The photographer stands at a distance from Tianyimen, using a slightly upward angle to highlight the roof tiles and the Tianyimen plaque details. With a central composition, the main structure of the archway is placed in the center of the frame, showcasing symmetrical beauty. The foreground includes pine branches on the left to add depth, while the background retains trees to enhance the environmental atmosphere. Travel Tips: ① Ticket Price: Off-season 40 RMB, Peak Season 60 RMB; ② Opening Hours: Peak Season 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Off-season 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

The Palace Museum - Tianyimen Archway

Using a before-and-after composition, position the red door on the right side of the frame as the main foreground element to highlight the carved details. In the background, include the red pillar on the left and the rooftops of the distant palace to add depth. The photographer should use a level shot to ensure the main subject is clear.

The Forbidden City - Red gates and pillars with roof architecture.

Use a top-down angle to place the floral patterns on the belly of the vase and the regular script poetry in the center of the frame, ensuring a centered composition that highlights the main decorative elements and text. Focus the shot on the belly of the vase, and keep the background simple by retaining the gray wall of the display case to avoid any distracting elements. Adjust the exposure to ensure the patterns and text are sharp and clear. Travel Tips: ① Admission: 40 RMB per person; ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

The Palace Museum in Beijing - Porcelain with floral designs on the belly.

The model is sitting on the ground in front of a red wall, positioned slightly to the left of the center of the frame. The photographer uses a level shot and the rule of thirds to balance the composition between the model and the red wall. The scene includes a weathered red wall in the background, stone tiles in the foreground, and the light and shadow in the cracks of the wall. The model is sitting sideways, supporting herself with one hand and pointing towards the wall's cracks, creating a natural and interactive pose. A wide-angle or 1x focal length on a phone is recommended to capture the texture of the red wall and the overall atmosphere of the environment.

The Forbidden City - Taking a photo with the ancient red walls

The photographer stands in front of the throne and uses a level angle to ensure that the plaque "Taihe is Full" is on the same vertical line as the throne. The composition is symmetrical, with the plaque centered at the top, the couplets symmetrically placed on both sides, and the throne centered below, highlighting solemnity. The frame includes the plaque, couplets, blue-paneled screen, and throne, while retaining the wooden structures and partial windows on both sides. A wide-angle lens is recommended to fully capture the internal layout. Ticket prices: Peak season (April 1 - October 31): 60 RMB per person, Off-season (November 1 - March 31): 40 RMB per person, free for minors, and 10 RMB each for the Treasure Gallery and Clocks and Watches Gallery (can be purchased upon entry). Opening hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:40 PM), and the museum is closed on Mondays (except for statutory holidays).

The Palace Museum - The Hall of Supreme Harmony is filled with plaques and intricate furnishings.

The photographer stands at an appropriate distance to capture the scene, allowing the figure in traditional costume to blend naturally with the ancient architectural elements such as plaques and door windows, creating a classical setting. Using a central composition, the figure is placed at the core of the frame, with the architectural details serving as the background. The traditional costume and the intricate textures of the ancient architecture enhance the visual focus and create a classical atmosphere.

The Palace Museum in Beijing - Hall of Morality

Use a centered composition with the two cartoon bear sculptures positioned in the middle of the frame to highlight the main subjects. Shoot at eye level to ensure the sculptures appear natural in their poses. Include the red walls and the roof tiles above in the background, and incorporate the stone railing at the bottom of the frame to add depth. Minimize the background to focus on the details of the sculptures and the contrast with the red walls of the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City - Two plump cat sculptures in front of the red walls.

The photographer stands below the eaves to take a shot from a low angle, with the main structure of the building positioned on the right side of the frame. The eave lines extend from the lower right to the upper left, forming a diagonal composition that guides the viewer’s eye to focus on the ridge beasts and roof tile details. The composition includes a partial view of the eaves and a clean sky background, clearly showcasing the intricate carvings and architectural layers. Travel Tips: ① Admission Fee: 60 RMB per person; ② Opening Hours: The museum opens at 8:30 AM, and entry is allowed until 4:00 PM. Entry to the Treasure Hall and Clock Hall stops at 4:10 PM, and the museum closes at 5:00 PM.

The Palace Museum - Double-layered Eave with Sculptures of Mythical Beasts

Photo by The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the courtyard trees and red pillars.

The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the courtyard trees and red pillars.

Photo by The Forbidden City - Golden Stone Lion Sculpture

The Forbidden City - Golden Stone Lion Sculpture