The photographer shoots from below the Kunning Palace, creating a visual effect of the plaque and building extending upward in the frame. Placing the plaque at the center of the image makes it the focal point. It is recommended to use a standard lens to realistically capture the architectural details and the text on the plaque, avoiding any distortion. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Prices: Off-season 40 RMB, Peak season 60 RMB; ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Last entry at 3:30 PM. Ticket checks in the morning from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, and in the afternoon from 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM.

The Palace Museum - The Plaque of Kunning Palace

The model is positioned at the center of the frame, with the photographer using a low-angle shot and central composition to highlight the subject. In the foreground, there are green shrubs, while the background includes a corner tower, city walls, and surrounding trees, adding depth to the image. The model’s arms are naturally spread, and she is wearing nail caps, making her pose relaxed and graceful. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Price: 60 RMB ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the Corner Tower, city walls, and greenery.

**Photography Tip:** Recommend that photographers stand in front of the palace gate and use an upward shooting angle, with the red gate frame as the foreground, to highlight the lintel, the Yikun Palace plaque, and the eave details. The diagonal lines of the eaves will guide the viewer's gaze to focus on the plaque. **Travel Guide:** 1. **Ticket Prices:** The ticket prices for the Meridian Gate vary between the off-season and peak season. From April 1 to October 31, it is the peak season, with a ticket price of 60 RMB. From November 1 to March 31 of the following year, it is the off-season, with a ticket price of 40 RMB. Tickets for the Treasures Gallery and the Clocks and Watches Gallery must be purchased separately, both costing 10 RMB each. 2. **Opening Hours:** From April 1 to October 31 each year, 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 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).

The Forbidden City - Upward shot of the plaque at Yikun Gate

The photographer is positioned at the Duan Gate of the Forbidden City, shooting at eye level. Using a frame-within-a-frame technique, the foreground branches create a natural frame that incorporates the Duan Gate, which is centered in the composition and serves as the focal point. A standard lens is recommended to accurately capture the proportions and scene of the Duan Gate, ensuring a well-balanced and symmetrical image. Travel Tips: ① Admission to the Forbidden City is 60 RMB per person, and the Duan Gate Treasure Gallery and Clock and Watch Museum each cost 10 RMB per person. Bookings can be made in advance through the Palace Museum's WeChat mini-program. ② The museum is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays.

The Palace Museum - Duanmen and the plaque of Duanmen

The copper vat is located in the center of the frame, with the photographer using a level shooting angle, eye-level with the vat. The composition is centered to highlight the main subject, while the background incorporates red walls, yellow glazed-tile roofs, and a blue sky to form a color contrast. The bottom of the frame includes a carved balustrade to enhance depth. Travel Guide: 1. Admission Fees: The entrance fee for the Forbidden City varies between off-peak and peak seasons. From April 1 to October 31 (peak season), the ticket price is 60 RMB. From November 1 to March 31 of the following year (off-peak season), the ticket price is 40 RMB. Separate tickets for the Treasure Gallery and Clock and Watch Gallery are required, both costing 10 RMB each. 2. Opening Hours: From April 1 to October 31, the 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 hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).

The Forbidden City - Red Walls and Bronze Vats

The photographer stands on Donghua Street, capturing the scene that includes tree branches, the main body of the central Donghua Gate, the sky as the background, and part of the street. Travel Tip: The area is very crowded on weekends and holidays, so it's recommended to avoid peak hours.

The Palace Museum - Donghua Gate Tower

The photographer gets close to the base of the apricot tree, tilting the camera slightly upward, using a wide-angle lens at an appropriate distance. The glazed tile roof is positioned in the lower middle of the frame, with the apricot tree branches occupying the upper two-thirds of the image, and the glazed tile roof taking up the lower third, creating a color contrast. Travel Tips: 1. Admission is 40 yuan, off-season price. 2. Opening hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM.

The Palace Museum - Apricot tree in the West Courtyard of Kunming Palace and the yellow glazed tile roof

Use a slightly upward angle and employ the trees to create leading lines that guide the viewer's focus to the golden leaves. The frame should include a dense foreground of leaves, robust tree trunks in the midground, and grass and distant buildings in the background to enhance the depth and layering of the image. Additional tips: The ginkgo leaves are currently a brilliant yellow, and every snapshot looks amazing. Highly recommended for a visit and photo opp.

The Forbidden City Museum - Ginkgo leaves at the Xihua Gate

The model is positioned slightly to the right of the center of the frame, balancing the golden door studs and carvings on the left side of the palace gate. The photographer shoots from a level angle, including the main red palace gate and the stone pedestal in the foreground on the left, enhancing the sense of depth. A medium telephoto lens or a 3x zoom on a phone is used to focus on the details of the subject and the background. Travel Tip: The ticket costs 10 RMB (book online in advance or purchase on-site by scanning a QR code).

The Forbidden City - In front of the Red Gate at the Clock Exhibition Hall

The photographer chose an upward angle to capture the stone lions and the Taihe Gate, emphasizing their grandeur by showcasing them vertically. Travel Tips: ① Admission Fee: 60 RMB; ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

The Forbidden City - Upward shot of Stone Lions and Taihe Gate