Chinese-style photoshoots attract foreign tourists to China. Visitors embrace hanfu, qipao, and culture through portrait experiences.
Chinese-style photoshoots are rapidly becoming a must-try experience for overseas visitors travelling in China. As a result, social media platforms are increasingly filled with eye-catching images of foreign tourists dressed in traditional Chinese clothing.
According to ThePaper.cn, an American blogger recently shared her experience of taking a Chinese-style photoshoot in Nanjing. The video quickly gained widespread attention online. During the session, she chose a Republican-era-inspired look. She wore a light purple modern qipao and styled her hair in vintage finger waves. Every detail reflected careful planning and craftsmanship.
Meanwhile, a make-up artist recreated a classic 1930s appearance and completed the look with elegant vintage earrings. Consequently, the final result appeared both authentic and cinematic.
“The misty lighting perfectly matches Republican-era aesthetics,” the blogger said. However, the professional guidance impressed her most. A stylist showed her how to pose, where to look, and how to position her hands. In addition, the photographer patiently helped her achieve the most flattering shots. As a result, each image resembled a film poster.
According to MRRW, these highly organised photoshoots have become a cultural export on TikTok, much like Chinese-inspired make-up trends. Several foreign content creators now document the entire experience, from costume selection and hairstyling to photography and post-production.
For example, some European visitors dress as characters from traditional Chinese dramas. They wear flowing robes and carry swords for dramatic effect. Others choose delicate hanfu and pose beside rivers or historic landmarks. Meanwhile, a foreign couple even shared their experience on Xiaohongshu, joking that they looked like members of a visiting diplomatic delegation after embracing local fashion customs.
This summer, make-up artist Zhizhi welcomed more than 30 foreign clients in Furong Town, Xiangxi. She created Chinese-inspired looks for visitors from across the West. Moreover, many clients showed great enthusiasm. They smiled throughout the process and repeatedly thanked her in Chinese.
Foreign visitors also tend to make bolder fashion choices. In Xi’an, Shenlan Photo Studio has welcomed a growing number of overseas customers this year. According to owner Wang Damao, Chinese clients generally prefer softer or pastel colour palettes. By contrast, international visitors often choose bright red, vivid blue, and bold yellow outfits.
Furthermore, businesses are adapting to this growing demand. According to Xinmin.cn, many studios now offer bilingual services and larger-sized hanfu. Some even provide customised styling for international guests, including gold hair spray to create a more distinctive look. After a complete transformation, many visitors feel as though they have stepped into another era.
The appeal of hanfu is easy to understand. Its intricate embroidery, flowing silhouettes, and layered styling create a memorable experience. As a result, many foreign visitors describe feeling like fairytale characters when wearing traditional Chinese dress.
For instance, Ana Petrovna, a visitor from the Slavic region, shared her hanfu photos online after completing a photoshoot. In turn, her Xiaohongshu post attracted enthusiastic praise from users.
Ultimately, this trend goes beyond fashion and photography. Instead, it reflects a growing cultural exchange. Through Chinese-style photoshoots, hanfu and traditional aesthetics are reaching new audiences around the world. Consequently, what was once a distinctly Chinese cultural tradition is increasingly becoming a global visual language.
Written by Yi Shen.
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