The photographer stands on the high ground to the north of the Yongning Gate city wall, facing the Bell Tower and taking a frontal shot. A central composition is chosen to place the Bell Tower in the center of the frame, with the traffic flow on South Street creating a sense of depth. Red lanterns and street lamps are symmetrically arranged to enhance the balance of the image. The camera lens focal length used is 85mm or a 3x zoom on a smartphone, compressing the picture space to highlight the Bell Tower and the traffic flow.

Yongning Gate – Tower Shot from North Wall

The photographer stands slightly in front of the model, about four meters away. The camera is positioned horizontally, and attention should be paid to the composition to avoid distortion and to exclude unnecessary clutter. Use a focal length of 70mm.

1. Equipment Settings: The camera uses a zoom lens of 24-70, with an aperture around 4.
2. Travel Tips: The recommended time is 8 AM.
3. Photo Poses:
   ① The subject stands at the edge of the eaves' shadow, stretching both arms to touch the eaves' corners. The photographer takes a low-angle shot, using the brackets and flying eaves as a natural frame.
   ② One hand rests on the vermilion column, while the other hand hangs naturally, gazing into the distance at the city wall.
   ③ When wearing wide-sleeved Hanfu or a long coat, capture the moment when the garment flares as the person turns suddenly.
4. Clothing Suggestions:
   ① Tang-style Hanfu (matches the enemy tower architecture).
   Women
   Tan collar half-sleeved Ruqun (Dunhuang color scheme) + gold mud shawl.
   Hairstyle: Single-edge semi-rolled bun + gold leaf flower ornament.
   Men
   Yuan collar robe + Diexie belt.
   Accessories: Hu Ren statue style leather bag (hanging from the waist).
   ② Dark New Chinese Style (suitable for cool, large-scale photos).
   Black jacquard satin shirt + deconstructionist Ma skirt.
   Footwear: Thick-soled cloud shoes/laced knight boots.
   Props: Tattered scriptures/aged bronze compass.

Yongning Gate – Under Eaves of Enemy Tower

The model stands by the railing, with the photographer 2 meters away, slightly squatting down.

🏯 Golden Hour:
(7:00-8:30) The sense of vicissitude in the mist.
(11:30-13:00) Utilize the arrow window projection.
(20 minutes after sunset) Lanterns just start to glow.

Xi’an Yongning Gate – City Wall Railing

Photo by Xi’an Kaiyuan Mall – Photo with Giant Human Sculpture

Xi’an Kaiyuan Mall – Photo with Giant Human Sculpture

The model stands sideways in front of the painting, while the photographer stands at an angle opposite the model, approximately 2 meters away, capturing the model with surrounding objects in the frame without enlarging the portrait excessively.

Kaiyuan Mall (Xiwang) – White Puppy Art Wall

From here, you can capture a full view of the clock tower. Position yourself next to the railing and take a slightly upward shot to avoid heads and vehicles. It is recommended to use a lens with a focal length of 24-70mm.

Shooting props: After the night scene lights up, it's great for photography, but remember to bring a fill light.

Kaiyuan Mall – 2F Corridor

The model stands in front of the check-in wall, looking at the photographer, who is positioned in front of the model, placing the model at the center of the frame to become the focal point of the visual. It is recommended to use a standard lens to authentically restore the proportional relationship between the person and the scene, showcasing the overall image and the details of the background.

Kaiyuan Mall – 6F Viewing Deck Yellow Check-In Wall

Use the surrounding open view to frame the bell tower and city nightscape into the picture. Try different sitting and standing poses (upright, casual side lean, etc.) to showcase a variety of styles. Shoot at eye level to capture the ambiance of the scene. Choose light-colored, minimalist outfits that match the night view without outshining the bell tower. Opt for lighting after the bell tower lights up, between 19:30 - 22:00 being the best, as the bell tower lights are full and the streets have the glow of urban life, resulting in clear and textured images that capture the unique charm of the blend of culture and cityscape.

Attention: The bell tower in Xi'an usually lights up from 19:30-23:00, and during holidays, the lighting duration extends until 00:00.

Photo poses:

① Sit or stand sideways in a suitable position, with the hand on the side closer to the camera gently resting on the leg (or side), and the other hand naturally raised to make a small gesture (a slight wave, a "peace" sign, etc.), with legs crossed or extended one in front of the other, naturally integrating into the background of the bell tower.

② Bend one knee, slightly tilt the body, support with one hand on the side, raise the other hand to point at the bell tower, and look at the bell tower with your eyes, enhancing the interaction with the night view.

Xi’an Bell Tower – Night View

Take the most beautiful central axis of Xi'an with the Bell Tower and TV Tower in the background. Photographers can stand against the wall to capture both the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower at the same time.

1. Travel Tips:
   ① Ticket Price: If you are a local or a long-term resident, it doesn't cost much more than a single ticket to get an annual pass for 60 yuan, with unlimited visits throughout the year. A single ticket costs 54 yuan.
   ② Opening Hours: From 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
   ③ Photography Time: If you are only photographing from the AnYuan Gate to the train station, the best time is from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The warm sunset light reflects on the city walls, making the photos incredibly beautiful. For night photography of the central axis, it's best to shoot when the lights just turn on; otherwise, the sky will be too dark.

2. Dressing Suggestions: Hanfu is, of course, the best choice. It is recommended to wear light-colored clothes for group photos to make the figures stand out more. Red is also a color that adds a sense of atmosphere.

Xi’an Anyuan Gate – South Side of Gate

Place the sculpture at the center of the frame, use central composition to highlight the subject, include blue sky and white clouds in the background, and add leaves in the foreground to increase depth. Ensure the sculpture's details are clear, and the overall image is balanced and filled with a natural atmosphere.

Xi’an Jinghe Industrial Park – Sculpture & Stone Monument