The photographer stands at a lower position on the front steps of the Taihe Palace, shooting the model from an eye-level angle. Using a contrast composition, the model’s black clothing contrasts with the yellow roof and grayish-white steps of the Taihe Palace, highlighting the subject. A medium to telephoto lens is used to compress the space, making the model, steps, and palace appear closely together, while also blurring parts of the background. Travel Tips: ① Opening Hours: Closes at 4:30 PM during the off-season. ② Entry Time: Buying a ticket for the morning allows you to arrive around 10 AM.

The Front Steps of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City

Using a centered composition, the model is positioned in the middle of the frame, with the lines of the red walls and the eaves of the Forbidden City forming natural leading lines that enhance the sense of depth. The photographer shoots from a level angle to maintain stability and clarity of the subject, while incorporating elements of the red walls and Forbidden City architecture in the background to create a strong sense of traditional culture. It is recommended to use a standard focal length or a 2x lens on a smartphone to highlight the color contrast between the subject and the background, enhancing the visual impact. The model’s arms are crossed naturally, improving the overall harmony and storytelling of the image. Additional suggestions: The light between 3 PM and 5 PM is softer, making the red walls more vibrant and the light and shadow effects better, which is ideal for shooting various styles of photos.

The Palace Museum - The Root of the Red Wall of the Forbidden City

The model stands in front of the building, and the photographer positions themselves one to two arm's lengths away. You can try using a 2x/medium-telephoto lens. Shooting equipment: Fuji XE4 with an 18-50mm, f2.8 lens. 1. Shooting time: Around 3 PM, with great lighting. Outfit: Simple and clean, black, white, or gray are versatile choices. 2. Poses: Looking at the camera or not is fine, but posing with a side profile adds more cinematic feel.

The Hall of Preserving Harmony side view in the Forbidden City.

From the vantage point, the photographer stands at a slight angle in front of the corner tower, capturing the scene at eye level, showcasing the complete view of the tower and the water. The composition uses symmetrical framing, with the water serving as the axis of symmetry, mirroring the tower and its reflection to create a sense of balance and stability. A medium to long focal length lens is used to compress the space, emphasizing the architectural details of the tower and highlighting its ancient and solemn beauty. Travel Tip: Admission is free.

The Forbidden City - capture the northwest corner tower and the lake surface.

Use symmetrical composition to highlight the solemnity of the Meridian Gate; frame your shot through doorways or window lattices to add depth and interest to the image; you can also try shooting from a low angle to emphasize the grandeur of the Meridian Gate. 1. Equipment Settings: It is recommended to use a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera with a super wide-angle lens (14 - 24mm) to capture the entire majestic view of the Meridian Gate and the surrounding night scenery, or a telephoto lens (70 - 200mm) for detailed close-ups of the gate. 2. Shooting Time: The best time for photography is from 7 PM to 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, when all the lights of the Meridian Gate are on, and there are relatively fewer tourists, allowing for better composition without crowd interference.

The Forbidden City - Meridian Gate railing area

The photographer stands at a relatively rear position inside the Qianqing Palace and uses an upward shooting angle. This position and angle allow the 'Zhengda Guangming' plaque, dragon motifs, and the throne to be fully captured in the frame, emphasizing the solemnity and grandeur of the interior architecture of the Qianqing Palace and showcasing the majesty of the imperial palace. The composition employs a central framing technique, placing the 'Zhengda Guangming' plaque and the throne at the center of the frame, making them the focal point. Additionally, the inherent symmetry of the architecture, with elements distributed evenly on both sides, enhances the stability and order of the image, highlighting the neat layout and traditional Chinese aesthetics of the Qianqing Palace. 1. Travel Tips: For the morning session ticket to the Forbidden City, the latest check-in time is 12:00 PM. For the afternoon session ticket, the earliest check-in time is 11:00 AM. It is recommended to arrive early when there are fewer people, which will improve the visual effect of the photos. 2. Additional Tips: ① Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking in the Forbidden City. ② There are no power banks available for rent inside the Forbidden City, so it is advisable to bring your own. ③ Reflectors for photography are not allowed inside the Forbidden City, and tripods over 1.3 meters in height are also prohibited.

The Palace Museum - The plaque in the hall reads "Glorious and Bright".

The model stands on the east side of the corner, and the photographer shoots from west to east, capturing the palace in the northwest corner of the Forbidden City, making sure to include the frozen river surface. 1. Equipment settings: Fuji XH2S, lens 18-55. 2. Travel tips: ① Ticket price: Free, no need to enter the Forbidden City. If you plan to visit the Forbidden City, you need to make a reservation 7 days in advance through the Palace Museum’s mini program, with a ticket price of $40 per person. ② Shooting time: The afternoon is the perfect time for shooting in the direction of the light. The golden hour is between 15:40 and 16:20, which is particularly beautiful. 3. Fashion suggestions: 1. Classical and elegant style: Choose a Hanfu or a modified cheongsam, paired with simple hairpins or earrings, to complement the red walls and golden tiles of the Forbidden City, capturing a traditional Chinese aesthetic. 2. Minimalist and modern style: Wear a white or beige knitted sweater with high-waisted wide-legged pants, and add a camel-colored coat. This look is understated yet exudes sophistication, perfect for autumn and winter photography. 3. Artistic and fresh style: Pair a light-colored dress with a beret and small leather shoes, and hold a vintage notebook to create a literary atmosphere. 4. Retro and contrasting style: Try deep brick red or dark green sweaters or coats to create a striking contrast with the Forbidden City’s colors, making the photos more eye-catching. 5. Warm and practical style: For winter shooting, choose a long down jacket with a scarf and snow boots, opting for light gray or cream colors.

The Forbidden City - Northwest Corner Tower

The model and photographer stand facing each other, with the model on a step and the photographer framing the shot with the wooden window above. Equipment: Fujifilm XH2S, lens 18-55mm. Posing suggestions: 1. Lean against the window or door, one hand on the window, the other in your pocket, looking sideways towards the light. 2. Stand in front of the window, facing the camera but looking to the side, one hand brushing your hair. Ticket price: 40 CNY per person, book in advance on the Palace Museum's mini program 7 days before your visit. Opening hours: For afternoon sessions, enter after 11:00 AM; for morning sessions, enter before 12:00 PM. Try to avoid carrying a bag and use the no-bag security checkpoint to reduce queue time. Walk around to the Wu Gate and then proceed to the Meridian Gate for ticket inspection to skip the security check at Tiananmen, which can save time.

The Forbidden City - Rear Right Gate Doors and Windows

Due to the limited interior space and viewing distance of the Qianqing Palace, photographers can stand on the steps outside the palace, slightly adjust the angle, and align the lens directly with the “Huangjian Youji” plaque, trying to avoid interference from surrounding people. Use central composition to place the plaque in the center of the frame, highlighting the main subject. 1. Travel Tips: The ticket price for the Palace Museum is 60 RMB per person during peak season and 40 RMB per person during off-season. Tickets need to be booked in advance through the official website or WeChat official account, with new tickets released at 8:00 PM daily. The opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM. 2. Additional Tips: ① Lighters, luggage over 20 inches, bags, and pets are prohibited. ② The Palace Museum offers services such as dining, restrooms, nursing rooms, and wheelchair access. ③ Around the winter solstice, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the sunlight gradually illuminates the 'Zhengda Guangming' plaque and the five golden dragons in the Qianqing Palace, creating a spectacular scene. This can also be observed a few days before and after the winter solstice, provided the weather is clear. ④ Arrive early to avoid missing the best lighting effects.

The Palace Museum - Imperial Architecture Plaque

The photographer is positioned slightly below and to the side of the bronze lion, shooting upwards to emphasize its majesty. By using a shallow depth of field, the contrast between the clear foreground and the blurred background enhances the three-dimensional effect, with the Taihe Gate as the background and the stone lion as the foreground. A standard lens is used to naturally reproduce the proportions of the objects, clearly showcasing the texture, details, and colors of the bronze lion. 1. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Prices: Off-peak season 40 RMB per person, peak season 60 RMB per person. ② Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays except for statutory holidays. Peak season 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, off-peak season 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. ③ Entry Time: The earliest admission time is 11:00 AM, and the latest admission time is 12:00 PM. 2. Additional Tips: ① Reflectors, tripods, stands, and self-extending poles over 1.3 meters are not allowed inside the Forbidden City. ② Entry to the Forbidden City is only through the Meridian Gate.

The Palace Museum - Bronze Lions and the Eaves of Taihemen