Photo by Panoramic view of the Hall of Supreme Harmony

Panoramic view of the Hall of Supreme Harmony

The photographer stands below the Taihe Palace, using an upward angle to emphasize the height of the eaves and brackets. The composition is symmetrical, with the brackets evenly distributed on both sides and the central ridge ornament positioned at the center of the frame, reinforcing the grandeur of the architecture. The focus is on the detailed carpentry of the brackets, with a clean, uncluttered blue sky serving as the background. Travel Tips: The area can be very crowded on weekends and holidays. It’s recommended to visit during off-peak hours.

The Forbidden City - A Raised Shot of the Eaves Corner of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The photographer uses an upward angle, keeping the eaves of the Forbidden City’s roof at the right one-third of the frame, clearly showing the intricate details of the mythical creatures on the roof ridge, highlighting the exquisite design of traditional architecture.

The Forbidden City - Eaves of the Forbidden City Architecture

The photographer stands directly in front of the sculpture, using a level shooting angle to highlight the detailed texture of the stone lion sculpture, and employs a telephoto lens. Additionally, the red wall and willow branches in the background add depth to the composition. Other suggestions: Choose a sunny day for shooting to ensure ample light, enhancing the clarity and transparency of the image.

The Stone Lion Sculpture at the Broken Bridge in the Palace Museum

The photographer assumes a low position, with the camera slightly below the height of the flowers. Using the rule of thirds, the flowers are placed in the right third of the frame, while the building is positioned on the left, balancing the composition and highlighting the main subject. Travel Tips: The ticket price is 60 yuan per person during the peak season and 40 yuan per person during the off-season. An additional ticket is required for the Treasure House or Clock Museum, both costing 10 yuan each. Advanced reservation is recommended.

The Forbidden City - Xihe Gate, Elm Leaf Flowering Plum

Compose the shot using the frame-within-a-frame technique, with the red door arch as the foreground frame, placing Jingshan Park's Wanchun Pavilion at the center of the image. Stand below the door arch and shoot upward to ensure the door arch is fully visible and the door nails are clearly detailed. Include green trees and the sky in the background to add depth. Use a standard lens to highlight the relationship between the frame and the main building. Additional tips: Avoid peak hours and visit off-peak to minimize crowds.

The Forbidden City in Beijing - Capturing the pavilion and scenery through the red archway.

Photo by The Palace Museum - The Roof Architecture and Stone Balustrades of the Hall of Supreme Harmony

The Palace Museum - The Roof Architecture and Stone Balustrades of the Hall of Supreme Harmony

The photographer, shooting indoors and slightly upward directly at the plaque, used a standard lens to place the "Wu Wei" plaque at the center of the frame, with the surrounding text and decorations serving as complementary elements to highlight the subject.

The Forbidden City - The plaque of "Wu Wei" in Jiaotai Hall

The photographer stands directly beneath the coiled dragon caisson, using an upward angle. Employing a centered composition, the dragon sculpture is placed at the center of the frame, highlighting its intricate details. The framing includes the entire caisson and the red pillars and windows below, enhancing the sense of depth and fully showcasing the symmetrical structure and exquisite patterns of the caisson. Travel Tips: ① Tickets: Reserve tickets 7 days in advance on the Palace Museum’s official WeChat account, 60 RMB for adults during peak season. ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:10 PM), closed on Mondays. ③ Avoid Crowds: Visit the Imperial Garden first thing in the morning or revisit it an hour before closing in the afternoon.

The Forbidden City - The Longevity Pavilion in the Imperial Garden with Coiling Dragon Ceiling Carvings

The photographer is shooting in front of the Meridian Gate, using an upward angle. The plaque of the Meridian Gate is centered in the frame, with the red walls and architecture symmetrically distributed on both sides. A standard lens is recommended. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Price: 60 RMB per person; ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays.

The Forbidden City - Red Wall Architecture and the Meridian Gate Plaque