Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City Captured with the Sony A6700
The day in Beijing began under a characteristic grey haze, a muted canvas for an exploration of the city's historical epicenter: Tiananmen Square.
For this deliberate photographic journey, the Sony A6700, paired with the tactile TTArtisan 50mm F1.2 manual lens, was the chosen equipment. The initial route offered intimate glimpses of daily Beijing life—a solitary white car, small gatherings of people, the sharp contrast of a modern glass skyscraper—all softened by the diffused light.
Our path soon narrowed into less-traveled arteries, signaled by a sign for Nan Chi Zi in a tunnel—a direct passage toward the monumental core. The pervasive haze created an ethereal mood, shifting the focus to immediate, smaller details, such as a lone leaf striving for definition against the dull grass.
Emerging into the immense scale of Tiananmen Square was imposing. The historical gateway stood majestic, its powerful presence enhanced by the vibrant adjacent red building. Despite the weather, the atmosphere was energetic, with national flags serving as silent sentinels in the low light. A closer approach allowed for detailed documentation of the gate's intricate, time-worn features.
The exploration continued beyond the Square, leading into the monumental entrances of the Forbidden City. We photographed the grandeur of the Upright Gate (Duanmen) before moving to the geometric complexity of the Meridian Gate (Wumen). This gate was captured from multiple perspectives to emphasize both its scale and masterful architectural design.
Even within this dense historical setting, enduring natural life asserted itself—a tree with brilliant green leaves provided a splash of color, while a nearby frozen lake served as a seasonal marker. The tour concluded at the perimeter, documenting the Xihua Gate of the Forbidden City. This final landmark was captured twice: once framed by the green-leaved tree, and again in a dedicated exit composition.
The resulting collection of images narrates a dual story: one of magnificent historical architecture, and one of the enduring, often hazy, spirit of a great capital. The necessity of the manual lens ensured a slow, patient, and precise engagement with every frame, successfully harmonizing monumental scale with intimate detail.
Gears & Settings | Figures |
Camera | Sony A6700 |
Lens | TTArtisan 50mm F1.2 Manual |
Creative Style | ST (Standard) |
Date | 26 November 2023 |
Location | Beijing, China |
A hazy sky of the Beijing city#: 1 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | A sign in a tunnel says Nan Chi Zi in Chinese#: 2 | SS: 1/100s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
A leaf in the grass#: 3 | SS: 1/800s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Tiananmen#: 4 | SS: 1/1250s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
A red building#: 5 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Tiananmen with red flags#: 6 | SS: 1/1250s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
A closeup look at Tiananmen#: 7 | SS: 1/4000s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
Upright gate also called Duanmen in Chinese#: 8 | SS: 1/200s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
Upright Gate also called Duanmen#: 9 | SS: 1/320s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Meridian Gate also called Wumen#: 10 | SS: 1/800s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
Meridian Gate also called Wumen#: 11 | SS: 1/500s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Meridian Gate also called Wumen#: 12 | SS: 1/400s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
A tree with green leaves#: 13 | SS: 1/400s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | A frozen lake#: 14 | SS: 1/500s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
A tree with green leaves#: 15 | SS: 1/320s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Xihua Gate of the Forbidden City#: 16 | SS: 1/640s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
Xihua Gate of the Forbidden City#: 17 | SS: 1/160s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
A white car parked on the street#: 18 | SS: 1/500s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | A group of people standing on a street#: 19 | SS: 1/100s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
A tall building with a glass facade#: 20 | SS: 1/80s | ISO: 100 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm |
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