Beijing: Must-Try Chinese Ancient Costume Rental& Photoshoot

Traveling in Beijing offers more than just visiting ancient sites; it’s about stepping into China’s timeless traditions. This costume rental and photoshoot experience promises a chance to wear authentic traditional clothes, be styled by professionals, and capture the moment with a professional photoshoot. It’s a neat way to add a splash of history to your trip while creating unforgettable memories.

What we love about this experience is how it combines culture with fun photography—imagine yourself in a traditional Hanfu or imperial costume, with makeup and styling tailored just for you. Plus, the location outside the Forbidden City’s iconic red walls makes for a truly photogenic backdrop. The only potential hiccup? It’s not a quick stop; the full experience can take up to 8 hours, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

If you’re after a memorable, hands-on cultural activity that results in stunning photos and lots of stories, this experience fits the bill. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy unique photo opportunities, don’t mind a bit of time investment, and want to dive into China’s traditional attire in a hassle-free way.

Key Points

• Authentic Chinese Costumes: Choose from a wide variety of traditional outfits, styled professionally.
• Professional Makeup & Styling: Ensures you look your best for photos and enjoy a cultural makeover.
• Picturesque Location: Outside the Forbidden City, with stunning architecture as your backdrop.
• Flexible Packages: Options for makeup-only or full photoshoot, with digital images included.
• English-Speaking Guide: Assistance throughout, making the experience accessible for non-Chinese speakers.
• Memorable Photos: 35 raw digital images plus 5 stunning retouched photos, delivered digitally.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Introduction to the Tour

This costume and photoshoot experience offers a playful yet meaningful way to connect with Chinese culture. For many travelers, wearing traditional Chinese costumes—called Hanfu—and having professional makeup done sounds like fun, but it’s also a chance to understand and appreciate the craftsmanship of Chinese clothing. The fact that an English-speaking guide is involved makes the logistics smoother for international visitors.

How It Starts: Easy Meeting & Costume Selection

You’ll meet your guide at the Jinyu Hutong Subway Station (Exit C), a convenient and central spot. From there, the journey begins with a quick walk to the store where a wide assortment of traditional Chinese costumes awaits. Expect about 1.5 hours to select your outfit and get styled—this includes professional makeup and styling, which elevates the entire experience from simple dress-up to a full cultural transformation.

Choosing your costume is part of the fun. Whether you want a regal emperor or empress look, or something more understated, the staff helps you find a style that suits your personality and photoshoot vision. This step is not rushed; it’s about enjoying the process of becoming a historical figure for a day.

The Photoshoot: Timing and Location

If you opt for the full package, the highlight is the photoshoot near the Forbidden City’s moat. This spot is packed with traditional Chinese architecture—red walls, tiled roofs, and ornate details—that make superb backdrops. The shoot lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, during which a professional photographer guides you through different poses, capturing your best angles.

From the reviews, it’s clear that the photographers pay close attention. Emmy notes, “The photographers were very attentive and took great care of me throughout the shoot,” and Jessica mentions how Nancy, the owner, personally helped make the experience seamless. Expect lots of natural light, flattering angles, and the chance to be styled in multiple poses.

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What Comes After: Your Digital Memories

After the shoot, you’ll receive a digital collection of 35 raw images plus 5 professionally retouched ones. These photos are high-quality and make for wonderful keepsakes or social media posts. Many reviews emphasize how happy travelers are with their photos; Josefin called it “the highlight of my trip,” and Jessica described it as “magical moments” she will cherish forever.

Flexibility and Additional Options

Participants can choose just the makeup and styling without the photoshoot, if they prefer a quick transformation. It’s also possible to continue exploring Beijing in your costume, though with a caveat: entry to Tiananmen Square in costumes isn’t permitted. The experience ends back at the starting point, or you can extend your time if available.

Practical Considerations

The experience is quite comprehensive, spanning from 1.5 to 8 hours, depending on your package and pace. It’s priced at $145 per person, which includes professional styling, costume choice, and digital images if you opt for the full package. While some might find the price a bit high, reviews indicate that the quality of the costumes, makeup, and photos justifies it.

The experience does not include hotel pickup, but the meeting point is straightforward. You’ll want to plan to return to the store by 6 PM, especially if you want to explore other sites afterward. Note that the experience is private, which means your group gets personalized attention.

Why Choose This Experience?

This activity is perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want a personal, cultural adventure that results in beautiful photographs. It’s ideal for those interested in Chinese traditional clothing, photography, or simply looking for a unique souvenir of their Beijing trip. The English-speaking guide makes it accessible for non-Chinese speakers, ensuring you won’t feel lost in translation.

It’s also a good fit for anyone craving a relaxed, fun, and meaningful way to learn about Chinese culture. The location near the Forbidden City adds a historic ambiance to your photos, making them even more special.

A Well-Balanced Perspective

While the experience offers plenty of culturally rich moments and high-quality photos, it does require a time commitment. For travelers on a tight schedule, it’s worth noting that the full experience can last up to 8 hours. But for those with flexible itineraries, it’s a worthwhile investment in both cultural understanding and memorable photographs.

The cost may seem steep compared to simpler souvenir photos, but considering the professional styling, location, and digital images, many find it good value. Plus, the reviews consistently praise the helpful guidance and the stunning results, making it clear that you’re paying for quality and expertise.

Final Thoughts

This costume rental and photoshoot experience in Beijing offers a delightful blend of tradition, photography, and personal storytelling. You’ll love the way it transforms your view of Beijing, giving you a tangible connection to Chinese heritage with stunning visuals to remember the moment.

It’s especially perfect for travelers who want a unique, hands-on cultural activity, and are happy to spend a few hours in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a memorable way to dress up in China’s traditional attire, this experience delivers both fun and meaningful keepsakes.

For those who want a hassle-free, culturally enriching activity that produces high-quality photos and personal memories, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for non-Chinese speakers?
Yes. The guide is English-speaking, and staff at the store also speak English, making it easy for international visitors to participate without language barriers.

How long does the full experience take?
It ranges from about 1.5 hours for just styling to up to 8 hours if you include the full photoshoot and additional time. Check specific availability and timings for your preferred start time.

What’s included in the package?
Depending on your choice, you get professional makeup and styling, a traditional Chinese costume, an English-speaking guide, and digital photos. The full photoshoot option includes 35 raw images and 5 retouched photos.

Can I explore Beijing after the photoshoot?
Yes, but be aware that entry to Tiananmen Square in costumes is not permitted, so plan your subsequent visits accordingly. You can continue exploring other sites or return to the store.

Are there any additional costs?
Fees for extra retouched photos beyond the five included, or other expenses not listed, are not included. Hotel pickup is also not part of the package.

What should I wear or bring?
Come dressed comfortably for the styling process, and bring your enthusiasm. The staff will handle the rest, including makeup and costume fitting.

Is the experience private?
Yes, private groups are available, and it’s a personalized experience designed to ensure you get the attention and photos you want.

This costume and photoshoot experience offers a beautiful way to wear Beijing’s traditional attire, get professional photos, and take home a piece of China’s cultural fabric. Perfect for anyone wanting a fun, memorable, and visually stunning activity in the heart of Beijing.

You can check availability for your dates here: