A blend of ancient and modern, with dynamic shots | Jianchang Ancient City, Xichang.
Autumn, a season full of poetry and romance, and in this season, Xichang, with its unique scenery and profound culture, became my first choice for a peak-avoiding trip. The main purpose of this trip was to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Qionghai Bay, explore the historic Jianchang Ancient City, and immerse myself in the night view and snacks of Tang Garden. Everything was ready, and with anticipation for the beautiful scenery and delicious food, I embarked on this unforgettable journey.
As soon as I entered Xichang, the famous Qionghai Bay came into view. Standing by the bay, surrounded by mountains, the lake water was crystal clear, and the sky was azure and cloudless. This harmonious natural scene was truly refreshing. Qionghai Bay is not only picturesque but also has a profound cultural heritage. Legend has it that the Qiongdu Kingdom was born here, adding a touch of mystery to Qionghai Bay.
Leaving Qionghai Bay, we arrived at Jianchang Ancient City, known as the "Millennium Ancient City." This ancient city preserves many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking on the bluestone road, it felt like traveling back to that era. The historical sites within the ancient city, such as the Confucian Temple, the Martial Temple, and the North Gate Tower, all showcase the glory of ancient Chinese civilization. Every brick and tile, every carving, tells a story of the past's glory and vicissitudes.
As night fell, we headed to the last stop of our trip - Tang Garden. Tang Garden is famous for its unique architectural style and night view. The Tang-style buildings within the garden are particularly charming under the lights. Strolling through the garden, it felt like being in the prosperous Tang Dynasty a thousand years ago. The night view of Tang Garden is not only visually stunning, but the various traditional snacks are also mouthwatering. From buttered biscuits to spicy hotpot, every dish is a delight, making it a paradise for foodies.
This autumn trip to Xichang allowed me to deeply appreciate the wonders of nature and the wisdom of the ancients. Whether it's the natural beauty of Qionghai Bay or the historical heritage of Jianchang Ancient City and Tang Garden, it all left me wanting more. If I have the chance, I will still choose to embark on this unforgettable journey on a beautiful autumn day. Xichang, a place you won't want to leave once you arrive.
Autumn, a season full of poetry and romance, is the perfect time for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of nature. Whether it's golden fallen leaves, ripe fruits, or mountains shrouded in mist, all are unique autumn landscapes. Here are some tips for taking photos in autumn, helping you capture the beautiful moments of this season:
1. Choose the right time
- Golden hour: Utilize the "golden hour" at sunrise and sunset. The light is soft and colorful, allowing you to take warm and layered photos.
- Blue hour: Capture the unique blue tones and serene atmosphere by shooting during the "blue hour" after dusk or before dawn.
2. Look for autumn symbols
- Fallen leaves: Look for fallen leaves on the ground, especially colorful maple or oak leaves, which can be used as natural backgrounds or foregrounds.
- Fruits and crops: Ripe pumpkins, apples, and other crops, as well as fruits hanging from branches, are all symbols of autumn.
- Animal migration: If possible, try to capture the spectacular scene of migratory birds, a major feature of autumn.
3. Utilize composition techniques
- Rule of thirds: Divide the frame into nine squares and place the main elements at the intersections or lines to create a more balanced and harmonious photo.
- Foreground and background: Use tree branches, rocks, or other objects as foregrounds to add depth to the photo.
- Contrast and color: Autumn's colors are strongly contrasting. Try to capture these contrasts, such as yellow leaves against a blue sky.
4. Pay attention to light and shadows
- Sidelight: Sidelight can highlight the texture and shape of objects, especially creating light and dark contrasts on leaves, enhancing their three-dimensionality.
- Backlight: Backlight can create dreamlike outlines and silhouette effects, especially at sunrise or sunset.
5. Creative shooting
- Macro photography: Use a macro lens to capture details of dewdrops, insects, or leaves, showcasing the microscopic world of autumn.
- Long exposure: For flowing water or clouds, using long exposure can create a flowing effect, adding artistic flair to the photo.
6. Post-processing
- Adjust color saturation: Increase color saturation appropriately to make autumn colors more vibrant.
- Contrast and brightness: Adjust contrast and brightness to make the photo's light and shadow effects more prominent.
By following these tips, you can take impressive photos in autumn and record the beautiful moments of this season. Remember to try different shooting angles and composition methods to make your work more unique and interesting.