How to Take the Best Photos of Forbidden City Turret and Moat

One primary thing that is often missed is to visit  the magnificent turrets  of Forbidden City and its surrounding moat.  There are four beautiful turrets of the same structure on the four corners of Forbidden City.  Each turret tower has  nine girders, eighteen columns and 72 ridges. The two turrets on the northeast and northwest  corners offer the best photo opportunities.

The turrets are inaccessible to visitors. People usually finish their visit to Forbidden and exit from its north gate.  Then turn either right for the northeast turret tower or left for the northwest turret tower outside Forbidden City.

The turrets are in full view, with a prominent setting above the moat and the forbidden City walls running either side.  The northwest turret is a perfect spot for taking best photos of the turret in sunrise glow and night view as well; the northeast turret offers good daytime and night views, and the sunset view as well.

It is a shame that when they exit from the north gate to Forbidden City, many people even don't bother to look up at the two corners outside Forbidden City where the two magnificent turret stand.

The different four seasons present different views and photo opportunities. In addition, different time of a day also makes unique and fantastic pictures of the turrets.

The glorious Turret in the winter sunset glow.

The Turret above the moat with the wall running either side

The Northeast Turret Tower during day time in cold winter.

The beautiful northeast Turret Tower under sunshine

Tip: Hassle-free Beijing Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for Beijing guided tours:

Further Readings