I made a special trip to Xinzhou Ancient City again just for these photo spots!!

Here’s a photography guide for Xinzhou Ancient City: Photo Spots • Vintage style: The "Xinzhou" red wall can be found by navigating to Zuoyouke Hotel—head east along the slope to see it, perfect for retro-style shots. Inside the ancient city’s supply and marketing cooperative, the weathered wooden frames and nostalgic slogans create an 80s-era atmosphere. • New Chinese style: Malun Tea House in Xiurong Alley, with its beige cement walls and wooden furniture, is ideal for new Chinese-style photos. Mingyue Tower, a landmark of the ancient city, features the striking words "Chinese New Year in Xinzhou," capturing the lively vibe of the city. • Romantic style: The rose wall in Damo Alley blends retro and modern aesthetics with cascading roses between buildings, making it a stunning spot for photos. The lantern corridor in Caishen Temple Alley, full of northern Shanxi charm, offers a romantic and dreamy backdrop. • Panoramic views: Wenchang Pavilion in Xiurong Academy is the highest point in the ancient city, offering a bird’s-eye view of the entire area. From the corner towers of the ancient city wall, you can frame the blue-tiled roofs and the towers together, showcasing the city’s unique charm. Best Times to Shoot • Daytime: The soft morning light is perfect for capturing architecture and scenery at Xiurong Academy and the city walls. In the afternoon, head to Damo Alley or Xiurong Alley to use side or backlighting for atmospheric shots. • Sunset: The golden, gentle light enhances the ancient walls, bell towers, and drum towers against the evening glow. The stone-paved roads and red lanterns on South Street are also great for vintage-style photos. • Nighttime: When the city lights up, the Koi Lantern Alley, the night view of the ancient walls, and the panoramic view from Xiurong Academy’s walls are breathtaking for night photography. Outfit Ideas • Vintage style: Opt for cheongsams or retro dresses paired with vintage hairstyles and makeup, perfect for shots at the "Xinzhou" red wall or the supply and marketing cooperative. • New Chinese style: Choose Hanfu or modernized Chinese-style outfits for photos at Malun Tea House or Mingyue Tower, highlighting classical elegance. • Modern style: Simple dresses, jeans with shirts, or casual wear work well at the rose wall or Xinzhou dialect wall for a trendy look. Photography Tips • Composition: Use architectural lines, doors, and windows for framing shots, like shooting through the floral frame at Malun Tea House. Symmetrical compositions work well for landmarks like Mingyue Tower or the city walls. • Lighting: Pay attention to light direction and angles. In spots like Guandi Temple Alley, where light and shadow play, use them to highlight subjects and add depth. • Posing: Have models walk, stand, or sit naturally, interacting with the environment—like touching roses at the rose wall or sipping tea at Malun Tea House.