20 Locations for Photoshoots in Beijing
1. The Forbidden City
Imperial palace complex.
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Early morning
Duration: 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: History / Architecture / Culture
The Forbidden City is the heart of ancient imperial grandeur. Its narrow corridors, luxurious halls, and elegant palaces speak of China’s rich history. Every shot taken here can capture the atmosphere of a bygone era and inspire you to create a true masterpiece.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is early in the morning when the first rays of sunlight softly illuminate the palaces and tourist crowds are minimal. This is the perfect moment for wide panoramic shots as well as detailed portraits that highlight the architectural intricacies. Please note that visiting the Forbidden City requires a paid entry ticket, but the unique imagery and historical ambiance make this location unforgettable for any photographer!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is early in the morning when the first rays of sunlight softly illuminate the palaces and tourist crowds are minimal. This is the perfect moment for wide panoramic shots as well as detailed portraits that highlight the architectural intricacies. Please note that visiting the Forbidden City requires a paid entry ticket, but the unique imagery and historical ambiance make this location unforgettable for any photographer!
2. The Temple of Heaven
Ceremonial religious site
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning
Duration: 30 min | 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Culture / Leisure Walks / Architecture
The Temple of Heaven is a majestic complex where spirituality and art harmoniously intertwine. Spacious park avenues, ancient shrines, and unique architectural designs offer an ideal setting for photography.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time for a photoshoot is in the morning, when soft light gives a magical touch to every temple detail, and the tranquil atmosphere allows you to capture the depth of historical heritage. Early hours also help avoid large crowds.
There is usually a small entrance fee to the complex, but the impressions and photos filled with an ancient aura are worth every cent. This spot is perfect for shooting the harmony between the soul and architecture!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time for a photoshoot is in the morning, when soft light gives a magical touch to every temple detail, and the tranquil atmosphere allows you to capture the depth of historical heritage. Early hours also help avoid large crowds.
There is usually a small entrance fee to the complex, but the impressions and photos filled with an ancient aura are worth every cent. This spot is perfect for shooting the harmony between the soul and architecture!
3. The Summer Palace
Imperial garden retreat
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Nature / Architecture / Relaxation
The Summer Palace in Beijing is a fairytale-like destination, where majestic pavilions, winding bridges, and picturesque lakes create a romantic and elegant ambiance. Here, nature and art merge into one, inspiring vibrant photoshoots.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time for shooting is in the morning or during golden hour when soft light adds charm to every corner and mist over the water creates a magical atmosphere. It’s ideal for both wide-angle shots and portraits. Entry to the palace grounds is ticketed, but its enchanting atmosphere and unique settings allow you to create one-of-a-kind photos that will stay with you forever!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time for shooting is in the morning or during golden hour when soft light adds charm to every corner and mist over the water creates a magical atmosphere. It’s ideal for both wide-angle shots and portraits. Entry to the palace grounds is ticketed, but its enchanting atmosphere and unique settings allow you to create one-of-a-kind photos that will stay with you forever!
4. The Great Wall of China
Fortified mountain barrier
Accessibility: Hard
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunrise / Sunset
Duration: 2 hours | 3 hours or more
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Adventure / History / Landscape
Although the Great Wall is located outside Beijing, it’s an integral part of any tourist experience in the capital. The Badaling section amazes with its scale and scenic landscapes, where ancient stone walls stretch across mountain ridges.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Recommended shooting times are at sunrise or sunset when the soft golden light plays across the wall and a light mist adds a sense of mystery. Fewer tourists during these hours let you focus on every detail of this historical wonder.
While entry requires a ticket, the photos capturing the grandeur and legacy of the Great Wall will become priceless treasures and true works of art!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Recommended shooting times are at sunrise or sunset when the soft golden light plays across the wall and a light mist adds a sense of mystery. Fewer tourists during these hours let you focus on every detail of this historical wonder.
While entry requires a ticket, the photos capturing the grandeur and legacy of the Great Wall will become priceless treasures and true works of art!
5. Beijing Olympic Park
Modern sports complex
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunset / Evening
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Architecture / Leisure / Modern History
Beijing Olympic Park is a vivid symbol of modern architecture and innovation. Here, the iconic “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube” shine in the evening sun, creating dynamic and stylish urban backdrops for your photoshoots.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is at sunset or early evening when the sky is painted in warm hues and the stadium lights begin to glow. This contrast between modernity and history offers unique opportunities for creative portraits and landscapes.
Access to the park areas is often free, allowing you to freely experiment with angles and compositions, capturing the spirit of innovative Beijing!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is at sunset or early evening when the sky is painted in warm hues and the stadium lights begin to glow. This contrast between modernity and history offers unique opportunities for creative portraits and landscapes.
Access to the park areas is often free, allowing you to freely experiment with angles and compositions, capturing the spirit of innovative Beijing!
6. Beihai Park
Historic imperial garden
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Evening
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Nature / Culture / Boating
Beihai Park is one of Beijing’s most romantic spots. With its graceful pavilions, tranquil lakes, and picturesque bridges, the park provides the perfect environment for atmospheric and intimate shots.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time for photography is during the morning or late afternoon hours when soft light enhances the natural beauty of the landscape and highlights every architectural detail. Entrance is usually low-cost or free, and the park’s peaceful ambiance is perfect for portrait and landscape photography, evoking a sense of harmony and serenity.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time for photography is during the morning or late afternoon hours when soft light enhances the natural beauty of the landscape and highlights every architectural detail. Entrance is usually low-cost or free, and the park’s peaceful ambiance is perfect for portrait and landscape photography, evoking a sense of harmony and serenity.
7. Lama Temple
Tibetan Buddhist monastery
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Culture / Spirituality / Architecture
The Lama Temple is one of Beijing’s most renowned Buddhist temples, where traditional rituals and stunning architecture create a powerful cultural setting. Its rich decorative elements and calm atmosphere allow for expressive and emotional images.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The optimal time to shoot is in the morning when the temple is bathed in gentle light and the peaceful surroundings reveal its full magnificence. Early visits also help avoid crowds and let you enjoy the silence. Entry is ticketed, but this small expense is repaid with vivid and profound photographs that reflect the spiritual power of Beijing!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The optimal time to shoot is in the morning when the temple is bathed in gentle light and the peaceful surroundings reveal its full magnificence. Early visits also help avoid crowds and let you enjoy the silence. Entry is ticketed, but this small expense is repaid with vivid and profound photographs that reflect the spiritual power of Beijing!
8. 798 Art District
Contemporary art hub
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: During daylight
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Contemporary Art / Culture / Cafés
The 798 Art District is the modern heart of creativity in Beijing, where industrial buildings are intertwined with colorful graffiti and exhibition halls. It’s perfect for street-art style shoots, portraits, and visual experiments with color and shape.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is during daylight when natural light brightly illuminates the outdoor art installations and the creative spirit is expressed through bold colors and dynamic lines. Visiting the district is free, and its unique blend of old and new allows for bold and original photos that highlight Beijing’s contemporary creativity!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is during daylight when natural light brightly illuminates the outdoor art installations and the creative spirit is expressed through bold colors and dynamic lines. Visiting the district is free, and its unique blend of old and new allows for bold and original photos that highlight Beijing’s contemporary creativity!
9. Nanluoguxiang
Historic alleyway district
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Strolling / Shopping / Street Food
Nanluoguxiang is the heart of traditional Beijing hutongs, with narrow alleyways, old buildings, and bustling shops creating an authentic vibe of old Beijing. It’s a place to capture genuine life moments infused with history and local charm.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the morning, when the streets are still quiet and soft light highlights the architectural character and coziness of the area. This is a great time for documentary-style portraits and street photography. Entry is free, so you can freely experiment with angles and create photos filled with genuine charm and authenticity!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the morning, when the streets are still quiet and soft light highlights the architectural character and coziness of the area. This is a great time for documentary-style portraits and street photography. Entry is free, so you can freely experiment with angles and create photos filled with genuine charm and authenticity!
10. Rooftops in the CBD
Modern urban skyline
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunset / Evening
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Night Views / Dining / Skyline
Beijing’s CBD is where modern skyscrapers and bustling city life provide a dynamic backdrop for bold, stylish photoshoots. Rooftop shots offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is during sunset or early evening, when golden light reflects off the glass facades of skyscrapers, creating a magical atmosphere and dynamic compositions. It’s an excellent choice for portraits and cityscapes.
Access to rooftops may require a fee or prior booking, but the unique views and potential for creative angles make it worth every penny!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is during sunset or early evening, when golden light reflects off the glass facades of skyscrapers, creating a magical atmosphere and dynamic compositions. It’s an excellent choice for portraits and cityscapes.
Access to rooftops may require a fee or prior booking, but the unique views and potential for creative angles make it worth every penny!
11. Tian’anmen Square
Iconic political landmark
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Early morning
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: History / Culture / Monuments
Tian’anmen Square is a vast open space where historic ceremonies and rallies take place. Here, you can capture scale and grandeur, witnessing traditional rituals such as the flag-raising ceremony accompanied by military marches.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is early morning, when soft light bathes the square, or at sunset when golden rays create dramatic contrast. During these hours, the crowds are smaller and shots are especially atmospheric. Entry to the square is free, allowing you to experiment with different compositions and angles. Choose a comfortable and stylish outfit, and every photo will tell a story of greatness!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is early morning, when soft light bathes the square, or at sunset when golden rays create dramatic contrast. During these hours, the crowds are smaller and shots are especially atmospheric. Entry to the square is free, allowing you to experiment with different compositions and angles. Choose a comfortable and stylish outfit, and every photo will tell a story of greatness!
12. People’s Heroes Monument
Revolutionary commemorative obelisk
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: History / Culture / Monuments
Located at the center of the square, the Monument to the People’s Heroes is a symbol of courage and national unity. Its monumental forms and majestic architecture make an ideal backdrop for portrait photography that reflects the spirit of China.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the morning or late afternoon, when natural light highlights every detail of the monument, and tourist crowds are minimal. This allows you to capture a solemn and calm atmosphere. Access is free, so you can focus on creativity. Choose a classic or modern look, and your photos will be filled with historical depth and power!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the morning or late afternoon, when natural light highlights every detail of the monument, and tourist crowds are minimal. This allows you to capture a solemn and calm atmosphere. Access is free, so you can focus on creativity. Choose a classic or modern look, and your photos will be filled with historical depth and power!
13. The Great Hall of the People
National legislative building
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Politics / Architecture / History / Events
The Great Hall of the People is a grand building on the western side of the square, symbolizing state power. Its massive facade and impressive interiors provide the perfect backdrop for dynamic and large-scale photography.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the morning or during golden hour, when light gently illuminates the architectural details, highlighting the building’s grandeur and solemnity. This also helps avoid large crowds. Entry is not always free, but the monumentality and unique angles justify the cost. Choose a formal and elegant outfit to emphasize the scale and formality of the scene!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the morning or during golden hour, when light gently illuminates the architectural details, highlighting the building’s grandeur and solemnity. This also helps avoid large crowds. Entry is not always free, but the monumentality and unique angles justify the cost. Choose a formal and elegant outfit to emphasize the scale and formality of the scene!
14. National Museum of China
Cultural history museum
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: History / Culture / Exhibitions / Art
Located on the eastern side of Tian’anmen Square, the National Museum of China is a treasure trove of history, where modern exhibits and ancient artifacts create an amazing contrast that is perfect for creative shoots.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the morning when natural light brings out the richness of the exhibits, or at sunset when soft light adds warmth and depth. These times are also less crowded. Entrance is usually paid, but the stunning exhibitions and architecture make this an essential location. Wear a look that reflects intellectual elegance and let history unfold through your lens!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the morning when natural light brings out the richness of the exhibits, or at sunset when soft light adds warmth and depth. These times are also less crowded. Entrance is usually paid, but the stunning exhibitions and architecture make this an essential location. Wear a look that reflects intellectual elegance and let history unfold through your lens!
15. Mao Zedong Mausoleum
Leader's memorial tomb
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Evening
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: History / Politics / Memorial Sites
The Mao Zedong Mausoleum is one of the most visited spots in the square, where you can capture the iconic figure and the atmosphere of national remembrance. Its strict yet solemn appearance provides a unique backdrop for portraiture with historical meaning.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is morning or early evening when light softly frames the facade and gives shots a ceremonial quality. These times help avoid large crowds and allow for focus on detail. Entrance is free, making it accessible for creative exploration. Choose an outfit with traditional elements, and each photo will reflect the spirit of the era!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is morning or early evening when light softly frames the facade and gives shots a ceremonial quality. These times help avoid large crowds and allow for focus on detail. Entrance is free, making it accessible for creative exploration. Choose an outfit with traditional elements, and each photo will reflect the spirit of the era!
16. Tian’anmen Gate
Historic imperial gateway
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: History / Architecture
Tian’anmen Gate is the famous entrance to the Forbidden City and a symbol of Chinese history and culture. Its colorful facade and massive arch offer a perfect backdrop for bold, stylish portraits.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is morning or golden hour when bright but soft light highlights the traditional ornaments and structure of the gate, with fewer tourists around. Visiting the gate is free, allowing full immersion in the creative process. Choose a look that combines modern fashion with traditional touches, and let your photos speak for themselves!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is morning or golden hour when bright but soft light highlights the traditional ornaments and structure of the gate, with fewer tourists around. Visiting the gate is free, allowing full immersion in the creative process. Choose a look that combines modern fashion with traditional touches, and let your photos speak for themselves!
17. Tian’anmen Flagpole
Symbolic national landmark
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: National Ceremony / Culture
The flagpole, where the daily flag-raising ceremony is held, is one of the square’s most symbolic locations. The ritual, accompanied by solemn music and disciplined formations, creates a unique atmosphere of national pride.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the early morning when the ceremony takes place in soft dawn light and the atmosphere is especially solemn and peaceful. This is the perfect moment to capture pure patriotic energy. Visiting the site is free, making it accessible for photo sessions. Wear a formal and elegant outfit—and every frame will reflect the power and majesty of China’s traditions!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the early morning when the ceremony takes place in soft dawn light and the atmosphere is especially solemn and peaceful. This is the perfect moment to capture pure patriotic energy. Visiting the site is free, making it accessible for photo sessions. Wear a formal and elegant outfit—and every frame will reflect the power and majesty of China’s traditions!
18. Tian’anmen Square Panorama
Expansive civic plaza
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Any Type of Shoot
Various observation decks surrounding the square offer breathtaking panoramic views, where you can capture the scale and symmetry of the architectural ensemble. It’s an ideal place for wide-format landscape shots highlighting the grandeur of Beijing’s historic center.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is morning or golden hour, when soft light helps record every curve and detail, with fewer tourists around. These moments give photos depth and drama. Access to the viewpoints is free, allowing you to freely experiment with compositions. Choose a look that reflects your connection to history and enjoy the mesmerizing scenery!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is morning or golden hour, when soft light helps record every curve and detail, with fewer tourists around. These moments give photos depth and drama. Access to the viewpoints is free, allowing you to freely experiment with compositions. Choose a look that reflects your connection to history and enjoy the mesmerizing scenery!
19. Nighttime Tian’anmen Square
Illuminated historic plaza
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Night
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Night Views / Leisure Walks
Night photography at Tian’anmen Square is pure magic of lights and shadows. The illumination of monumental buildings and statues turns the square into a fairytale-like place, full of energy and mystery.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is at night, when city lights begin to twinkle, creating unique contrasts and water reflections, and the atmosphere becomes especially intimate. Night visits are free, giving you the chance to experiment with long exposures and light effects. Choose a bold, modern look, and your night shots will be truly magical!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is at night, when city lights begin to twinkle, creating unique contrasts and water reflections, and the atmosphere becomes especially intimate. Night visits are free, giving you the chance to experiment with long exposures and light effects. Choose a bold, modern look, and your night shots will be truly magical!
20. Tian’anmen Square Rooftop
Scenic urban overlook
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Evening
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free / Paid
Ideal for: Night Views / Cityscape
For those wanting to add an urban edge to their photos, shooting from the rooftop of a nearby hotel or café is a great option. The panoramic view of the ancient square, modern buildings, and twinkling lights creates a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the evening when city lights begin to glow and the energy of the metropolis is highlighted by soft lighting. This perspective allows you to create dynamic shots full of motion, while preserving historical ambiance.
Access to such locations may require booking or a small fee, but the impressive views and creative angles make them irreplaceable for unique photoshoots. Choose a trendy outfit and play with composition!
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is in the evening when city lights begin to glow and the energy of the metropolis is highlighted by soft lighting. This perspective allows you to create dynamic shots full of motion, while preserving historical ambiance.
Access to such locations may require booking or a small fee, but the impressive views and creative angles make them irreplaceable for unique photoshoots. Choose a trendy outfit and play with composition!