View of the Hall of Supreme Harmony from Zhendu Gate [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]

The Palace Museum in Beijing, also known as the Forbidden City, features the largest and best-preserved ancient architectural complex in China.

View of the Hall of Preserving Harmony from the Gate of Heavenly Purity [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]

With its scattered halls and pavilions, remarkable collections of valuable paintings and calligraphy, as well as ancient wares encapsulating historical moments, the Forbidden City ignites people's curiosity and creates the "Palace Museum fever".

Northwestern Corner Tower [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]

For years, photographer Shang Junyi has frequently traversed the vast expanse of the museum, venturing from the imposing Meridian Gate to the solemn Shenwu Gate, and navigating among the scattered halls, pavilions and palaces.

Stairways at the Hall of Supreme Harmony [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]

After numerous photo shoots, Shang discovered that the museum exudes an even greater allure when bathed in the unique light, particularly during the winter season. To capture the perfect ray of light, he had to endure the cold air, while still quite enjoying that. Shang hopes to unveil a distinct perspective of the Forbidden City through his photographs.

Tiren Pavilion [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]

An iron vat at the square of the Hall of Supreme Harmony [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]

The Meridian Gate and Golden Water Bridge [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]A jade wall outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]Yangxing Gate [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]Inside the Qianqing Gate [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]Pillars at the Hall of Central Harmony [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]The Meridian Gate [Photo by Shang Junyi/cpanet.org.cn]

Source: China Daily
Editor: Lyu Yun