HOW THIS EXPERIENCE FEELS
Connection · Delight
Feel connected as traditional dress, hair styling and historic Beijing settings turn a photoshoot into a more personal way of experiencing the city. The finished images are part souvenir, part record of a day you stepped into rather than simply looked at.
Reviews from Our Happy Guests
Dua Shkara (KOL – Australia)
As a mama-to-be with over a million followers, I get offered collabs constantly — but this one I booked and paid for myself, no sponsorship, because I’d been eyeing @cet.chinaexplorertour’s hanfu shoots for months. My husband and I did our maternity photos in Beijing in the most stunning hanfu, and the whole team was incredible — patient, warm, checking in on me the entire time, and so intentional with every styling detail. These are some of the most beautiful photos we’ve ever taken, pregnancy or not. Worth every penny 🤍🪭
Daina Isabel (America)
It was an amazing experience from start to finish! I got to do two different looks, and both turned out beautifully.The photographer was professional, patient, and really knew how to guide me through the poses to get the best shots. The staff were also incredibly friendly and helpful throughout the entire process.
Communication was excellent—they responded quickly, clearly, and made everything super easy to understand. It’s clear they have experience working with foreigners, which made me feel comfortable and confident during the shoot!
CGT‘s Photoshoot Collection
For solo, couples, families and more…
Elegant Hanfu Experiences for Women
Stylish Hanfu Photoshoots for Men
Precious Hanfu Experiences for Families
Unforgettable Memories with Your Besties
Hanfu Photoshoots for Your Love Story
Capturing Timeless Moments for Seniors
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Hanfu Studio
Arrive at the Hanfu studio at your confirmed appointment time.
If you choose the All-Inclusive Package, an English-speaking staff member will meet you at the nearest subway station or studio's gate, accompany you to the studio and assist with communication during the photoshoot.
Day 2: Choose Your Hanfu Style
Choose from an array of authentic Chinese outfits, including flowing Hanfu and regal Imperial Robes. Our team will assist with hair and makeup to complete your transformation.
- Imperial Robes: Dress as an emperor, empress or princess in vibrant, gold-embroidered silk robes, symbolizing power and prestige during the Qing dynasty.
- Hanfu: Experience the grace of ancient Chinese scholars and ladies with these flowing robes, rich in historical significance and intricate embroidery.
Our team will assist with hair and makeup, styling you to match the beauty and elegance of ancient Chinese nobility. You’ll be ready to transport yourself to a different era!
Note: We highly recommend the Qing Dynasty style for photoshoots in Beijing—it pairs beautifully with the city's imperial architecture.
Day 3: Professional Makeup and Hairstyling
Once the costume is selected, allow approximately 90-120 minutes for professional makeup and hairstyling. The team will match makeup, hairpieces and accessories to your chosen look, while keeping the style appropriate for the selected location and photography direction.
This part of the experience is unhurried. It gives you time to settle into the costume and become comfortable before the camera session begins.
Day 4: Guided Photoshoot
After styling, walking to your confirmed photography location. Possible locations include the the Forbidden City exterior and the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
The strongest photographs often come from simple actions: holding an umbrella, adjusting a sleeve, walking beneath a gate, looking across a courtyard or standing beside a painted doorway. The goal is not to make you play a historical character; it is to create images where the clothing and Beijing setting work together naturally.
Photography time starts from approximately 40 minutes, depending on the package and selected location.
Day 5: Forbidden City Guided Visit in Hanfu
After the morning photoshoot, continue to the Forbidden City while wearing your Hanfu. Your professional guide will lead the afternoon visit, introducing the palace as the political and ceremonial heart of imperial China for centuries. Walk through its grand courtyards, gates and palace spaces while learning how emperors, empresses, officials and servants lived within this extraordinary complex.
You are welcome to take personal photographs during your visit, provided that all Palace Museum visitor regulations are followed.
Note: A refundable RMB 500 deposit is required at the studio for the costume and accessories if you would like to ware it after the morning photoshoot section. It will be returned after the items are checked when you come back to the studio.
Day 6:
| Number of Guests | Tour Price | add-on: Morning English-Speaking Companion |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 guests | US$233 per person | + US$45 per booking |
| 4–5 guests | US$197 per person | + US$55 per booking |
| 6+ guests | US$185 per person | + US$65 per booking |
Note: The English-speaking companion service is more than translation. Your companion helps make the morning session easier from the beginning: meeting you at the designated subway station, assisting with communication at the Hanfu studio, helping you share your styling preferences, coordinating the photoshoot and accompanying you throughout the morning experience.
We strongly recommend this add-on for guests who do not speak Chinese, first-time visitors to Beijing, families, couples and groups who would like a more comfortable and well-organised photoshoot experience. Please note that the companion service applies to the morning Hanfu styling and photoshoot session. In the afternoon, a professional guide leads the Forbidden City visit.
What is included
- Traditional Chinese costume rental, including Hanfu, cloak, hairpieces and selected accessories
- Professional makeup and hairstyling
- Morning English-speaking companion service (add-on)
- Professional photographer for the morning photoshoot session
- Professional photoshoot in selected areas around the Forbidden City
- Original photos and professionally retouched photos according to your selected package
- Afternoon Forbidden City guided tour with a professional guide
- Forbidden City admission ticket
What is not included
- 1. International Airfare / Visa Charges /Your travel and medical insurance
- 2. Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- 3. Meals
- 4. Anything not mentioned in the "The Cost Includes" section.
