Shooting Tips: Model leans against the door, photographer stands two arm lengths away, and uses a 1x/wide-angle lens. Shooting Time: 3-5 PM, when the light is better. Shooting Equipment: Fujifilm XE4 + 18-50mm f2.8. Outfit Suggestions: The Forbidden City’s overall red walls and dark roofs, which are dignified and solemn, are very suitable for Hanfu or modern Chinese-style clothing. Casual and simple outfits also work well. Posing Suggestions: If you’re unsure about poses, try looking down at the camera, looking up at the sky, or looking down at the ground.

The Forbidden City - Red Gate of Qianchun Pavilion

Shooting Tips: The photographer should stand behind the door and use a 2x/medium telephoto lens. Frame the door as the foreground to blur it and highlight the palace; using a medium telephoto lens adds depth to the composition. Shooting Time: 3-5 PM, when the outdoor light is better. Shooting Equipment: Fuji XE4 + 18-50mm f2.8.

The Forbidden City - Large Vats in Front of Eaves

The photographer stands under the crab apple tree in the courtyard, using a level shooting angle. The branches of the crab apple serve as a natural frame, highlighting the layers of the red wall and window grilles in the background. A 50mm lens or a 2x zoom on a smartphone is recommended to moderately compress the space and emphasize the details of the subject. Other tips: Capture the moment when petals fall to enhance the dynamic atmosphere of the image. You can lower the shutter speed to 1/60 second to capture the drifting effect.

The Forbidden City - Wenhua Hall Begonia

Shooting Tips: The photographer should stand on the lower platform and use a 2x/medium telephoto lens to capture the silhouette of the crane statue. The sky tends to be overexposed here; you can lower the highlights in post-processing. Shooting Time: 3-5 PM, when outdoor light is good. Shooting Equipment: Fuji XE4 + 18-50mm f2.8.

The Forbidden City - Stone Balustrades and Crane Statues

Use a low-angle shot with a medium to long telephoto lens. On the left, capture the decorative animals, tiles, and eaves of the ancient roof, and on the right, include the red wall and the shadows of the decorative animals. In the center, leave some sky to create a symmetrical composition that highlights architectural details and the contrast of light and shadow. Travel Tips: Book your tickets 7 days in advance through the Palace Museum’s mini-program, which opens for reservations at 8 PM every night. For 60 RMB, you can step into a century of history.

The Forbidden City - Ancient Architectural Roof Ridge Beasts, Tiles, and Red Walls

The photographer stands in front of the Hall of Concentrated Excellences, using an upward angle and a centered composition to place the plaque of the Hall in the middle of the frame, creating a neat and solemn visual effect that aligns with the grandeur of the Forbidden City as an imperial palace. Additional tips: Download the official “Palace Museum” app in advance (includes free audio guides).

The Palace Museum - Chu Xiu Palace Gate

Shooting Tips: The model should stand in front of the railing, and the photographer should stand two arm's lengths away, using a 2x/medium telephoto lens. Shooting Time: 3-5 PM, when the outdoor light is best. Shooting Equipment: Fuji XE4 + 18-50mm f2.8. Outfit Suggestions: The Forbidden City’s red walls and gray-tiled roofs create a solemn atmosphere, making it perfect for traditional Hanfu or modern Chinese-style clothing. Simple, everyday outfits also work well. Posing Tips: If you’re unsure about poses, try looking down at the camera, gazing up at the sky, or looking down at the ground.

The Forbidden City - Ancient Architecture and the CBD Skyline

Photo by The Forbidden City - Donghua Gate Moat

The Forbidden City - Donghua Gate Moat

Shooting Tips: Position the model in front of the red wall, with the photographer standing two arm lengths away, using a 2x/medium telephoto lens. Shooting Time: 15:00-17:00, when the outdoor light is better. Shooting Equipment: Fuji XE4 + 18-50mm f2.8. Outfit Suggestions: The Forbidden City’s overall red walls and gray tiles create a solemn atmosphere, making it perfect for Hanfu and modern Chinese style clothing. Simple, everyday outfits also work well. Posing Suggestions: If unsure about poses, the model can look down at the camera, look up at the sky, or look down at the ground.

The Forbidden City - Qianqing Gate Murals and Carvings

The photographer is shooting the phoenix crown from a slightly top-down angle to ensure the subject is fully displayed and to minimize background distractions. Adjust the angle to make the phoenix crown appear more three-dimensional. Use a centered composition, placing the phoenix crown slightly above the center of the frame to highlight the intricate details and avoid any text descriptions at the bottom from interfering with the visual impact of the subject. Travel Tips: The opening hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the peak season (April to October), and 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM during the off-season (November to March).

The Palace Museum - The Phoenix Crown of Empress Xiaojing of the Ming Dynasty in the Hall of Treasures