Tian Tan Walk Around

One thing I’ve grown to appreciate in Beijing is blue skies. Having been in the Beijing area for close to 20 years, they tend to stand out. Recently, they have been more frequent due to the pollution going down significantly. However, during the winter/cold months in Beijing they tend to be pretty sparse. After what felt like weeks of gray, drab skies there was this beautiful day in Beijing. It kind of crept up on me and I didn’t notice it till after lunch. I knew that I would have to go somewhere close to the subway in order to get any shots that I’d like. With the help of my amazing wife, I was able to find out what time parks closed & plan where to go. TianTan had the best options & time frame for me. I hadn’t been to TianTan for years and it was so great to see it on such a clear day. 

While walking around the Qinian Hall (Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests), I was noticing a few things that peaked my interest. I continue to find shadows fascinating. I loved how you could see them change as you walked around . I also had a ton of fun zooming in and finding little details like dust patterns. Or the “王 工“ characters painted under the rim of each level. 

I decided to test out my lens ball again. One of my favorite things about the lens ball is how many people want to use it after they seem me snap a few shots. I had at least 5 people ask me if they could use it at this spot. I heard one of the guys tell his friend “he could be charging people to use that!” While I probably could, I’d much rather be kind and have fun conversations with those that wanted to use it. 

I am really glad I stayed here as late as possible. I had been seeing this shot while playing around (and letting others play) with my lens ball. I really wanted to get a low shot of the Qinian Hall but I also didn’t want to prevent people from using the lens ball. Thankfully, those that wanted to use it were quick and I was able to run down here to get some low shots before they closed this area up. 

I let my self be herded to the next area that was about to close for the day. I knew I wanted to try and get some shots of this path with the Qinian Hall in the distance, However, I really liked watching these moments of people on this long path that leads to the Hall. 

I also managed to get a few shots of the Huangqiongyu Hall (The Imperial Vault of Heaven) before this gate got closed. I really appreciated how kind and friendly the guards were at TianTan as they let people know they needed to move quickly and which gates closed at what times. I really liked how the little bits of golden light here and there. It created these rich colors and shadows that are gorgeous to me. 

I quickly snapped another candid shot and got through the gate before it was closed. 

I then decided I’d walk around the park for a bit to see if there were any more shots I’d like. Glad I packed those granola bars & made that PBJ sandwich! I’m equally as glad that I decided to search for some more golden light on the Qinian Hall. It just enhanced the beauty to the building and left me so grateful that I was able to come here. 

Please let me know what you think of these walk arounds. I’ve been having a ton of fun doing them, but feedback would be appreciated. 

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