One of the most joyful trends to sweep Beijing is the Hanfu experience — renting traditional Chinese clothing, having your hair and makeup styled, and posing for photographs at the city’s most beautiful historic settings, above all the Forbidden City. Once an enthusiasm among young Chinese, it has exploded in popularity with international visitors too, and the streets around the palace are now lined with rental studios offering literally hundreds of outfits spanning the Tang, Ming and Qing dynasties and beyond. For around ¥298 plus a refundable deposit, you can transform into an imperial figure for the day and capture the kind of photos that look like they belong in a sweeping historical period drama. This guide covers where to rent, what it costs, the best photo spots, the styling options, and how to make your Hanfu day go smoothly.
It might sound like a gimmick, but the Hanfu experience is genuinely one of the most fun and memorable things you can do in Beijing — a playful, hands-on way to connect with Chinese history and come home with a set of genuinely extraordinary photographs. This guide covers the rental process, realistic prices, the dynasty styles to choose from, the very best places to shoot, and practical tips on timing, deposits and logistics. Let’s get you dressed for the part.
Hanfu experience at a glance
- What: renting traditional Chinese dress with hair and makeup styling, for photos at historic sites.
- Cost: from ~¥298 for rental plus hair, makeup and accessories; refundable deposit ~¥800; some dynasty styles cost extra.
- Where to rent: studios around the Forbidden City — Wangfu Century Plaza and the lanes west of Wangfujing have clusters.
- Best photo spots: the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall.
- Styles: Tang, Ming and Qing-dynasty outfits; Qing “palace” styles are common, others may cost more.
- Time needed: allow a half to full day, including styling and shooting.
- Best for: couples, friends, families, anyone who loves photos and dressing up.
What is Hanfu (and what people actually rent)
Strictly speaking, Hanfu (汉服) refers to the historical clothing of the Han Chinese — flowing robes, wide sleeves and sashes — worn across many dynasties before the Qing. In practice, the “Hanfu experience” in Beijing has become an umbrella term for renting traditional Chinese costume of any era, and the most popular styles for photos at the Forbidden City are actually elaborate Qing-dynasty “palace” outfits — the lavishly embroidered robes, towering headdresses and platform shoes of an empress or princess, instantly familiar from countless Chinese TV dramas. Studios also offer genuine flowing Tang and Ming Hanfu, often for a small surcharge, which many people find more elegant, graceful and authentically “Hanfu” in spirit. Whichever you choose, the rental usually comes as a full package: the outfit, accessories, and professional hair styling and makeup to complete the transformation. The result is genuinely striking, and stepping out into the lanes or up to the palace walls in full costume and elaborate hair is a real, giddy thrill that wins over even the initially reluctant.
Where to rent in Beijing
The greatest concentration of Hanfu studios is, logically, right around the Forbidden City, since that’s where most people want to shoot. The Wangfu Century Plaza, adjacent to the palace, houses numerous rental studios, and there’s a cluster of shops on the southeast side of the Forbidden City, west of Wangfujing. Studios here offer hundreds of outfits across dynasties, in-house stylists, and the convenience of being a short walk from the palace gates. To find and compare them, the Dianping app (China’s Yelp) is the best tool, with reviews, photos and prices; many studios can also be booked in advance through travel platforms. Popularity has soared — studios report a notable and growing rise in foreign customers — so for weekends and the peak travel seasons it’s genuinely wise to book ahead. Some studios also offer all-inclusive experience packages that bundle the rental, a photographer, and even lunch and afternoon tea, with shoots at marquee sites like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace.
What it costs and what’s included
Pricing is straightforward once you know the structure. A typical rate is around ¥298 for the outfit plus hair styling, makeup and accessories — the full transformation. On top of that, expect a refundable deposit of around ¥800, held as insurance against damage or loss and returned when you bring the costume back undamaged. Note that the standard Qing “palace” styles are usually the base price, while more elaborate or other-dynasty outfits (Tang, Ming) often cost around ¥100 extra for the more involved styling. Full-day all-inclusive packages with a professional photographer run higher (from roughly €80–100 / ¥600+ per person). Decide upfront whether you want just the rental (and to take your own photos on a phone or camera) or a full package with a dedicated photographer, which is well worth it if you want polished, professional, magazine-style shots. Always confirm the rental duration (often same-day return by a set time) and the deposit terms before you commit.
The best photo spots
The setting makes the photo, and Beijing offers some of the most spectacular backdrops in China:
- The Forbidden City — the ultimate Hanfu backdrop, with golden roofs, red walls and imperial courtyards. The classic choice, though note you’ll need your timed passport reservation to enter (see our Forbidden City guide).
- Jingshan Park — just north of the palace, with the panoramic Forbidden City view behind you and lovely pavilions; less crowded and cheaper to enter.
- The Summer Palace — willow-lined lake, the Long Corridor and classical gardens make a softer, romantic setting.
- The Great Wall — dramatic and unforgettable for Hanfu photos against the mountains; pair it with our Great Wall hiking guide.
- The hutongs and Shichahai — grey-brick lanes, red gates and lakeside willows give an atmospheric, intimate backdrop.
The red walls just outside the Forbidden City (along the moat) are a hugely popular, free spot if you don’t want to take the costume inside. Wherever you go, early morning gives the best light and the fewest crowds in your shots.
The Hanfu revival movement
The Hanfu boom you’ll see all over Beijing is part of a genuine cultural movement. Over the past two decades, and especially among young Chinese, there’s been a surging revival of interest in traditional Han clothing — a reclaiming of historical dress as a source of cultural pride and identity. What began as a niche subculture has gone fully mainstream: you’ll now see young Beijingers wearing Hanfu not just for photos but to festivals, parks and even daily outings, and a whole industry of designers, makers and rental studios has grown up around it. The trend dovetails neatly with the “national trend” (guochao) movement embracing Chinese heritage in fashion and design. For visitors, this means the Hanfu experience isn’t a tourist invention but a chance to take part in something Chinese people are genuinely passionate about — which is partly why studios so warmly welcome foreigners joining in. Understanding that you’re participating in a living cultural revival, rather than just playing dress-up, adds real meaning to the experience.
It also helps explain the sheer variety on offer. Because the movement spans every dynasty and a spectrum from historically faithful reproductions to romantic, drama-inspired fantasy, you can choose how authentic you want to be — from a meticulously researched Ming-dynasty robe to a glittering Qing “empress” look straight off a TV set. There’s no single “correct” choice; pick whatever speaks to you.
A step-by-step of your Hanfu day
Here’s how a typical Hanfu day unfolds, so you know what to expect. First, choose your studio and book (ideally a day or more ahead in peak season), confirming the price, what’s included and the return time. On the day, arrive at the studio and select your outfit from the racks — staff will help you find a style and size, and suggest matching accessories. Next comes hair and makeup, usually around an hour, where stylists create an elaborate traditional look (wigs and hairpieces are common for the dramatic palace styles). Once dressed and styled, you’ll either head out to shoot on your own or, if you’ve booked a package, meet your photographer at the chosen location. You then spend the day in costume, posing at the Forbidden City, Jingshan or wherever you’ve planned, before returning the outfit by the agreed time to reclaim your deposit. Build in plenty of buffer — styling can run long, the palace requires its own timed reservation, and you’ll want unhurried time for photos. A relaxed half-to-full day is the right pace.
Tips for great Hanfu photos
- Go early — soft morning light and thinner crowds make for far better photos, especially at the popular palace-wall spots.
- Consider a professional photographer — a package photographer who knows the best angles and spots is well worth it for polished, period-drama-style shots.
- Choose your location’s rules — the Forbidden City interior needs a timed passport reservation; the free red walls along the moat and Jingshan are easier for a relaxed shoot.
- Mind the season — autumn’s golden leaves and spring blossom are gorgeous backdrops; summer styling can be hot in heavy robes, and winter cold, so dress (or undress) accordingly underneath.
- Move and pose naturally — flowing sleeves and fans photograph beautifully in motion; let the fabric catch the breeze.
- Respect other visitors and the site — don’t block walkways or climb on historic structures for a shot.
One practical note on the palace: because the Forbidden City requires an advance, timed, passport-based ticket and involves a fair amount of walking on uneven stone, many people in elaborate costume actually prefer to shoot at the free red walls just outside, at Jingshan, or in the hutongs, where access is simpler and the costume easier to manage. You can still get spectacular “Forbidden City” shots from the moat and walls without the ticket and the crowds.
Who it’s for
The Hanfu experience suits a wonderfully broad range of travellers. Couples love the romance of matching outfits against the palace walls; groups of friends turn it into a fun, photo-filled day out; and families can dress up together, with children’s sizes often available (and kids in mini Hanfu are, frankly, impossibly cute). Solo travellers do it too, often with a package photographer to capture the shots. It’s especially popular with anyone who loves photography, Chinese history or period dramas. If dressing up isn’t your thing, it’s easy to skip — but a surprising number of initially sceptical visitors end up calling it a highlight of their trip, precisely because it’s so playful and the results are so striking. Whatever your age or background, stepping into imperial costume and walking the lanes of old Beijing is a memory (and a photo album) that lasts.
Doing it respectfully
A common worry for visitors is whether wearing Hanfu as a foreigner is appropriate. The reassuring answer is that it’s not only accepted but warmly welcomed — the Hanfu studios actively cater to international customers, and Chinese people generally see foreigners embracing their traditional dress as a compliment and a sign of genuine interest in the culture. The spirit that matters is respect and enthusiasm rather than mockery. Wear the costume with the same care you’d want shown to your own traditions, be considerate at historic sites, and engage with the staff’s guidance on styling and how to wear the garments properly. Approached this way, the Hanfu experience is a lovely act of cultural exchange — you’re celebrating Chinese heritage, not appropriating it, and the smiles you’ll get from locals as you walk by in full costume confirm it. It’s one of the friendliest, most good-humoured activities in the city.
Hanfu experience FAQ
How much does a Hanfu experience cost?
Around ¥298 for the outfit plus hair, makeup and accessories, with a refundable deposit of about ¥800. More elaborate or non-Qing styles may add ~¥100, and full packages with a professional photographer cost more.
Where do I rent Hanfu in Beijing?
At studios clustered around the Forbidden City — Wangfu Century Plaza and the lanes west of Wangfujing have many. Use the Dianping app to compare reviews and prices, and book ahead in peak season.
Can foreigners do the Hanfu experience?
Absolutely — it’s increasingly popular with international visitors, and studios welcome foreign customers, offering a wide range of sizes and styles. It’s a fun, respectful way to engage with Chinese culture.
Where are the best places to take Hanfu photos?
The Forbidden City is the classic, with Jingshan Park, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, and the hutongs/Shichahai all making beautiful backdrops. The red palace walls along the moat are a popular free spot.
How long does it take?
Allow a half to full day. Hair and makeup styling takes around an hour, then you have the outfit for the day (with a set return time) to shoot at your chosen locations.
Do I need to book in advance?
For weekends and peak season, yes — popular studios get busy. Booking ahead via Dianping or a travel platform secures your slot and styling time. Weekday mornings are quieter for walk-ins.
Is the Hanfu experience worth it?
For most visitors who enjoy photos and dressing up, absolutely — it’s affordable, fun, and produces striking, unique photographs you can’t get any other way. It also offers a genuine, hands-on connection to Chinese history and the living Hanfu revival. If you’re indifferent to photos or costumes, it’s easy to skip, but many sceptics end up loving it.
What should I wear underneath?
Wear thin, fitted layers you can keep on under the costume — leggings and a slim top work well. Dress lighter in summer (the robes can be warm) and add thermal layers in winter, since you’ll be outdoors for photos. Comfortable shoes help, as some outfits come with tricky platform footwear and you’ll be walking and posing for hours.
The bottom line on the Hanfu experience
The Hanfu experience is one of Beijing’s most fun and photogenic activities — for the price of a nice meal, you can be transformed into an imperial figure and photographed against the golden roofs of the Forbidden City. Rent from a studio near the palace, choose a Qing palace style or a flowing Tang or Ming robe, and shoot at the Forbidden City, Jingshan or the Great Wall for photographs you’ll genuinely treasure long after the trip. Book ahead in peak season, mind the deposit, and go early for the best light. It’s playful, surprisingly moving, endlessly memorable, and a genuine, joyful connection to China’s imperial past.
Plan your palace visit with our Forbidden City guide, find the best viewpoint at Jingshan Park, or shoot on the Great Wall. For more traditional culture, see the Beijing hutongs guide.
