The model stands by the railing of Tiren Pavilion. The photographer should position themselves slightly below the model’s eye level to shoot upwards, emphasizing the grandeur of Taihedian. Avoid shooting head-on; place Taihedian in the upper right corner of the frame and the model in the lower left to create a balanced composition. It’s recommended to avoid using a large aperture and instead opt for a wide-angle lens, setting the aperture to f8. Shooting Time: It’s recommended to shoot during the day.

The Forbidden City - Taihe Hall, Tiren Pavilion, railing area.

The photographer shoots from an overhead angle of about 30°, maintaining a distance of approximately 50cm from the subject and the display stand to ensure that the details of the subject are clearly visible. Use the central composition method, placing the phoenix diadem at the center of the frame to highlight its intricate details and ornate decorations. Use a 50mm lens on a camera or a 2x zoom on a phone to emphasize the subject’s details while minimizing background distractions. 1. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Prices: Free for children, 10 RMB per adult, no reservation required; tickets can be purchased by scanning a code directly. ② Shooting Time: It is recommended to shoot during the day. 2. Additional Tips: The Treasures Pavilion must be entered and exited from the designated entrance and exit. After entering through the Huangji Gate, you are not allowed to go down the steps to the right to view the exhibits; you must walk around the perimeter.

The Palace Museum - Phoenix Crown in the Treasury Gallery

The photographer stands below the steps of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, using an upward shooting angle to highlight the grandeur of the architecture. Place the Hall of Supreme Harmony at the upper part of the frame to enhance the sense of solemnity. A standard lens is recommended. Travel Tips: ① Admission Fee: 60 RMB per person, free for minors. ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry at 4:00 PM.

The Forbidden City in Beijing - The Hall of Supreme Harmony and the steps in front of the building

The photographer stands on the other side of the moat opposite the Shenwu Gate, at eye level or slightly lower, shooting at a horizontal angle. In the photo, the red walls and yellow tiles of Shenwu Gate complement the warm tones of the twilight sky. It is recommended to use a standard lens. 1. Travel Tips: Opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM. 2. Additional Tips: - Morning sessions allow entry until 12:00 PM, and afternoon sessions start at 11:00 AM. Don’t get the times mixed up. - Reflectors, tripods, and other photography equipment are not allowed in the Forbidden City. Selfie sticks over 1.3 meters are also prohibited. - Visitors aged 60 or older, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues can use the special access通道 (special access lane). - There are no power banks available for rent inside the Forbidden City, so bring your own.

The Forbidden City - Capturing the sunset at Shenwu Gate by the pool.

The model is positioned at the bottom of the frame, with the photographer shooting slightly upward to ensure the complete presentation of the corner tower, enhancing the grandeur of the background. Use the rule of thirds for composition, placing the model on the right one-third of the frame, with the corner tower as the central background. Outfit suggestion: It is recommended to wear traditional Gege clothing for the shoot.

The Forbidden City - Corner Tower

The photographer is positioned slightly to the front side of the subject, using an eye-level angle. The rule of thirds is employed in the composition, with the subject placed on the left one-third of the frame, making them the focal point. The carved stone railing and ancient architecture occupy the right two-thirds of the image, showcasing the environment. A medium telephoto lens is used to compress the space, emphasizing the harmonious blend of the subject with the ancient architectural setting while also blurring the background to highlight the subject. 1. **Outfit Suggestions** Choose elaborately designed and finely crafted traditional clothing, such as Qing Dynasty cheongsam or Hanfu. Opt for colors with high saturation and a dignified appearance, such as black, red, and bright yellow. Prioritize fabrics with texture, such as silk and brocade, and complement the outfit with appropriate accessories like hairpins, earrings, and necklaces to enhance the overall classical elegance. 2. **Additional Tips** ① Check the official website or WeChat account of the Palace Museum in advance to book tickets and review any special events or exhibitions.

The Forbidden City - Taking a photo with the carved stone railing path and ancient architecture.

Photo by The Forbidden City - White Marble Balustrades and Palace Architectural Complex

The Forbidden City - White Marble Balustrades and Palace Architectural Complex

The photographer positioned themselves at a slightly offset lower-middle part of the building, shooting upward to emphasize its grandeur and height. The red walls, gray tiles, and blue sky form a striking contrast, showcasing the architectural layers. A standard lens was used for this shot. Equipment: SONY a7m4 and Tamron 28-200mm lens.

The Forbidden City - The top of the Yan Chi Lou at the Meridian Gate and the red walls.

The photographer chooses a position that can cover the interaction between the people and the environmental background, placing the main subject in a key area of the frame. Using central composition and environmental elements, the people are distributed along the central axis and nearby areas, with elements like red walls and palace lanterns enhancing the scene. It is recommended to use a standard lens to clearly capture the actions, clothing details, and architectural elements, ensuring a natural aspect ratio and a true-to-life representation of the spatial relationship and interaction between people. 1. Travel Tips: Admission is 60 RMB per person, hours are from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. 2. Other Experiences: ① At the Cui Guo Zhang乎 spot by the Changtai Gate, take photos quickly as security may tell you that kneeling is not allowed. ② You can follow the recommended photo spots, but it’s not necessary to be exact, as the Forbidden City is very large.

The Palace Museum - Changtai Gate, a replica scene of Zhen Huan kneeling from the TV series "The Legend of Zhen Huan."

The model stands in front of the red walls of the Forbidden City, and the photographer shoots from a slightly upward angle to enhance the model’s presence and the depth of the scene. Outfit Suggestions: It is recommended to choose court robes, ceremonial robes, or elaborate Hanfu (excluding wedding attire), and pair them with Qing Dynasty makeup or Hanfu makeup. Additional Tips: When visiting the Forbidden City, it’s best not to carry too many items. Bring essential items like tissues, wet wipes, a power bank, and consider carrying an umbrella for sun protection. Be sure to bring some snacks and water. Wear comfortable shoes, as this will make the security check process quicker and more comfortable as you navigate the grounds.

The Forbidden City - Red Walls