Stand directly opposite the red wall, crouch slightly to adjust your viewing angle to ensure the tree shadows and persimmon branches are clearly and fully projected onto the red wall. Position the branches and the glazed tiles at the top of the wall at the one-third and two-thirds marks of the frame to enhance the balance of the composition. It is recommended to use a standard lens to avoid a too-wide angle that could clutter the background while retaining the details. Travel Tips: Opening hours are from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

The Ice Storage Restaurant in the Forbidden City - Persimmon Trees and Red Walls

Photo by The Forbidden City - A Bottom-Up Shot of the Qianchunting Pavilion

The Forbidden City - A Bottom-Up Shot of the Qianchunting Pavilion

The shooting angle is taken at eye level to maintain clarity and symmetry in the frame. A frame-within-a-frame technique is used, with the natural edges formed by the red pillars on either side of the door creating a border that places the Baohedian plaque at the center, highlighting the main subject. 1. Equipment settings: Camera: SONY, ILCE-7M4; Focal length: 200mm; Aperture: f5.6; ISO: 100. 2. Travel tips: ① Ticket price: 60 RMB. ② Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

The Forbidden City - Space between pillars and the plaque of Baohe Hall

The model stands in front of the Jiaotai Palace, and the photographer shoots from a level angle, placing the model at the center of the frame. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Prices: Off-season 40 CNY, Peak season 60 CNY, free for minors. ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, last entry at 3:30 PM, closed on Mondays.

The Forbidden City - Jiaotai Hall, the same filming location as Empress Xiaoxi's return to the palace.

The photographer uses an upward angle and central composition to place the ceiling of the Chengrui Pavilion in the center of the frame. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Price: Book 7 days in advance on the official "Palace Museum" mini-program (adults 60 RMB, Treasure Gallery/Clock and Watch Gallery 10 RMB, free for under 14 years old) ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM), closed on Mondays. Best Photography Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.

The Clearing and Auspicious Pavilion - Ceiling Carving in the Forbidden City

On the stairs, choose a position halfway up and take a 45-degree upward shot of the side of the Shenwu Gate. Use the staircase railing as a foreground to add depth to the image. If you're using a phone, switch to wide-angle mode to capture more of the scene. For a camera, a wide-angle lens or a standard zoom lens will work well. Best time for shooting: early morning or late evening.

The Gate of Divine Might - Staircase, Forbidden City

Use a 50mm camera lens or the 2x zoom on your phone to shoot from a medium distance, ensuring the subject is clear and the background is fully visible. Employ a symmetrical composition, placing the magnolia tree at the center of the frame, and use the red and gray walls to create a strong color contrast, highlighting the layers of the subject. Additional tips: The flowering period for magnolias is from February to April each year.

The Forbidden City - Double-colored City Wall Magnolia Trees at Donghua Gate

The photographer adopted a low-angle position to highlight the architectural details and grandeur of the Yikun Palace roof, enhancing the vertical space. Placing the roof in the upper part of the frame, the photographer uses the repetitive lines of the eaves and roof tiles to create a sense of order, with the blue sky serving as a clean background. Travel Tip: The area can be very crowded on weekends and holidays, so it’s recommended to visit outside of peak hours.

Imperial Palace Museum - Upward shot of the plaque in front of the Yikun Palace Hall and the yellow eaves.

Capture the intricate details and extension of the stone carvings on the imperial path, placing the carved stones at the center of the frame. On both sides, symmetrically positioned stone railings and steps balance the image. The composition should include the dragon patterns on the stone carvings, the railings and steps on either side, and the red palace gate and rooftops in the background to enhance the sense of depth. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Price: 60 RMB, free for minors (reservation required); ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).

The Palace Museum - Imperial Way Stone Carvings and Steps

Stand beneath the persimmon tree and shoot at a slightly upward angle with the red wall as the backdrop. Include the yellow eaves and the persimmon branches laden with fruit in your frame. The red wall and the eaves add depth and create a striking color contrast. Travel Tip: It’s recommended to take photos when the sunlight is good for the best results.

The Palace Museum - Red Wall and Persimmon Trees