The scene depicts the Northwest Corner Tower (Xibeijiao Lou) of the Forbidden City, located within Xicheng District, Beijing, China, at dusk or early night

The scene depicts the Northwest Corner Tower (Xibeijiao Lou) of the Forbidden City, located within Xicheng District, Beijing, China, at dusk or early night. A traditional multi-tiered, dark-roofed Chinese tower, constructed of dark wood and masonry, stands prominently on a stone foundation at the corner of a wide, dark moat. The tower exhibits visible warm illumination. The calm water of the moat perfectly reflects the tower, the dark silhouettes of trees lining both banks, and distant artificial lights. On the right bank, a tall communication tower is visible. Further down the waterway, illuminated structures of a distant bridge are reflected. No individuals or active interactions are present in the frame.