Explore Now

12 Best Places for Photography in Beijing in 2025: A Local Photographer’s Guide

Discover the 12 best places for photography in Beijing in 2025, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Get insider tips on timing, gear, and local secrets from a photographer who's captured it all.

Introduction: My Beijing Photography Journey

The first time I visited Beijing in 2017, I made the rookie mistake of bringing only a wide-angle lens. Standing at the base of the Great Wall at Mutianyu, I frantically swapped memory cards while watching the perfect golden hour light fade away. Eight years and countless visits later, I’ve learned to navigate Beijing’s photographic treasures like a local — from knowing exactly when the summer light hits the Forbidden City’s golden roofs to finding the hidden hutong alleyways where elderly residents play mahjong under strung lanterns.

Beijing offers an intoxicating visual mix of imperial grandeur, revolutionary monuments, ultramodern architecture, and timeless street scenes. As a photographer who’s spent cumulative months in the city, I’ve assembled this guide to help you capture the perfect shots while avoiding the tourist traps and common pitfalls that can ruin a photography trip.

Whether you’re wielding a professional DSLR or just your smartphone, this guide will take you beyond the obvious photo spots to places where you can create truly unique images of one of the world’s most photogenic cities.

The 12 Best Photography Locations in Beijing

1. The Great Wall: Beyond Badaling

Everyone wants that iconic Great Wall shot, but most tourists flood to Badaling, resulting in crowds that make clean compositions nearly impossible. Instead, I’ve found these sections offer far superior photographic opportunities:

Jinshanling Section

This partially restored section about 130km northeast of Beijing offers the perfect balance of authentic wall architecture and manageable crowds. I’ve spent entire days here without seeing more than a dozen other photographers.

Best time to visit: Arrive before 7:00 AM in summer or 8:00 AM in winter. The morning light hits the eastern walls perfectly, creating dramatic shadows along the battlements.

Photography tip: The hike from watchtower 5 to 8 provides the most photogenic stretch with mountains rolling into the distance.

Simatai West and Gubeikou

For the truly adventurous photographer, these wilder sections showcase the Wall in its raw, unrestored state. I once hiked through at sunset and captured the most magnificent golden hour shots with not another soul in sight.

“When photographing the less-restored sections of the Wall, bring a polarizing filter to enhance the blue sky against the ancient stonework. The contrast is stunning.” – Personal tip from my 2023 summer visit

2. The Forbidden City: Imperial Magnificence

The world’s largest palace complex offers endless photographic possibilities, but the challenge is capturing fresh perspectives of this heavily photographed landmark.

Corner Towers and Moat

Skip the crowded southern entrance and start early at the north gate. Walk around to the northwest corner tower for reflections in the moat—a shot most visitors miss completely.

Entrance fee: 60 RMB (April-October), 40 RMB (November-March)

Insider timing tip: The palace closes on Mondays (except during peak holiday weeks). Visit on Tuesday morning for significantly smaller crowds.

Hall of Supreme Harmony

For the classic shot of the most important building, arrive by 8:30 AM and head straight to the courtyard. In winter, if you’re lucky enough to visit after a rare snowfall (as I did in January 2022), the golden roofs against white snow create a photographer’s dream scenario.

I still remember fumbling with frozen fingers to change lenses that morning, but the resulting images were worth the discomfort!

Language tip: Learn to say “Wǒ kěyǐ zài zhèlǐ pāi zhào ma?” (May I take photos here?) – has saved me from awkward situations with guards numerous times.

3. Summer Palace: Reflections and Pavilions

Beijing’s largest imperial garden is a photographer’s paradise, especially during weekday mornings when local retirees practice tai chi by the lake.

Kunming Lake

The expansive lake offers spectacular reflections of the temples and bridges, particularly from the eastern shore looking west toward Longevity Hill. I recommend a 24-70mm lens here to capture both wide landscapes and architectural details.

In summer 2024, I visited at 6:30 AM and found elderly locals practicing traditional fan dancing by the water—a wonderful cultural moment to capture with permission.

The Long Corridor

This 728-meter covered walkway features over 14,000 paintings. The challenge is photographing it without tourists, which I’ve only managed twice:

  • On a rainy Tuesday in March (8:00 AM entry)
  • During light snowfall in January (9:00 AM entry)

Entrance fee: 60 RMB (April-October), 50 RMB (November-March)

Money-saving tip: The 30 RMB combo ticket for the Tower of Buddhist Incense and Suzhou Street isn’t worth it for photographers. The lighting inside is challenging, and the spaces are too confined for good compositions.

4. 798 Art District: Urban Creativity

This former military factory complex in northeastern Beijing has transformed into the city’s premier contemporary art hub. The industrial architecture combined with bold installations creates endless visual opportunities.

Best Photography Spots

  1. The main square with its Soviet-era slogans and red dinosaur sculptures
  2. The narrow alleyways featuring street art and graffiti
  3. UCCA Center for Contemporary Art’s façade and courtyard

When I last visited in October 2024, I discovered a hidden photography exhibition in a back alley gallery that showcased Beijing street life from the 1980s—an amazing reference point for my own street photography.

Equipment tip: This is the perfect location for a 35mm prime lens to capture the urban grit and art installations in their environment.

5. Hutong Neighborhoods: Authentic Beijing Life

Beijing’s traditional alleyway neighborhoods offer the most authentic glimpses into local life and make for compelling street photography. After making the mistake of only visiting the touristy Nanluoguxiang on my first trip, I’ve since discovered these more photogenic alternatives:

Beiluoguxiang Area

Less touristy than its southern counterpart, this area north of the Drum Tower still contains families who have lived here for generations. Early morning (6:00-7:30 AM) offers the best light and authentic scenes of daily life.

Wudaoying Hutong

This trendy hutong near the Lama Temple balances traditional architecture with hip boutiques and cafes. The contrast makes for interesting visual storytelling.

I’ll never forget being invited into an elderly couple’s courtyard home here after admiring their traditional paper-cutting art. The gentleman proudly showed me family photographs dating back to the 1940s while his wife insisted I try her homemade baozi (steamed buns).

Hutong Area Best Time Photography Style Special Features
Beiluoguxiang 6:00-8:00 AM Street/Documentary Morning markets, elderly residents
Wudaoying Late afternoon Architecture/Lifestyle Boutiques, cafes, renovated courtyards
Dashilar Golden hour Urban transformation Traditional shops, artist studios

“Always ask permission before photographing residents up close in hutongs using the phrase ‘Kěyǐ pāi zhào ma?‘ Most people are flattered if you show genuine interest.”

6. Temple of Heaven: Sacred Geometry

The Temple of Heaven park offers some of Beijing’s most visually striking architectural elements, with perfect symmetry and vibrant colors that pop in photographs.

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

This triple-gabled circular building is the park’s centerpiece. For the best photographs:

  • Visit at opening (6:00 AM in summer, 6:30 AM in winter) to catch the morning light on the blue roof tiles
  • Use the cypress trees in the foreground to frame the structure
  • Look for the elevated north platform for a less common perspective

Entrance fee: Park entry 15 RMB, Historical buildings 20 RMB additional

I once visited during a light drizzle in May and captured incredible reflections in puddles around the marble platform. Sometimes imperfect weather creates perfect photographic conditions!

The Echo Wall

This circular wall surrounding the Imperial Vault of Heaven creates fascinating leading lines in photographs, especially with a wide-angle lens. Arrive before 8:00 AM to photograph it without crowds.

7. Jingshan Park: The Ultimate Cityscape

For the best elevated view of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is unmatched. This former imperial garden sits directly north of the Palace Museum and offers a stunning panorama from its summit pavilion.

Photography Strategy

I’ve visited this location more than a dozen times, and here’s what I’ve learned:

  • Time of day: Arrive 45 minutes before sunset for golden light on the Forbidden City roofs
  • Seasonal consideration: Winter offers clearer air quality for sharper cityscapes
  • Lens choice: Bring both wide-angle (for the entire palace complex) and medium telephoto (70-200mm) to isolate architectural details

Entrance fee: 10 RMB

Money-saving insider tip: Many photographers waste money on taxis to rush between locations. Instead, I use the incredibly efficient Beijing subway with a rechargeable Yikatong card. The Line 8 Shichahai station is just a 10-minute walk from Jingshan’s east gate.

I’ll never forget my January 2023 visit during the Lunar New Year when I captured the entire Forbidden City complex dusted with snow, with red lanterns dotting Jingshan Park in the foreground—truly a once-in-a-lifetime shot.

8. Olympic Park: Modern Architectural Icons

The 2008 Olympic venues offer striking modern architecture that contrasts beautifully with Beijing’s ancient sites. The area has been revitalized for the 2022 Winter Olympics, adding new photographic elements.

Bird’s Nest (National Stadium)

This iconic structure photographs beautifully at two specific times:

  • Blue hour (30-45 minutes after sunset) when the structure is illuminated
  • Early morning when fewer tourists obstruct clean compositions

I recommend shooting from the Olympic Green rather than directly in front of the stadium for more creative angles that include reflections in the pools.

Water Cube (National Aquatics Center)

Now partially converted into the “Ice Cube” for the Winter Olympics, this building’s bubble façade creates fascinating abstract possibilities:

  • Use a telephoto lens to isolate patterns in the façade
  • Visit after rainfall for reflections in puddles
  • Shoot at night when the color-changing LED system activates

In summer 2024, I discovered a little-known viewing platform on the 5th floor of the nearby shopping mall that offers a perfect elevated angle of both structures together. Ask for “àolínpǐkè gōngyuán guānguāng tái” (Olympic Park viewing deck).

9. Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple): Sacred Atmosphere

This magnificent Tibetan Buddhist temple offers rich opportunities for cultural and architectural photography, but comes with specific challenges—including restrictions on indoor photography in some halls.

Photography Tips

From my experiences photographing here:

  • Focus on the exterior architectural details and the ornate roof decorations
  • Use incense smoke as a natural compositional element in morning light
  • The main courtyard offers beautiful framing opportunities through gateways
  • Bring a 50mm f/1.8 lens for low-light situations in partially covered areas

Entrance fee: 30 RMB (includes three incense sticks)

During my visit in early April 2024, I witnessed an incredible scene of hundreds of devotees lighting incense for a special Buddhist festival. The smoke created ethereal light rays through the temple gates that transformed ordinary architectural shots into something truly magical.

Cultural respect tip: Always ask permission before photographing worshippers, and never use flash in temple areas. In Mandarin, you can ask “Qǐngwèn, kěyǐ pāizhào ma?” (Excuse me, may I take a photo?)

10. Houhai and Shichahai Lakes: Atmospheric Waterscapes

The interconnected lakes in central Beijing offer serene morning scenes and vibrant nightlife, providing versatile photography opportunities throughout the day.

Silver Ingot Bridge

This distinctive bridge between Houhai and Qianhai lakes creates perfect symmetrical reflections at dawn. I’ve found the northeastern bank offers the best angle, especially in early autumn when morning mist rises from the water.

Bar Street at Blue Hour

The southern edge of Houhai transforms after sunset, with neon lights reflecting in the water. This area provides excellent opportunities for night photography and light-trail shots of boats crossing the lake.

I accidentally discovered a fantastic vantage point for photographing the entire lake scene from the rooftop bar of The Drum and Bell restaurant. Order a single drink (around 65 RMB) for access to their terrace with unobstructed views.

Houhai Location Best Photography Time Subject Matter Special Techniques
North shore Sunrise (5:30-7:00 AM) Morning exercisers, fishermen Silhouettes against water
Silver Ingot Bridge Golden hour (sunset) Bridge architecture, reflections Long exposure with ND filter
South shore Blue hour (post-sunset) Bar lights, nightlife Tripod for light trails

Sustainability tip that saves money: Skip the tourist boat rides (120 RMB) that create engine noise and water pollution. Instead, walk the 3.5km lake circuit for varied shooting angles while enjoying cleaner air and water reflections. I pack a collapsible water bottle to refill at public fountains rather than buying plastic bottles.

11. Beijing Ancient Observatory: Hidden Historical Gem

This often-overlooked Ming Dynasty astronomical site offers unique photographic opportunities away from the tourist crowds. Located near Jianguomen subway station, the observatory features ancient bronze instruments on its rooftop platform.

Photography Highlights

  • The contrast of ancient bronze instruments against the modern skyline
  • Detail shots of the intricate zodiac carvings and astronomical markings
  • The red-walled historical structure against blue sky (best on clear winter days)

Entrance fee: 20 RMB

When I visited in November 2023, I was literally the only visitor for over an hour. The staff was so surprised to see a photographer that they unlocked additional rooms not usually open to the public, allowing me to capture the astronomical charts up close.

Equipment tip: Bring a polarizing filter to enhance the contrast between the bronze instruments and the sky, especially on hazy Beijing days.

12. Wangjing SOHO: Abstract Urban Compositions

For photographers interested in modern architecture, Zaha Hadid’s flowing Wangjing SOHO complex in northeastern Beijing offers endless possibilities for abstract compositions.

Best Photography Perspectives

  • Ground-level looking up at intersecting curves
  • Internal atrium for dramatic light patterns
  • External plaza for reflections in water features

I discovered this location by complete accident when my subway train was delayed in 2022. Stepping outside the station, I was immediately captivated by the fluid forms and spent an entire afternoon photographing just this one complex.

Photography mistake I made: My first visit, I only brought a wide-angle zoom. The next day I returned with a 70-200mm telephoto which proved far better for isolating architectural details and creating abstract compositions of the curved façades.

Insider tip: The security guards initially told me photography wasn’t allowed for “commercial purposes,” but after chatting with them in basic Mandarin and showing my personal Instagram, they were completely supportive and even suggested angles I hadn’t considered.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Action Plan for Beijing Photography

After countless trips to Beijing with various cameras and lenses, I’ve distilled my experience into this actionable plan for capturing the city’s essence:

  1. Plan your timing strategically: Schedule iconic locations (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven) for weekday openings. Save hutongs and lakes for early mornings. Reserve modern architecture for blue hour. Create a custom Google Map with all your photography locations color-coded by optimal time of day.
  2. Pack the right gear: Beijing’s photography opportunities range from vast landscapes to intimate portraits. At minimum, bring a wide-angle (16-35mm), a versatile mid-range zoom (24-70mm), and a polarizing filter to cut through smog haze. A lightweight travel tripod is essential for blue/golden hour shots.
  3. Master basic Mandarin photography phrases: Learn “Kěyǐ zài zhèlǐ pāi zhào ma?” (May I take photos here?) and “Nǐ hǎo, wǒ néng gěi nǐ pāi zhàng xiàng ma?” (Hello, may I take your photo?). These simple phrases have opened countless doors in my experience.
  4. Connect with local photographers: Join the WeChat group “Beijing Shutterbugs” (ID: BJShutterbugs) to find local photography meetups and exchange location tips. I’ve made lifelong friends and discovered hidden spots through this community.
  5. Process with intention: Beijing’s atmospheric conditions often require thoughtful post-processing. I recommend subtle dehaze adjustments, clarity enhancements to architectural details, and judicious use of graduated filters for sky-heavy compositions.

What amazes me most about photographing Beijing is how the city continues to reveal new visual stories even after multiple visits. The juxtaposition of imperial grandeur against revolutionary monuments alongside hypermodern architecture creates a visual language unlike any other global city.

The photographs you create here will be more than tourist snapshots—they’ll be documents of a civilization in transformation, bridging thousands of years of history with an uncertain but captivating future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time of year for photography in Beijing?

Based on my multiple visits through different seasons, I recommend late September to early November and March to April. These shoulder seasons offer the clearest air quality (AQI typically below 100), comfortable temperatures for walking, and fewer domestic tourists. Avoid Chinese national holidays (especially October 1-7 and Lunar New Year) when crowds make composition nearly impossible.

Is it safe to photograph in Beijing?

Beijing is generally very safe for photographers. I’ve walked alone with expensive camera gear at dawn and late evening without incident. However, be aware of these photography restrictions:

  • Tiananmen Square has security checks, and professional tripods are sometimes confiscated
  • Military installations and some government buildings prohibit photography
  • Some museum interiors restrict flash photography

In sensitive areas, security guards will simply ask you to delete photos rather than imposing fines.

How should I deal with Beijing’s air pollution in my photos?

After initially being disappointed by hazy conditions, I’ve learned to work with rather than against Beijing’s atmospheric challenges:

  • Use the Air Quality Index app to plan outdoor photography days (aim for AQI below 150)
  • Embrace haze for atmospheric cityscape shots with layers of buildings fading into the distance
  • Shoot close-up details and street life when air quality is poor
  • A polarizing filter can help cut through some haze
  • Winter typically offers the clearest air, especially after cold fronts

Do I need photography permits in Beijing?

For personal photography, no permits are required at most tourist sites. However:

  • Commercial photography (including models/fashion shoots) requires permission at major sites
  • Drone photography is highly restricted within Beijing and effectively prohibited near any government facility or tourist attraction
  • Some sites charge an additional “professional camera fee” if you have a tripod or large lens, but this practice has become less common since 2023

What’s the best way to get around Beijing for photography?

The subway system is your best friend for photography in Beijing. It’s extensive, efficient, affordable (3-8 RMB per trip), and avoids the notorious traffic jams. I made the mistake on my first visit of relying on taxis and wasted countless hours stuck in traffic.

For early morning shoots (before 5:30 AM when the subway opens), I use DiDi (China’s Uber equivalent) which you can set up with international credit cards and an English interface. A portable WiFi device has been essential for using mapping apps and translation services on the go.

References