. During peak season, the fee is 60 RMB per person, and during off-peak season, it is 40 RMB per person. This fee does not include museum entry. ② Opening Hours: From April 1 to October 31, the site is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. From November 1 to March 31 of the following year, it is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. 2. Additional Tips: ① Be sure to bring your ID, as security checks at the Forbidden City are strict. ② The Forbidden City is vast. Parents traveling with children should bring some snacks and wear comfortable shoes. ③ Arrive strictly at the reserved time. During the peak summer season, it is advisable to arrive early as the crowds can cause long queues.

The Forbidden City - Capture the door frame and red wall pathway at Guangsheng Right Gate.

Use a frame-within-a-frame composition, with the palace gate as the foreground frame to highlight the main palace in the center of the image. Shoot from a level angle, incorporating fallen leaves on the ground in the foreground and including autumn trees and falling yellow leaves in the background to enhance the sense of depth and seasonal atmosphere. A wide-angle lens is recommended.

The Forbidden City - Framed Autumn Leaves and Palaces

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

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

It is recommended that the photographer shoot from a lower position, looking up at the building with the blue sky as the background, using a wide-angle lens to capture a larger range of the building’s top structure, showcasing its details and grandeur. Travel Tip: The entrance fee is 60 RMB per person.

The Gate of Zhonghe Hall in the Forbidden City

The photographer uses a level angle, with the gilt bronze vats placed at the center of the frame, highlighting the detailed dragon-head ring handles on either side. The composition includes the red wall on the left, the yellow roof, and the distant palace cluster, creating an atmosphere that reflects the environment of the Forbidden City. It is recommended to use a wide-angle lens to capture more background elements, balancing the main subject with the historical setting. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Prices: The entrance fee for the Meridian Gate is divided into off-peak and peak seasons. From April 1 to October 31, the peak season ticket price is 60 RMB. From November 1 to March 31 of the following year, the off-peak season ticket price is 40 RMB. Tickets for the Treasure Gallery and the Clock and Watch Gallery must be purchased separately, each costing 10 RMB. ② Opening Hours: From April 1 to October 31, the opening hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:10 PM). From November 1 to March 31 of the following year, the opening hours are...

The Forbidden City - Black Balustrades and Gilded Bronze Vats