Utilize the layered stone carvings and the surrounding mountains to create a sense of depth. Position the subject beside the rock, with crossed arms to show a relaxed posture, or leaning against the rock and taking natural strides. Use a medium shot to include the full view of the carvings and the subject, highlighting the natural and rustic beauty. Close-ups of the subject's expression paired with details of the carvings can also be used. Opt for simple, everyday attire that matches the ambiance of the landscape. Avoid harsh midday light and choose to shoot before 12 PM or after 4 PM to capture the unique atmosphere of the carvings blending with nature. Check-in tips: Opening hours: 8:30-18:00 in high season, 9:00-17:00 in low season, no entry after 16:00. Photography poses: ① Stroll slowly on the path in front of the carvings, with feet naturally apart, one hand lightly resting on a nearby rock, and the other arm casually extended, blending ease and relaxation into the landscape and carvings; ② Face the stone carvings directly, with one hand gently supporting the rock and the other hand pointing towards the distant mountains, eyes following the direction of the fingers, instantly enhancing the atmosphere; ③ Stand side-on against the rock, with one foot slightly bent, hand lightly touching the edge of the carving, and a slight tilt of the body, bringing the scene to life.

Cuihua National Geopark – Tiandong Stone Engraving

Photo by Cuihua Mountain Summit

Cuihua Mountain Summit

Utilize the layered mountain forest behind the Tianchi stone carvings to create depth, with the person standing beside a stone block, arms crossed to appear relaxed, or leaning against the stone block and naturally walking. Use a medium shot to include the entirety of the carvings and the person, highlighting the natural and rustic atmosphere; close-ups of the person's expressions paired with details of the carvings are also possible. Choose simple everyday attire that matches the landscape, and avoid the harsh light at noon. The soft light before 12 PM and after 4 PM can capture the unique atmosphere of the carvings blending with nature. Check-in tips: Opening hours: High season 8:30 - 18:00, low season 9:00 - 17:00, no entry after 16:00. Photo poses: ① Sit on a stone near the carvings, with feet naturally crossed, one hand lightly resting on the stone beside you, and the other hand stretched out casually, blending relaxation into the landscape and carvings; ② Face the Tianchi carvings directly, with one hand gently touching the stone and the other hand pointing to the distant mountains, with your gaze following the direction of your finger, instantly filling the atmosphere; ③ Stand sideways against the stone, with one foot slightly bent, hand lightly touching the edge of the carving, and a slight tilt of the body, making the image immediately lively.

Qinling Cuihua Mountain – Tianchi Stone Carving

Use a low-angle upward shot, with the camera pointing upwards towards the ginkgo branches and leaves, filling the frame with golden leaves and retaining a small amount of blue sky in the background to enhance the sense of depth. You can push the camera forward to show the depth of the branches or use a circular motion to capture the leaves from multiple angles. Shooting time: It is recommended to choose a sunny day when the light is good, making it easier to get good shots.

Xi’an Cuihua Scenic Area – Tianchi Ginkgo Forest

The photographer stands directly in front or slightly to the side of the sign, at a height roughly parallel to the sign, and captures the image from a horizontal angle to fully display the text information on the sign and the background scenery. Using the rule of thirds, the sign is positioned at one-third of the image. Travel Tips: ① Admission Tickets: Adult tickets cost 65 yuan, student tickets 32 yuan, and individuals over the age of 65 enter for free. ② Walking Tour Route: Shuttle Bus - Main Waterfall (about 100 meters from the shuttle bus stop) - Heavenly Pool - Wind Cave & Ice Cave - Cuihuaping - Eighteen Bend Pathway.

Cuihua Mountain – Signpost

Utilize the depth of the rock crevices and the unique texture of the rock walls to create layers. Position the subject in the middle of the pathway, with arms outstretched to enhance the sense of spatial extension; or close to the rock wall, touching the rock details with hands to strengthen the interaction with nature. Include the full view of the crevice and the subject in the mid-shot to highlight the rugged momentum of the mountains and wilderness; focus on close-ups of the hands touching the rock texture and the natural smile on the face to convey an immersive experience. Check-in tips: Opening hours: High season 8:30 - 18:00, Low season 9:00 - 17:00, no entry after 16:00. Photo poses: ① Stand in the center of the rock crevice pathway, extend arms widely towards both rock walls, lean back slightly to echo the outline of the boulders with your body, capturing the atmosphere of embracing the wilderness; ② Stand sideways close to one rock wall, lightly touch the moss or texture on the rock with one hand, let the other hand hang naturally, and lightly touch the ground with the tip of your toe to create a relaxed and lazy feeling; ③ Walk slowly along the rock crevice pathway, gently swing arms in rhythm with the steps, and gaze into the distant mountains and forests.

Qinling Cuihua Mountain – Giant Rock Crack

1. Composition Suggestions - Aerial Panorama: Capture the scene from a high altitude using a drone, encompassing the mountains, boulders, and vegetation. Use the mountain's contours to highlight the rock formations and plant layers, showcasing the grandeur of nature. - Close-up Details: Focus on peculiar rocks, emphasizing the outline with greenery as a complement. Highlight the texture in the foreground and use the distant mountains to expand the space. 2. Travel Tips - Best seasons are spring and autumn, with soft light from 9:00 - 11:00 and 15:00 - 17:00; in summer, opt for early morning or late afternoon when the sunrise and sunset enhance the scene with dramatic light. Check weather and times before shooting. 3. Post-processing Techniques - Increase contrast to emphasize the difference between rocks and vegetation, use "clarity" to enhance the texture of the rocks, and crop out unnecessary elements to highlight the core landscape. 4. Dressing Advice - Wear light outdoor clothing and sports shoes, prepare solid-color simple clothes to complement the scenery; bring sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter, ensuring both practicality and good photographs. 5. Additional Tips - Check the weather, be aware of no-fly zones for drones, plan your flight path in advance due to weak signals in the mountains, and carry a power bank to prevent rapid battery drain.

National Geographic China – Taoyi Stargazing at Cuihua

Photo by Cuihua Scenic Area – Mountain Walkway & Forest View

Cuihua Scenic Area – Mountain Walkway & Forest View

Use a low-angle shot with the subject positioned slightly to the left in the center of the frame to highlight the grandeur of the waterfall. Employ a foreground-background composition with the person as the main subject in the foreground and the waterfall stream as the background to enhance the sense of depth and layering in the image. The model should be positioned sideways, gazing at the waterfall, holding a hiking pole, with natural movements to show interaction with nature. Shooting time: It is recommended to choose a sunny day when the lighting is good, making it easier to produce high-quality images.

Shaanxi Cuihua National Geopark – Rock at Waterfall

Use an aerial flat shooting angle, with the valley and Heavenly Pool in the middle as the guiding line, extending from the nearby red-leaf covered peaks to the distant layered mountains, enhancing the sense of depth in the image. The scene includes nearby red leaves and green plants, the Heavenly Pool water area in the middle, and the distant misty mountains, with a blue sky and white clouds background to enrich the layers. Shooting time: It is recommended to choose a sunny day when the light is good, making it easier to produce good shots.

Cuihua Tianchi – Aerial Red Leaves