Beijing: Must-Try Chinese Ancient Costume Rental& Photoshoot

Experience the charm of old Beijing with a costume rental and photoshoot that puts you right in the middle of China’s ancient elegance. For $145 per person, you’ll spend between 1.5 to 8 hours (depending on your package and schedule) transforming into a traditional Chinese figure, guided by an English-speaking expert. Whether you want just the costume and makeup or a full photoshoot with professional editing, this experience offers a fun, memorable way to connect with Beijing’s cultural roots.

We love how the experience combines authentic elements—like traditional costumes and professional styling—with a stunning location near the Forbidden City’s red walls and moat. It’s a chance to look like a princely figure or a classic beauty from Chinese history, then have the photos to prove it. What stands out is the high-quality makeup and costumes, plus the personalized guidance that makes even first-timers feel at ease.

One potential consideration is the timing—booking in advance is wise since the experience can extend up to 8 hours, and you’ll need to return the costumes by 6 PM if you don’t opt to continue exploring in your outfit. This experience suits travelers seeking a rich cultural photo keepsake or anyone wanting a fun, photo-worthy moment in Beijing without heavy sightseeing.

Key Points

Authentic Chinese costumes provide an immersive cultural experience.
Professional makeup and styling help you look your best for photos.
Stunning photo locations near the Forbidden City add historic charm.
Flexible packages include just costumes or full photoshoots with edited images.
English-speaking guides make the process smooth and understandable.
A memorable way to create lasting Beijing memories with high-quality photos.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Beijing Costume & Photoshoot Experience

Planning more time in Beijing? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

What makes this experience special?

This tour isn’t just about dressing up—it’s about stepping into a different time and place, right in the heart of Beijing. You’ll start by meeting your guide at Jinyu Hutong Subway Station, a straightforward and centrally located meeting point. From there, you’re introduced to a wide selection of traditional Chinese costumes, ranging from elegant robes to regal attire. This part of the process can take about 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to choose just the right outfit and get professionally styled.

What really makes this experience stand out is the quality of the styling. The professional makeup artist and stylist work their magic, ensuring you look stunning and authentic—no DIY disasters here. Many reviews highlight how well the makeup and costumes are executed, with one saying, “The quality of the outfits was excellent, and the makeup was beautifully done.” It’s clear that attention to detail is a priority, and that elevated quality makes a big difference in your final photos.

The Photoshoot Location and Its Charm

If you opt for the full photoshoot package, you’ll be guided to a picturesque spot near the Forbidden City, beside its moat and red walls. This location isn’t just for its beauty—its authenticity transports you into ancient China. Imagine standing against traditional architecture, with the grand walls as your backdrop, creating timeless images that you’ll cherish forever.

Photographers are attentive and take their time, capturing different poses and angles. One reviewer mentioned that “the photographers were very attentive and took great care of me,” making the experience comfortable despite the unfamiliar setting. The shoot lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing for plenty of variety and beautiful shots.

What You Receive and How It Works

After the photoshoot, you’ll receive 35 digital images straight to your email, along with 5 professionally retouched photos. These images are high-quality and perfect for sharing or printing. The process is smooth—once the shoot ends, you simply pick which images you want, and they’re delivered digitally, making it easy to keep and display your Beijing memories.

You can choose to continue exploring in your traditional outfit—though it’s worth noting that you won’t be able to enter Tiananmen Square in costume. To wrap up your experience, return to the shop by 6 PM or coordinate with your guide for the outfit return.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This isn’t your typical sightseeing tour. It’s ideal for travelers who want a fun, engaging way to connect with Chinese culture—perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families. Many reviews mention how foreigners, even those unfamiliar with Chinese language or customs, felt comfortable thanks to the English-speaking guides. Jessica noted, “Nancy took the time to explain everything and made the experience seamless,” making it accessible for non-Chinese speakers.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, a memorable photo shoot, or simply want to try something different in Beijing, this experience fits the bill. It’s especially suitable if you appreciate high-quality styling and professional photography, as many reviews praise the attention to detail and the stunning results.

While you're exploring Beijing, here are other experiences we've looked into

A Thorough Breakdown of the Experience

The Itinerary and Flow

The tour begins at the Jinyu Hutong Subway Station, where you meet your guide. From here, the experience is primarily focused on the dressing and styling process, which takes about 1.5 hours. You’re introduced to a variety of traditional Chinese costumes—think of flowing robes, intricate headpieces, and vibrant colors—and assisted by professional stylists and makeup artists.

Once dressed, if you’ve selected the full photoshoot package, you’ll proceed to the designated shooting location—just outside the Forbidden City’s moat. This spot offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and iconic Chinese architecture, ideal for capturing those classic images. The photoshoot itself lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, with plenty of flexibility for posing and experimenting with different looks.

The Photos and Delivery

Post-shoot, you’ll be handed 35 digital images, which include raw shots and five professionally retouched photos. The editing process adds a polished finish, enhancing your best angles and ensuring your images look their very best. Many travelers find these photos to be excellent keepsakes, suitable for social media or framing.

Flexibility and Additional Options

While the standard package includes everything from makeup to a full photoshoot, there’s also an option for makeup and styling only—no photography—if you prefer to keep things simple or want to wear your costume longer while exploring nearby areas.

Remember, the entire experience is designed to be hassle-free, with English guidance to help you understand each step. You’re encouraged to return the costume by 6 PM unless you decide to keep the outfit for further sightseeing, but note that entry to Tiananmen Square isn’t permitted in traditional costume.

What Reviews Highlight Most

Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism and friendliness of the guides and staff. Josefin, for example, called it “the highlight of her trip,” emphasizing how well she was cared for and how happy she was with her photos. Emmy appreciated the “excellent quality of outfits” and “beautifully done” makeup, even though she considered the price high, emphasizing the value of creating a memorable keepsake. Jessica’s review underscores how helpful and fluent the guide was, making her feel at ease despite language barriers.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for those wanting to capture a memorable, high-quality image of themselves dressed in traditional Chinese attire. It offers a balance of cultural authenticity, professional styling, and stunning scenery—all within a convenient location near Beijing’s top landmarks.

If you’re a first-time visitor eager for a fun photo story that’s both visually impactful and culturally meaningful, this experience delivers. It’s especially valuable for travelers who want to skip the crowds and have a personalized, relaxed session with a knowledgeable guide.

That said, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a longer commitment, as the full package can take several hours. It’s also ideal for anyone who values professional photography and detailed styling, given the praise for the quality of costumes and makeup.

All in all, this experience offers a delightful way to connect with China’s traditional aesthetics while leaving with beautiful photos and lasting memories of your Beijing visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the experience include?
You can choose between two options: one with professional makeup and traditional costume styling (no photoshoot) or a full photoshoot package with 35 digital images and 5 retouched photos.

Where does the photoshoot take place?
The photoshoot is held at a scenic spot near the Forbidden City, beside the moat and red walls, providing a perfect backdrop of historic Chinese architecture.

How long does the entire experience last?
It ranges from 1.5 hours to 8 hours depending on your package and schedule. The initial styling takes about 1.5 hours, with the photoshoot lasting around 1 to 1.5 hours.

Can I keep the costume after the shoot?
You can choose to continue exploring in the outfit, but note that access to Tiananmen Square isn’t permitted in traditional costumes, and you’ll need to return the outfit by 6 PM unless arranged otherwise.

Are guides available in English?
Yes, the tour includes an English-speaking guide who helps you through the entire process, making it suitable even for those with limited Chinese language skills.

What do I receive after the photoshoot?
You’ll get 35 digital images sent directly to your email, including 5 professionally retouched photos, ensuring high-quality memories.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers or families?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention how friendly and accommodating the staff are, making it a great activity for solo travelers, couples, or families who want a fun cultural adventure.

Is there a chance to extend the experience?
While you can choose to keep the outfit longer, the standard schedule requires returning the costume by 6 PM. Any additional time or options should be discussed with the guide.

Is booking flexible?
Yes, the activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility with your plans.

This immersive costume and photoshoot experience offers a unique way to see Beijing through a different lens—one filled with color, tradition, and fantastic photos to take home.