Beijing is a city that demands to be photographed. Its mix of ancient palaces, bustling markets, and quiet alleys provides endless opportunities for stunning photos. Whether you want to dress up in traditional Chinese attire, capture the great wall at sunset, or explore hidden hutongs on a bike, Beijing offers some truly memorable photography experiences. We’re particularly fans of the Beijing: Must-Try Chinese Ancient Costume Rental & Photoshoot, which makes you feel like a character straight out of a Chinese painting. It’s a fun, immersive way to get great portraits and learn about cultural heritage.
If you’re looking to shoot iconic landscapes, the Jinshanling Great Wall: Private Sunset Photography & Hiking Tour offers a chance to capture the wall’s rugged beauty away from tourist crowds. For those interested in exploring imperial history while snapping photos, the Exclusive Private Photography & Video Tour to The Forbidden City combines storytelling with stunning backdrops. And for a more casual, local vibe, the Explore Beijing with camera—City Walk tour with Professional photography guide takes you through the city’s lively streets and scenic spots.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of photo tours in Beijing designed for different interests and budgets. From traditional costume photoshoots to hiking along the Great Wall at sunset, each experience offers unique ways to capture your trip. There’s also a private Forbidden City tour ideal for history lovers and a bike & food hutong tour perfect for candid shots and street photography. Whether you want a full-day adventure or a brief session, these tours provide the tools and scenery to help you take memorable photos.
1. Beijing: Must-Try Chinese Ancient Costume Rental& Photoshoot
At number 1 on our list, this costume and photoshoot experience lets you step into traditional Chinese clothing complete with makeup and styling. The tour guides help you choose between makeup-only or a full photo session, which includes 35 digital images and five retouched photos. The photoshoot location near the Forbidden City’s red walls and moat adds a regal backdrop perfect for creating stunning souvenirs.
What makes this experience stand out is the chance to learn about Chinese culture while capturing beautiful images. Many guests mention how friendly and professional the team is, with one reviewer calling it “the highlight of my trip to Beijing.” The guide, who speaks English, makes the process smooth—especially for international travelers. The entire experience provides a great mix of cultural insight and fun, with a chance to look like a Chinese royal or fairy for a day.
Bottom line: If you want a memorable, visually striking souvenir from Beijing that combines culture with photography, this is your best option. It’s well-priced considering the professional makeup, styling, and digital images included.
2. Jinshanling Great Wall: Private Sunset Photography & Hiking Tour
For a quieter, more authentic shot of the Great Wall, this private tour offers a great combination of hiking and sunset photography. Jinshanling is known for its well-preserved ramparts and fewer travelers, making it an ideal place for striking photos. The tour begins with a pickup from your Beijing hotel and includes round-trip private transport and entrance tickets, so you can focus on your camera instead of logistics.
The guided hike lasts about three hours, during which you’ll explore both restored and semi-ruined towers. Your guide shares stories about the wall’s Ming Dynasty origins and points out the best spots for photos, especially as the sunset casts a warm glow over the rugged landscape. Guests rave about the peace and beauty of this location, and many say it’s well worth the early start. The tour is perfect for hikers and photographers looking for a more intimate experience away from crowds.
Bottom line: If capturing the Great Wall at golden hour sounds appealing, this tour offers professional guidance and spectacular scenery with less fuss and more focus on your camera.
3. Exclusive Private Photography & Video Tour to The Forbidden City
This guided tour offers an intimate exploration of Beijing’s most iconic imperial palace. Over roughly four to five hours, you’ll stroll through majestic halls, intricate courtyards, and lush gardens—perfect backdrops for both photos and videos. The guide, an expert on the site, shares insights into the Forbidden City’s history and architecture, enriching your understanding as you shoot.
What makes this experience unique is the combination of cultural storytelling with professional photography guidance. You’ll have the chance to shoot at key sites like the Hall of Great Harmony and the Meridian Gate, capturing the grandeur of imperial China. The tour is especially suited for those wanting high-quality images of their visit, with all entrance tickets included. Several reviewers highlight how easy the guide makes the process, ensuring they leave with both great footage and a deeper appreciation of the site.
Bottom line: Perfect for history buffs or photography enthusiasts who want a comprehensive, curated experience of the Forbidden City’s most photogenic spots.
4. Private Jinshanling relax photo tour by sunset
This tour offers a more laid-back approach to photographing the Great Wall at Jinshanling. The guide helps you identify the best spots for photos, especially during sunset, when the light enhances the rugged scenery. The tour lasts approximately 4 to 7 hours, with pickup and transportation included, making it an easy way to access this quieter, beautiful section of the Wall.
The highlight here is the relaxed pace and personalized attention from your guide, who is experienced in photography. They know all the best angles and can assist with framing, ensuring you leave with memorable shots. Guests who have taken this tour praise the tranquility and the chance to shoot without the crowds, especially during the golden hour. It’s ideal for travelers wanting quality photos without the rush of a large group, and who are comfortable with a flexible schedule.
Bottom line: For those seeking a peaceful, personalized experience at Jinshanling, this tour offers expert guidance and a chance to capture stunning moments.
5. Beijing Traditional Hanfu Experience & Photoshoot for Groups
Dressing in Hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing, and then posing for photos captures an authentic side of Beijing’s culture. This experience is perfect for solo travelers, friends, or families, with personalized makeup, styling, and a photoshoot with an English-speaking team. The package includes 35 digital photos—both raw and edited—helping you create lasting memories.
What sets this apart is the focus on culture combined with professional photography. Guests rave about the friendly staff and the quality of outfits, which add an extra touch of authenticity to your pictures. The experience is flexible and designed to be fun and engaging, especially for those wanting a special cultural keepsake.
Bottom line: This is a great choice for travelers who want to blend cultural exposure with professional photos, making it a fun, memorable activity for groups or solo explorers alike.
6. Beijing: Temple of Heaven Hanfu Photography with Ticket
This tour combines Hanfu dressing with exploring the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most famous landmarks. After a makeover, you’ll walk through the iconic Hall of Prayer and Echo Wall, capturing photos in traditional attire against historic backdrops. Tickets to the site are included, so you can freely explore at your own pace.
Guests love the chance to wear Hanfu in a grand setting and receive 30 raw plus five retouched photos to keep. The guide ensures you get the most out of your photo session and helps you pose for natural yet striking images. The experience offers an engaging way to see one of Beijing’s best sites while capturing beautiful photos.
Bottom line: For travelers interested in traditional dress and a chance to shoot at a UNESCO World Heritage site, this package offers a perfect blend of culture and photography.
7. Explore Beijing with Camera–City Walk tour with Professional photography guide
This tour takes you through the heart of old Beijing, including the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Hutongs, and local markets. It’s designed for those who want to capture the city’s lively street scenes with professional guidance. The guide helps you find the best angles and moments, from bird’s-eye views of the Forbidden City to the intimate charm of Yandai Xie Street.
While admission tickets aren’t included for some sites, the focus is on storytelling and candid shots in vibrant environments. Guests appreciate the flexibility and the chance to learn photography skills on the go, making it ideal for travelers who want a hands-on experience in the city’s most photogenic areas.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers keen on street photography, capturing daily life, and experiencing Beijing’s local flavor with expert help.
$94.94 per person
8. Beijing Hidden Hutong Bike & Food Tour – Pro Photos Included
This combination biking adventure guides you through historic hutongs and local food stalls, making it perfect for candid street photography. The tour lasts around four hours and includes professional photos of your journey—so no need to worry about snapping your own shots. Riding through these narrow alleys, you’ll capture the essence of old Beijing while tasting authentic street foods.
Guests love the personalized experience and the chance to see parts of the city most travelers miss. The professional photographer guides ensure you get natural, lively images of your adventure, making it a great souvenir of your trip. It suits active travelers who want to combine sightseeing, culture, and photography in one outing.
Bottom line: A lively, intimate way to explore and photograph Beijing’s hutongs, with the added bonus of professional photos and local eats.
$89 per person
How to Choose
When deciding among these photography experiences, consider your budget, interests, and physical comfort. If you want a cultural dress-up experience, the Chinese Ancient Costume Photoshoot offers quick, high-quality portraits. For iconic landscapes, the Jinshanling Great Wall sunset tour is ideal for stunning, crowd-free photos.
If history and architecture fascinate you, the Forbidden City provides an immersive backdrop. For casual street shots, the City Walk tour and Hutong bike tour are excellent options. Remember to book early, especially for tours with limited availability, to secure your preferred time.
To sum it up, Beijing offers a wide range of photography experiences that cater to different tastes and styles. Whether you want to wear traditional Hanfu, hike along the Great Wall at sunset, or capture everyday street scenes, there’s something for all. For first-time visitors, a guided tour like the Forbidden City or the Hutong walk can provide a good mix of structure and spontaneity. For more personalized or immersive options, private tours around the Great Wall or in ancient courtyards will give you unforgettable images and stories. Whatever you choose, early booking is wise to ensure you get your ideal time and avoid missing out on these memorable photo adventures.