The model stands in front of the door on the right, and the photographer stands one to two arms' length behind. Try using a 2x/medium telephoto lens. 1. Equipment info: Fujifilm XE4, lens 18-50mm f/2.8. 2. Posing tips: Side-on to the camera for a more cinematic feel. 3. Timing advice: Aim to shoot around 3:00 PM for great light. 4. Outfit suggestions: Keep it simple and clean, with black, white, and gray being versatile choices.

The Forbidden City - Middle Right Gate

The photographer stands right at the center of the Inner Golden Water Bridge, using a level shooting angle to maintain a balanced frame. Utilize the leading lines of the bridge’s railings to guide the viewer’s eye towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony at the center of the scene. Use the 1x focal length on your camera or smartphone, which is ideal for capturing large architectural structures and wide vistas. Travel Tip: Try to arrive early in the morning when the light is best for photography. Be the first to get to your spot as soon as the gates open to capture the scene without any distractions or crowds.

The Forbidden City - Golden Water Bridge in the Taihe Hall Square

The photographer is taking a level shot of the artifact, with the camera positioned at the same height as the base of the artifact, ensuring the image is straight and the main subject is fully presented. The details of the artifact are highlighted while avoiding an overly compressed background.

Beijing Palace Museum - Jade Carving of Cranes and Deer in Spring Mountain Scene

The model stands on the steps, with the photographer standing about an arm’s length away at the bottom of the steps. Using a 2x or medium telephoto lens will create a better sense of integration between the subject and the scenery. You can switch the focus between the model and the building. Equipment parameters: Fuji XE4, 18-50mm f2.8 lens. Posing: The model doesn’t need to look at the camera; a back view can also produce great shots. Travel tips: It’s recommended to arrive at the shooting location around 10:00 AM on a sunny day, when there are fewer people and the light is good. Dressing tips: Avoid warm tones, as they can blend in with the surroundings. Black, white, and gray are more versatile.

The Forbidden City - Shoukang Palace

The model stands by the stone railing in front of the Jade Emerald Pavilion, while the photographer positions themselves at the barrier opposite the small lake in front of the pavilion. 1. Equipment settings: Fuji XH2S, lens 18-55mm. It's recommended to slow down the shutter speed, with the model remaining absolutely still to blur out passersby. 2. Travel tips: Book a slot for entry after 11:00 AM or before 12:00 PM. Try to avoid carrying a backpack and use the no-bag security channel to reduce waiting time.

The Forbidden City - Yu Cui Pavilion in the Imperial Garden

The model stands in front of the door, with the photographer shooting from a distance of 2-3 meters. 1. Equipment information: Fujifilm XH2S, lens 18-55mm. 2. Posing tips: Facing away from the camera, looking to the side, or standing at a half-angle with the head slightly lifted and one hand touching the hair. 3. Travel tips: Book a session in the afternoon, entering after 11:00 AM, or enter before 12:00 PM for the morning session. 4. Additional advice: Avoid carrying a backpack and use the no-bag security checkpoint to reduce queuing time. Take a detour from Xihua Gate to Wumen Gate for ticket inspection to avoid the security check at Tiananmen Gate, which can save time.

The Forbidden City - Shoukang Gate

The photographer stands at the side of a Forbidden City building, shooting slightly upward. The person is positioned in the lower right corner of the frame, with the Hall of Supreme Harmony filling the upper space as a background, balancing the composition. A standard lens is used to accurately depict the proportions and spatial layers of the scene. 1. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Price: Forbidden City tickets must be booked in advance through official channels. Peak season tickets cost 60 RMB per person, off-peak season tickets cost 40 RMB per person, and some exhibitions require additional tickets. ② Best Photography Times: Before 10:00 AM when there are fewer visitors and the light is soft, making it ideal for both photography and touring. After 2:00 PM, as crowds thin out, the serenity and beauty of the Forbidden City become more apparent. After 3:00 PM, the Forbidden City under the sunset is especially picturesque, particularly the corner towers and red walls, which are heaven for photography enthusiasts. 2. Dress Suggestions: Chinese-style coats. 3. Other Tips: ① Arrive early in the morning to secure good shooting spots. ② Book tickets at least one week in advance to ensure a smooth trip. ③ The Forbidden City is vast, so wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy this historical journey.

The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the stone pillars and the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The photographer captures the view from the opposite bank of the lake, incorporating the corner tower, the lake, and the trees on the shore into the frame. By using a symmetrical composition, the reflection in the water creates a mirror image of the corner tower, enhancing the balance of the scene. The distribution of the trees fills the space on both sides, highlighting the main subject, the corner tower. It is recommended to use a standard lens to accurately reproduce the proportions of the scene, clearly capturing the architectural details of the corner tower, the reflection in the water, and the layers of the trees, ensuring the image appears natural, true, and with a prominent subject. 1. Travel Tips: It is suggested to shoot on a clear or snowy day. If there are a few clouds in the sky, they can create a streak effect. 2. Other Tips: Wear comfortable athletic shoes.

The Palace Museum - Northwest Corner Tower

1. The model stands on the platform, and the photographer stands below, shooting slightly upward to capture the feeling of a floating city in the sky. 2. If it's impossible to avoid people, you can slow down the shutter speed, keeping the model absolutely still to blur the passersby into ghostly figures. Equipment settings: Fujifilm XH2S, lens 18-55. Entry time: If you book the afternoon session, you can enter after 11:00 AM; if you book the morning session, aim to enter before 12:00 PM. It's recommended to be among the first to enter to capture empty scenes; otherwise, you won't get the shots without people. Travel tips: Try to avoid carrying a backpack; keep your items in your pockets to use a dedicated security lane, reducing queuing time. Enter through the Xihua Gate and then proceed to the Wu Gate for ticket inspection, bypassing the security check at Tiananmen, which can also save you time.

The Forbidden City - Xihe Gate

The photographer stands beside the guardrail on the north side of the Jinshui River, adopting an eye-level shooting angle. The rule of thirds is applied to frame the composition: horizontally, the sky occupies the upper third of the frame, while the buildings and water take up the lower two-thirds; vertically, the Jinshui River and the guardrails extend along the third lines, guiding the viewer’s attention to the buildings. A standard lens is used to accurately depict the scale of the palace, the Jinshui River, and the surrounding space, showcasing the architectural layout of the Forbidden City. 1. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Prices: Off-season adult tickets cost 40 RMB, 60 RMB for seniors aged 60 and above; Peak season adult tickets cost 60 RMB, 30 RMB for seniors aged 60 and above. ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. 2. Additional Tips: It is recommended to book and reserve tickets at least one day in advance through the Forbidden City Museum’s mini-program.

The Forbidden City - Golden Water River and Yellow Glazed Tile Palaces