Classic spots
- The platform in front of Tianmen Cave: the full opening, more dramatic with a wide angle;
- Below the 999 steps: shoot upward at the opening and stairs;
- Beside the winding road: look down over the Heaven-Linking Avenue.
Light and timing
- Morning is front-lit and afternoon backlit; cloud seas are most likely after rain then clearing;
- Around sunrise and sunset the light is soft, with a high keeper rate.
Technique
- Bring a wide angle and a polarizer to cut haze/reflection;
- Use foreground (railings, steps) for depth;
- With crowds, use a telephoto or shoot off-peak.
