The Forbidden City - Xihe Gate
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No. 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, within the Forbidden City Museum.
Photography Tips
1. The model stands on the platform, and the photographer stands below, shooting slightly upward to capture the feeling of a floating city in the sky. 2. If it's impossible to avoid people, you can slow down the shutter speed, keeping the model absolutely still to blur the passersby into ghostly figures. Equipment settings: Fujifilm XH2S, lens 18-55. Entry time: If you book the afternoon session, you can enter after 11:00 AM; if you book the morning session, aim to enter before 12:00 PM. It's recommended to be among the first to enter to capture empty scenes; otherwise, you won't get the shots without people. Travel tips: Try to avoid carrying a backpack; keep your items in your pockets to use a dedicated security lane, reducing queuing time. Enter through the Xihua Gate and then proceed to the Wu Gate for ticket inspection, bypassing the security check at Tiananmen, which can also save you time.
Walking Guide
After reaching the Xihua Gate, turn right and walk 600 meters to reach the Wu Gate.
After the inspection, proceed straight for 900 meters to reach the Xihua Gate of the Forbidden City.
Turn left upon entry to reach the Xuhe Gate.
Exit at Tiananmen West Station, Exit B of Line 1, turn left and walk 10 meters to Nanchang Street, and pass through the ID checkpoint.
Pass through the Xihe Gate, and on the other side of the door is the camera position.
