Experiencing China, Not Just Visiting When the Truman family traveled from the United States to Beijing, they wanted an authentic cultural experience. A Summer Palace Hanfu Photoshoot was the perfect way to capture their spring vacation. Spring in Beijing is incredibly short but breathtaking, with vibrant pink peach and cherry blossoms framing the ancient imperial architecture. To make their visit truly unforgettable, we planned a traditional Hanfu (ancient Chinese clothing) family photoshoot at the Summer Palace. Rather than stiff, awkward poses, this session was […]
As a Beijing photographer, I’ve found that a Mutianyu family photography is the perfect way to capture unplanned, authentic memories. Just before the Lunar New Year, I had the pleasure of capturing a mother and her energetic son exploring the Great Wall in the crisp winter air. 在 Instagram 查看这篇帖子 Vincent Ma (@vincentmaphotography) 分享的帖子 Capturing Authentic Moments: Behind the Scenes She wasn’t looking for stiff, traditional portraits. Having seen my portfolio, she was drawn to my documentary photography […]
From Chicago to Beijing: A Secret Winter Proposal at the Summer Palace Intro:Are you planning a Summer Palace proposal in winter? While many chase the autumn leaves, the frozen lake creates a cinematic backdrop. Recently, I captured a secret engagement here for a couple from the US… The proposal was a resounding success! Watch the video to feel the love and get inspired for your own special moment. The Challenge: “I’m Freaking Out!” My client originally planned to propose to […]
I have just welcomed the first secret proposal of 2026! The air was crisp, the winter light was soft, and the Great Wall looked majestic. For this couple, we planned everything to perfection. However, the most common question I get from clients is: “Which route should we take?” Depending on your fitness level and the style of photos you want, there are two distinct ways to plan your Mutianyu Great Wall Proposal. Here is my guide to help you choose, based […]
Planning a Mutianyu Great Wall Winter Proposal? There is something truly magical about Beijing’s first snow. The contrast of the ancient grey bricks and red flags against the pure white snow creates a fairytale scene. Recently, I helped a couple from South Africa plan their dream proposal. It was their first time in China, and they reached out to me months in advance to coordinate this special moment. They wanted iconic photos but were worried about the complex transportation. Here is how we executed […]
How to Execute the Perfect Surprise Proposal on the Great Wall of China Traveling from halfway across the world to propose is a grand gesture. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a wonderful couple from Mexico who chose the Mutianyu Great Wall for their engagement. They wanted the romantic backdrop of Beijing’s “Golden Autumn” (October), where the mountains are painted in gold and red. However, planning a surprise in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language can be stressful. […]
Introduction The Summer Palace in Beijing isn’t just a historical site; it’s a canvas for love stories. This blog post focuses on an American couple’s enchanting proposal here. 1. The Magical Proposal Spot: Zhichun Pavilion Q：Why Zhichun Pavilion（知春亭）? Zhichun Pavilion at the Summer Palace in Beijing offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical grandeur. With the Longevity Hill as a backdrop, the proposal here becomes a story set in the heart of Chinese history. The serene lake and […]
Are you looking for the best location for Beijing family photography? Discover the best-kept secret near the Forbidden City! The Imperial Ancestral Temple offers a crowd-free, historic backdrop. It creates unforgettable family travel memories. Tired of searching for the perfect spot to take family photos during your travels? Look no further than the Imperial Ancestral Temple, right beside the famous Forbidden City!This hidden gem fits family travel and photography perfectly. It’s an ideal spot to capture unique family portraits in Beijing. […]
For Rebecca & Tyler, a globetrotting American couple based in LA, every city is a new chapter in their love story. Their ritual? Finding the soul of a place through Summer Palace photography that feels authentic and unscripted. When Rebecca (who also happens to be a photographer!) reached out to me, I knew this session in Beijing would be a true collaboration between storytellers. Why Choose Summer Palace Photography for Your Beijing Journey? The Summer Palace isn’t just a UNESCO […]
As a photographer based in Beijing, I had the privilege of working with a wonderful couple from the U.S. who were here for the first time. The boyfriend, originally from China, wanted to bring his fiancée to Beijing for their engagement photoshoot and celebrate both their love and his cultural roots. They specifically requested to shoot at iconic locations that represent traditional Chinese culture, and the Summer Palace was the perfect choice. Why Choose a Summer Palace Engagement? The Summer […]