The turtle stone statue is prominently featured in the center of the frame, highlighting the main subject details. The photographer uses a top-down angle, shooting from a slightly higher position to fully capture the texture of the statue’s back and the shape of its head. The composition includes the background’s red walls, golden buildings, and stone balustrades, reflecting the atmosphere of the Forbidden City.

Travel Tips:
① Admission Fee: 60 RMB
② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

The Forbidden City - Turtle Statue

Photo by The Forbidden City - Upward shot of the architectural eaves and colored painting structures.

The Forbidden City - Upward shot of the architectural eaves and colored painting structures.

The photographer stands below the Jifumen Gate and takes a wide-angle shot to highlight the architectural details and the gate plaque. The plaque of Jifumen is positioned slightly to the left of the center of the frame, with symmetrical yellow glazed tiles, red pillars, and blue bracket sets around it. The shot includes the upper part of the building, with foliage from the upper left corner adding depth to the foreground.

Travel Tips:
①Ticket Price: 60 RMB in peak season, 40 RMB in off-season.
②Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, last entry at 4:00 PM, closed on Mondays.

Beijing's Forbidden City - Jifu Gate architectural details and gate plaque

Using a level shot, position the model at the one-third mark on the right side of the frame to balance the person with the ancient architecture. The composition should include red walls, golden rooftops, and falling snow to highlight the snowy atmosphere of the Forbidden City. The model should raise her hand to gently catch a snowflake, adding a natural and storytelling element to the scene. Compress the background to emphasize the main subject and the architectural details.

The Palace Museum - Snowscape and Partial Ancient Architecture of the Yanxi Gate

The incense burner is positioned at the center of the frame, highlighting its symmetrical shape and intricate details. The camera is at eye level with the incense burner, showcasing the full view of the object. The shot includes the white railing, stone pillars, and the blue sky in the background, while retaining the base in the foreground to add depth to the environment.

The Palace Museum - Incense Burners and Balustrades

Use an upward shooting angle and recommend using a wide-angle lens. Incorporate snow-covered branches in the foreground to add depth, and include the city wall and corner tower in the background, with the corner tower positioned at the top of the frame. Capture the snow on the ground, and let the natural lines of the branches guide the viewer's eye to the main subject, showcasing the ancient and serene atmosphere of the Forbidden City during a snowfall. 

Travel tips:
① Ticket prices: 60 RMB per person (April 1 to October 31), 40 RMB per person (November 1 to March 31), free for minors;
② Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).

The Forbidden City in Beijing - Snow Scenery with Tree Branches and City Walls

Foreground branches of weeping willows add depth, while the midground focuses on the red walls and yellow-tiled roofs, with the background retaining a clear blue sky to highlight the architectural details and sense of depth. A telephoto lens is recommended to emphasize the details and depth of the architecture.

The Forbidden City - capturing the red walls and yellow-tiled roofs through willow branches.

The photographer stands in the foreground in front of the palace walls, using an upward angle to place the carved red walls and upturned eaves of the roof in the lower half of the frame. The upper part is left for the blue sky and white clouds, balancing the proportions of the architecture and sky. The composition includes a complete circular carving, red wall, upturned roof, and a large area of clouds, highlighting the details and color contrast of the ancient architecture.

Travel Tips:
① Ticket Price: 60 RMB per person, tickets need to be booked in advance through the official WeChat account, with a 7-day advance booking period.
② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays.

The Forbidden City - Carved Wall Panels and Eave Architecture

Using the artificial cave entrance as a natural frame, highlight the central red palace gate. The photographer should shoot from a level angle to ensure the palace gate is centered and upright. The composition should include the cave entrance rocks and the complete palace gate, avoiding any extra elements, to compress the space and emphasize the details and symmetry of the palace gate.

Travel Tips:
① Ticket Prices: 60 RMB during peak season, 40 RMB during off-season.
② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry at 4:00 PM, closed on Mondays.

The Forbidden City in Beijing - Rockery Cave Entrance and Red Palace Gate

The photographer adopts a level shooting angle with the blue porcelain cylinder as the main subject in the foreground, positioned at the center of the frame. The midground features a screen and furniture, while the background retains the red wall, enhancing the depth and atmosphere of the exhibition hall. The composition includes the main subject in the foreground, exhibits in the midground, and the red wall in the background, effectively showcasing the layout of the exhibits.

Travel Tips:
1. Ticket Prices: The entrance fee for the Meridian Gate varies by season. From April 1 to October 31, the peak season ticket costs 60 RMB, and from November 1 to March 31 of the following year, the off-peak season ticket costs 40 RMB. Tickets for the Treasure Gallery and Clock Museum are sold separately and both cost 10 RMB each.
2. Opening Hours: From April 1 to October 31, the opening hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:10 PM). From November 1 to March 31 of the following year, the opening hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:10 PM).

The Forbidden City - Blue Porcelain Tub and Screen Exhibits in Wuying Hall