1. Shooting Angle: Position yourself at the center of the second or third floor of the Arrow Tower to capture the Dashila Street scene from above, keeping the camera level and centered on the street’s central axis. 2. Composition: Use a symmetrical composition with the street’s central axis as the leading line to enhance the sense of depth and visual guidance. 3. Lens Focal Length: It’s recommended to use a 24mm-35mm focal length (1x lens on a phone), with a moderate wide-angle to cover the street and architectural details without over-compressing the background. 4. Framing: Include the archway, the street, buildings, and the distant city skyline. Also, pay attention to capturing the foreground crowd and the tram to add liveliness and depth to the image. 1. Travel Tips: Advance booking is required for visiting the Zhengyang Gate Arrow Tower. 2. Additional Tips: ① The Zhengyang Gate Arrow Tower is an ancient structure with limited capacity on the ramps and stairs. Please take safety precautions during your visit. ② Volunteer guided tours are available at 11:30 AM, located at No. 2 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District.

Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower - A Corner of the City Tower

The photographer stands at a close distance in front of the building and takes a shot looking up, which highlights the grandeur and majesty of the architecture. The ancient building, centered in the frame, can become the absolute visual focal point. 1. Travel Tips: Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. 2. Additional Tips: - Free guided tours are available at 9:30, 11:30, 13:30, and 15:30. - ID is required to enter the site. - Reserve your visit up to 7 days in advance through the official WeChat account of the Beijing Central Axis Heritage Protection Center.

Qianmen Street - Rear view of Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower

The photographer stood to the side of the arrow tower and used a low-angle shot to capture the entire structure. A medium-telephoto lens was used with a central composition to place the main subject, the arrow tower, at the center of the frame, highlighting the subject. Travel Tips: The arrow tower is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). It is closed on Mondays except for public holidays.

Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower - Capture the night view of the side of the Arrow Tower.

The photographer uses frame-within-a-frame composition, employing the window frame to create a visual boundary that enhances the depth and focus of the image. The main subjects are the Zhengyang Gate archway and the street, with the background capturing the distant buildings and sky, adding depth and visual guidance. It is recommended to use a telephoto lens, which is suitable for compressing the distance and making the street appear longer. Travel Tips: 1. Reserve your visit at least 7 days in advance through the official WeChat account of the Beijing Central Axis Heritage Conservation Center. Tickets are released at 17:00 daily, and the site is closed on Mondays. 2. Opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Guided tours are available at 9:30, 11:30, 13:30, and 15:30 in the first-floor lobby, lasting about one hour.

Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower - Aerial view of the door frame of Zhengyangmen.

The model stands at the edge of the terrace, while the photographer, positioned opposite the model, uses a level shot technique. The model is placed at the right one-third of the frame according to the rule of thirds, aligned with the central axis, with the background incorporating the ancient architectural complex along the central axis. Travel Tip: The best time for shooting is at sunset when the light is optimal.

Beijing Tiananmen Huajian Tang - Terrace and Ancient Architectural Complex

Photo by Zhengyang Gate - City Tower

Zhengyang Gate - City Tower

The model stands at the edge of the platform, with the photographer capturing the model and the Zhengyang Gate Tower in the background. 1. Equipment: Fuji XH2S, lens 18-55mm. 2. Posing: Facing away from the camera and turning back, or standing sideways, or walking forward with a large step. 3. Travel Tips: Admission is free, but you need to book in advance through the Beijing Central Axis Heritage Protection Center’s official WeChat account, with tickets released daily at 5:00 PM, 7 days ahead. 4. Additional Tips: Arrive early to capture scenes without crowds. If you arrive after your scheduled time, you can still enter.

Zhengyang Gate - Arrow Tower Second Floor Platform

The photographer stands in front of the building and uses a medium telephoto lens to shoot at eye level, placing the traditional ancient architecture in front of the modern buildings, with a blue sky as the background. 1. Travel Tips: ① Admission: Free entry, but advance reservation is required, and tickets are verified with an ID card. ② Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry at 4:30 PM, closed on Mondays. 2. Additional Tips: ① Free baggage storage is available upon entry, and bags, power banks, liquids, selfie sticks, and food must be stored. ② Cameras are allowed for photography. ③ Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours for your visit. ④ Free guided tours are offered four times a day at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.

Beijing Zhengyang Gate - Traditional Ancient Architecture and Modern Architecture

The model can sit or stand on the stairs while the photographer captures the shots from below. 1. Equipment Settings: Fujifilm XH2S, 18-55mm lens. 2. Photography Poses: ① Sit on the steps, resting your chin in your hand, looking straight ahead, and smiling. ② Stand on the steps, leaning against the red railing on the inside, with your arms crossed, facing the light. Choose a step where the light hits your face for a better shot. 3. Travel Tips: Admission is free, but you need to book in advance on the Beijing Central Axis Heritage Protection Center's WeChat account, 7 days before your visit. Booking slots are released every day at 5:00 PM. Book your slot based on the time you plan to visit. Even if you exceed the time, you can still enter, but you can only bring your phone and camera. Other items must be stored at the security checkpoint at the North Gate.

Zhengyang Gate - Red Staircase of the Arrow Tower

Model should stand next to the Zhengyang Gate stone arch, not directly underneath it, to add more structure to the composition. The photographer should shoot from a distance of 3 meters. Equipment settings: Fuji XH2S, lens 18-55. Poses: 1. The model leans against the wall, arms crossed in front of the chest, head slightly raised, looking towards the sunlight. 2. In front of the stone arch, take large steps forward while the photographer captures the movement. 3. Turn the head sideways and look up at the "Zhengyang Gate" inscription. Travel tips: It's recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds and capture scenes without people. Make a reservation for a specific time slot, but you can still enter if you’re a bit late. Only mobile phones and cameras are allowed; all other items must be stored at the security checkpoint at the north gate.

Zhengyang Gate - City Wall