Timing & Light
Early Morning (8:30 AM): As the palace opens, the light is soft and the main courtyards are empty of the massive crowds that arrive later. This is the best time for wide-angle shots.
Golden Hour: The last hour before the palace closes (around 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM) offers a warm glow that makes the red walls and golden roofs truly pop. However, keep in mind that you must be moving towards the exit during this time.
Gear & Rules
- Tripods: Using tripods is generally prohibited inside the Forbidden City without a special permit. Handheld photography is the standard.
- Lenses: A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is essential for capturing the vastness of the courtyards. A medium telephoto (24-70mm or 70-200mm) is great for detail shots of carvings and figurines.
- Crowd Management: If a courtyard is crowded, look for details. Focus on the bronze lions, the intricate eaves, or the texture of the ancient marble steps.
Capturing Details
Don't just look at the big buildings. The magic of the Forbidden City is in the details:
- The nine dynamic dragons on the Nine-Dragon Wall.
- The varied figurines on the roof ridges (they appear in odd numbers).
- The intricate patterns on the "gold brick" floors.
- The reflections in the moat that surrounds the entire palace.