China’s self-service newspaper photo booths let tourists pose for front-page fun, turning travel moments into interactive cultural experiences.
During the National Day and Mid-Autumn holidays, Tianjin’s Jinwan Plaza was bustling with visitors. In front of a “self-service newspaper photo booth,” tourists posed for a picture. Within seconds, a paper printed like a real newspaper emerged, featuring their photo on the “front page.”
“For me, it feels more like a ritual than a regular photo,” said Han, a young visitor from Beijing. “Having my picture on the headline makes the memory special—it’s not just a tourist photo.”
From Tourist Fun to Cultural Trend
Self-service newspaper photo booths are becoming popular across China. Tourist spots and large events are introducing them as a fun and unique way to combine travel with cultural experience.
At West Lake in Hangzhou, visitors dressed in traditional costumes can appear on the front page with the scenic lake and mountains behind them. In Tianjin, the booths add local humour and playful headlines, reflecting the city’s personality. Even concerts now let fans create their own “exclusive headlines,” preserving memories in newspaper form.
Tianjin’s Qingwangfu Scenic Area staff said the booths have been operating since late April 2025. On regular days, they process 50–60 orders; during holidays, this number exceeds 300. By integrating local history and customised layouts, each souvenir becomes a unique memento.
Meet the Digital Reporter
Beyond photo booths, newspapers are exploring innovative ways to engage visitors. Shanxi Daily introduced a digital reporter at the 7th Shanxi Cultural Industries Fair. Through a touchscreen, visitors could ask questions, and a lifelike 3D figure responded instantly.
“Hello, I’m Shanxi Daily’s digital reporter. How can I help you today?” it greeted. Visitors asked about Shanxi’s traditional glass-making craft, a national intangible cultural heritage. The reporter explained the craft’s history, linked to relevant news stories, and suggested further reading.
“It felt like having a knowledgeable journalist friend beside me,” said Zhou, a 23-year-old visitor. The system handles follow-up questions, covering local culture, media practices, and major news events. In this way, visitors experience both Shanxi’s culture and the newspaper’s mission firsthand.
These innovations show how newspapers in China are evolving. They are no longer just information carriers—they provide interaction, cultural immersion, and social sharing. From self-service photo booths to digital reporters and playful newspaper innovations like wedding announcements and anime-style layouts, traditional media is finding new ways to connect with young audiences while celebrating local culture.
Additional reporting by Shanxi Daily, CNS.
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