The photographer stands inside or near the arch, framing the shot so that the lens looks through the arch outward. The arch serves as a natural frame, incorporating the Taihe Gate and its golden tiles and red walls, making the subject stand out more. A medium to long telephoto lens is used. Such a lens can compress space, making the arch and the Taihe Gate appear more compact in the image.

Additional tips: Tickets for the morning session at the Forbidden City stop being checked at 12:00 PM, and you won't be allowed to enter after that time. If you arrive after 12:00 PM for the morning session, you will be prompted that your reservation has expired.

The Forbidden City - A View of Taihe Gate Through an Archway

Use a frame-within-a-frame composition, with the doorway as the foreground frame, to incorporate the distant Hall of Supreme Harmony, the red walls, and the blue sky into the shot. This enhances the sense of depth and layers. Position the subject at the left one-third of the frame, standing naturally or slowly walking forward, facing away from the camera. The photographer should shoot from inside the doorway, ensuring that the edges of the door frame are fully and symmetrically visible.

Travel Tip: It's recommended to book your tickets a week in advance.

The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the door frames and white railings.

The photographer is positioned below the Taihe Palace, shooting the palace plaque from a low angle. The roof tiles and decorative patterns are arranged in repetition, enhancing the sense of rhythm and unity.

Travel Tip: Book your tickets in advance through the "Palace Museum" WeChat mini-program. The ticket price is 60 RMB per person during peak season and 40 RMB per person during off-season.

The Palace Museum - The Hall of Supreme Harmony Plaque

The model stands in front of a red wall, with the photographer positioned in front of the model, capturing a full-body shot. Use central composition, with the red wall as the background and the model centered in the frame to highlight the subject.

Outfit suggestions: New Chinese style or traditional princess attire.

The Palace Museum - Red Walls

The model stands in front of the city wall, offset from the corner tower. The photographer should position themselves about 5 meters to the right front of the model, keeping the camera at the same height as the model.

1. Equipment Settings: Canon 1V, 70-200mm lens.
2. Pose Suggestions: The model can place both hands on the city wall or cross their arms.
3. Best Shooting Time: Photos taken between 15:00 and 17:00 in the afternoon have the most beautiful lighting.

Forbidden City - Southeast Corner Tower

The photographer stands at the bottom of the steps, using a level angle to highlight the grandeur and layers of the Forbidden City's architecture, avoiding a flat composition.

The Forbidden City - Stone Steps and Red Wall Architecture

The photographer stands beside the white marble railing in front of the palace, capturing the scene at eye level, presenting the subject alongside the palace, red walls, and railings. The palace architecture, red walls, and railings are used to balance the composition, utilizing the symmetrical layout and color contrast (red walls against the blue sky) to build visual layers. It is recommended to use a standard lens to accurately reproduce the scene's proportions, precisely presenting the relationship between the subject, palace architecture, red walls, and railings, and clearly displaying the scene's layout.

1. Pose Suggestions: The model can stand sideways next to the white marble railing, with the Forbidden City architecture in the background, looking to one side.
2. Props Suggestions: Props such as ancient fans, umbrellas, books, and lanterns are recommended.
3. Travel Tips:
① Ticket Price: Booking required.
② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, last entry at 3:30 PM.

The Palace Museum - Take a photo with the red walls, white jade railings, and palatial buildings.

The photographer stands near the Jinshui Bridge, using an upward angle to showcase the grandeur of the Meridian Gate. With a wide-angle lens, the curved bridge railings are used as leading lines, extending to the central cluster of buildings at the Meridian Gate, enhancing the sense of depth.

1. Travel Tips: It is recommended to visit on a sunny day for better shooting under the blue sky.
2. Other Tips: ① Try to enter the park before 8:30 AM or after 1:00 PM to avoid peak hours; ② The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, so be sure to make a reservation in advance and don't show up to find it closed.

The Palace Museum - The Meridian Gate outside the Golden Water Bridge

The photographer stands beneath the wall, looking up to capture the eaves, with blooming trees above, showcasing the integration of architectural details and natural scenery.
Additional experience: Chengqian Palace is currently not open to the public, so you can only catch a glimpse from outside the palace walls. However, the pear blossoms are in full bloom and are absolutely stunning.

The Palace Museum - Pear Blossoms on the Eaves of Chengqian Palace

The model stands beside the moat railing, holding a skewer of candied fruit naturally, adding a touch of everyday life. The shot is taken from a level angle, with a composition that highlights the subject, incorporating the corner tower and the reflection in the water in the background, preserving the layers of the environment.

Travel Tips: The best time to visit is from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM or from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM when the light is soft and the crowds are smaller.

The Forbidden City - Beside the Moat of Donghua Gate