1. Standing on the steps at the entrance, the photographer can capture more autumn leaves while avoiding the crowd. 2. A wide angle lens is prone to capturing passersby; it’s better to use a medium or long focal length lens. Best shooting time: On a sunny day, you can witness stunning light and shadow. It’s best to arrive before 3:00 PM for the best viewing experience.

The Forbidden City - Yinxiang Trees at Yanxi Palace

The model stands by the corner of the staircase, while the photographer stands a little back, about an arm's length away, on the steps below. Using a 2x or medium-telephoto lens can better capture the harmony between the person and the scenery while avoiding crowds. Equipment settings: Fuji XE4, lens 18-50mm f/2.8. Pose suggestions: The model doesn't have to look at the camera; a back view can also produce great results. Trip tips: It's recommended to arrive at the location around 10:00 AM on a sunny morning, when there are fewer people and the light is good, making for great photos. Outfit suggestions: Avoid warm tones, as they can blend in. Black, white, and gray are more versatile and flattering.

The Forbidden City - Kunning Palace

The model stands on the roadside opposite the corner tower, while the photographer crouches to take a mid-shot from below. Ensure the tower is fully captured, using the rule of thirds for composition. Place the model at the lower right intersection of the thirds, and position the tower along the upper third line to add balance. Use a 35mm lens or the 1x focal length on a smartphone to capture both the tower’s details and the model’s mid-shot. Equipment settings: Fuji XT30II with 18-55mm lens.

The Forbidden City - Southwest Corner Tower Wall

The photographer uses a low angle and upward shot with the model standing in front of the Meridian Gate, highlighting the solemnity of the attire and the background. The rule of thirds is applied, with the model positioned in the lower left third of the frame and the architecture occupying the upper two-thirds, adding depth to the composition. A 50mm lens on a camera or a 2x zoom on a smartphone is used to avoid distortion from wide-angle lenses and to emphasize the subject. Pose: The model lifts the sleeve to dynamically showcase the details of the clothing, creating a sense of movement and classical beauty.

The Forbidden City - Meridian Gate

Stand on one side of the arch, with one hand touching the wall, and look towards the light; the photographer can capture the layers of the door behind you. Standing in the middle of the arch, spread your arms and slightly tilt your body to block the passersby behind you. Shooting Equipment: Fuji XH2S, 18-55mm lens. Entry Price: 40 RMB per person. Travel Tips: Book your ticket 7 days in advance through the Forbidden City Museum mini-program. For afternoon entry, book a slot after 11:00 AM to enter; for morning entry, book a slot before 12:00 PM to enter. Try to avoid carrying a backpack to reduce queuing time. Walk around from the West Hua Gate to the Wu Gate for ticket inspection to avoid the security check at Tiananmen Square and save time.

The Forbidden City - Stone Archway

1. Photographer's Position: The photographer stands at a relatively close position in front of the Shenwu Gate, shooting from a low angle looking upwards. 2. Composition Technique: Symmetrical composition is used, with the central axis of the Shenwu Gate as the reference point, and the architectural structures on both sides are symmetrically distributed, enhancing the stability and solemnity of the image. 3. Lens Usage: A medium to telephoto lens is used to clearly capture the architectural details and the text on the plaque, compressing the space to make the various elements of the building tightly integrated, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and heaviness. The North Gate of the Forbidden City (Shenwu Gate) is lit up around 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Equipment: Both smartphones and cameras can be used, but a telephoto lens is required. Post-processing: Increase the overall color temperature, shadows, exposure, contrast, and saturation to achieve the desired effect, with specific parameters adjusted according to the original image.

The Gate of Divine Might - Plaque

1. You can choose to go to one side of the Nine-Dragon Wall, where you can avoid the crowds and take photos with an unobstructed view. 2. Lean against the stone railing, with your hands resting on it. You can look at the camera or to the side, choosing the most relaxed pose. 1. Equipment: Fuji XH2S, 18-55mm lens. 2. Entry Time: Book a slot for the afternoon session after 11:00 AM, or the morning session before 12:00 PM. 3. Other Tips: ① Try to avoid carrying a backpack and use the no-bag security checkpoint to reduce queuing time. ② Walk around to the Meridian Gate via the Xihua Gate for ticket inspection, which can help you avoid the security check at Tiananmen and save time.

The Forbidden City - Nine Dragon Screen

The model is by the river opposite Gate 5 (or find a quiet riverside spot at your discretion), and the photographer is positioned to the right front of the model, close to the railing. Equipment settings: Fuji XT30II, lens 18-55.

The Forbidden City - Along the Moat - Shenwu Gate and Corner Towers

Shooting Tips: The model should stand on flat ground while the photographer stands two arm lengths away, using a 2x/medium-telephoto lens. Shooting Time: 3-5 PM, when the lighting is better. Shooting Gear: Fuji XE4 + 18-50mm f/2.8. Outfit Suggestions: The red walls and dark tiles of the Forbidden City create a solemn atmosphere, making it ideal 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 Museum - Taihe Hall, framed with the balustrade and the architectural complex.

The model stands slightly to the right front of the琉璃花墙 (stained glass flower wall), close to a stone pillar. The photographer shoots from a slightly lower angle, with the camera positioned about 1.5 meters away from the model. It is recommended to use an 85mm lens on a camera or a 2x zoom on a smartphone to compress the space and highlight the subject and background details. 1. **Posing Tips**: Stand in front of the stained glass flower wall. You can slightly turn your body to let the sunlight fall on your face, or use the stained glass flowers as a foreground with the person in the background, smiling, to create depth in the photo. 2. **Timing Tips**: Early in the morning when the venue opens or late in the afternoon just before closing, the light is soft, making for excellent light and shadow effects in photos. 3. **Dress Code**: Wearing simple and elegant traditional or modern clothing can result in great photos.

The Forbidden City - Glazed Flower Wall to the Right of Qianqing Gate