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

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No. 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 90 meters north of the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City.

Photography Tips

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.

Walking Guide

Take Beijing Subway Line 1 and get off at Tiananmen East Station or Tiananmen West Station. If you exit at Tiananmen East Station, use Exit B. If you exit at Tiananmen West Station, use Exit B or C, both of which provide easy access to the entrance of the Forbidden City. After exiting the subway or bus stop, follow these steps: First, go through security to enter the Tiananmen Square area, then head towards the Forbidden City. Enter the Palace Museum through the Meridian Gate (the southern gate of the Forbidden City), and remember to book your ticket in advance. After passing through the Meridian Gate, cross the Golden Water Bridge and head towards the Gate of Supreme Harmony. In the square in front of the Gate of Supreme Harmony, find the section of the Golden Water River, and position yourself for the perfect photo.