What do we mean by experiencing Hanfu in China? We mean an immersive and authentic Chinese culture journey. A Hanfu cultural experience - wearing traditional Chinese clothing, adorned with delicate hairpins and strolling through the thousand-year-old historical sites - will get you beneath the skin of the costumes to step into ancient China.
If you (whether families or young girls) find yourself hankering for a more interesting and fulfilling travel experience, make your way to Beijing’s Forbidden City, Xian’s ancient Walls, Lijiang Old Town... the best places for wearing Hanfu and photoshoot.
Read on, we also share insiders’ advice on where to rent a Hanfu dress and how to plan your Hanfu experience trip, with styling tips.
Why Have a Hanfu Experience in China? A Living History Book You Can Wear
Picture: Wear a Tang Dynasty full-length blouse or a Ming Dynasty mask-like skirt. Wander along the ancient city walls of Xi'an or the Song City of Hangzhou. It feels as if you have transformed from an "observer" to an "participant", becoming a part of the story.What is a Hanfu - More Than Just a Costume
Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese, has been passed down for over four thousand years, from the ascension of the Yellow Emperor to the mid-17th century (late Ming and early Qing dynasties). The ancient imperial robes (six garments for the emperor, six garments for the empress, Confucian robes, sword robes, etc.) embody Han Chinese etiquette, customs, aesthetics, and philosophy.
Hanfu "originated with the Yellow Emperor and was perfected by Yao and Shun," originating from the Yellow Emperor's creation of the ceremonial robes, taking its form in the Zhou Dynasty, and further developed into a complete system of crowns and robes by the Han Dynasty based on the Four Books and Five Classics. Therefore, later dynasties of China all followed the Zhou and Han traditions, considering the inheritance of Han clothing and attire a matter of national importance.
"The Yellow Emperor, Yao, and Shun ruled the world by wearing robes, which were derived from the principles of Heaven and Earth," meaning that the form of the upper and lower garments was determined by divine will and was sacred. The design of Hanfu, such as the cross-collar, right-fastening, ties with hidden buttons, and wide sleeves, reflects the cultural spirit of harmony between Heaven and humanity, and refined elegance.
Hanfu has also influenced the entire Han cultural sphere through the Chinese legal system. The clothing of some ethnic groups in Asian countries, such as Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Bhutan, has or has borrowed characteristics from Hanfu.
Therefore, to wear Hanfu during your China tours, it is more than just a photoshoot; it is also an experience of traditional Chinese dress culture, while also uncovering Chinese philosophy, etiquette, and aesthetics.
The Modern Revival Movement
The Hanfu movement existed for a period after the fall of the Qing Dynasty. However, it was more prevalent in the early 2000s, serving as a means to revive traditional clothing and promote traditional Han Chinese culture. Hanfu began to re-enter contemporary society. Young people started wearing Hanfu in public. Hanfu events and activities sprang up across the country (such as The Xitang Hanfu Culture Week). The China Hanfu Museum opened in Qingdao.Hanfu ranges from formal attire with wide sleeves and loose robes suitable for important ceremonies and festivals to casual wear with tight-fitting sleeves. Many people are pursuing the full integration of Hanfu into their daily lives, wearing it not only on traditional festivals, Chinese weddings, important ceremonies, Tai Chi and martial arts events, archery ceremonies, but also during sports activities and at home.
Surprisingly, ancient Chinese costume experience is also more and more popular among international travelers who are obsessed in Chinese culture and immersive real-life journeys through China.
>> Related reading: Chinese New Year Clothes & Outfits
Top Destinations for an Unforgettable Hanfu Experience
Xi'an – The Timeless Capital
As the capital of thirteen dynasties, Xi'an boasts Tang-style architecture, ancient city walls, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, making it the perfect place to photograph Hanfu (traditional Han clothing), instantly transporting visitors back to Chang'an. As one of the best places to experience in China, Xi'an has the most complete Hanfu industry chain in the country, with 1814 Hanfu-related enterprises offering Hanfu sales, ancestral worship services, standard makeup, and professional photography services.
Best Shooting Locations:
Recommended Hanfu workshops in Xi'an: Most are locatted near the South Gate and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, including Lianlizhi, Yijin Chang'an, Morouge, Huajianjiu, and Mingji Men's Hanfu Experience Hall (offering professional options for men).
>> Recommended Xian Tour Packages: 3-day Xian Highlight TourBeijing – Imperial Grandeur
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Beijing was an ancient capital. It boasts a large number of well-preserved imperial buildings and gardens such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. Therefore, the Hanfu experience in Beijing has an inherent and most magnificent ancient imperial background. Nowadays, here, traditional festival activities, reenactments of rituals, and coming-of-age ceremonies are held regularly, allowing your Hanfu experience to be even more profound.Best shooting locations:
Recommended Hanfu workshops in Beijing: Hutong Hanfu Store (Silk Road Treasures, near the Forbidden City), Moonlit Pavilion, etc. They usually offer hundreds of styles.
>> Recommended Beijing Tour Packages: 4-day Beijing Highlights TourShanghai – Tradition Meets Glamour
In addition to the classic beauty of the Chinese gardens in Yu Garden, Shanghai also offers a unique perspective for experiencing and photographing Hanfu, blending tradition and modernity. In recent years, the Lantern Festival in Yu Garden has further driven the explosion of Hanfu travel photography - especially among foreign tourists.Best shooting locations:
Recommended Hanfu workshops in Shanghai: Blossom Hanfu Studio, River Town Classics (specializing in the Song Dynasty style of Jiangnan)
>> Recommended Shanghai Tour Packages: 2-Day Historic Shanghai Walking & Architecture TourLuoyang - Divine Capital with Timeless Grace
Since 2023, the Hanfu industry in the old urban area of Luoyang has experienced explosive growth - millions of people traveling to Luoyang to experience Hanfu.In Luoyi Ancient City, one of the most popular Hanfu destinations in China, red lanterns are lit, the lake reflects the elegant figures of the costumes, various performances create a unique atmosphere. Have your Hanfu makeup in the afternoon, then enjoy the night performances. Your Hanfu experience will be an truly immersive cultural journey.
In addition, Yingtian Gate in Luoyang and Kaifeng Qingming Riverside Park nearby Luoyang are also a great place for shooting Hanfu scenes.
>> Recommended 3 Days Luoyang History Tour
Some Other Destinations for Hanfu Experience
The ancient capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhouoffers more of the "charm of Song" - the elegant and restrained Chinese aesthetics. You can experience a day of the refined life of the Song people in Hanfu: making tea, appreciating flowers, and visiting gardens. The best places for Hanfu photography include the West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Hefang Street.
Suzhou: Suzhou has UNESCO-protected classical gardens, which is a perfect match with Hanfu. Wear the gentle Hanfu and walk among the pavilions, towers, and artificial rockery of the Humble Administrator's Garden and Lingering Garden. Then head to the Pingjiang Road historical district to witness traditional Jiangnan life.
Chengdu: At cultural sites in Chengdu, such as Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, and Kuandian Alley, wear Hanfu and experience the unique charm of this leisurely city.
Chongqing: In the "8D Magical City" of Chongqing, the Hanfu experience is unique. Hongya Cave is definitely not to be missed.
Beautiful ancient towns of China: Such as Fenghuang Ancient Town, Lijiang Old Town, Dali Ancient Town, Tongli Water Town, etc. - ethnic cultures perfectly blending with the landscapes - are also the best places for Hanfu experience. Besides traditional Hanfu, or you can choose exquisite traditional costumes of the Miao, Naxi, Bai, etc.
How to Plan Your Hanfu Journey: From Rental to Photoshoot
- Where to Rent: Near the popular tourist attractions in Xi'an, Beijing and Luoyang, there are usually a large number of Hanfu experience stores. If you travel with Easy Tour China, we can help you select the stores and rent them out. If you are traveling independently, you can search for highly-rated stores on local Chinese services apps (such as Xiaohongshu) or travel apps.
- What dynasty Hanfu should I choose? The colors of Tang Dynasty Hanfu are bright and vivid, those of Song Dynasty Hanfu are elegant, and those of Ming Dynasty Hanfu are dignified. You can choose according to your favorite colors and styles.
- The cost of Hanfu experience: Is hanfu expensive in China? A few tens to 100 RMB can usually only be used for clothing rental (usually also including traditional hair accessories). Packages costing several hundred to around 1,000 RMB will also include Hanfu styling, makeup, and photography.
- Mastering the Chinese etiquette: Easy Tour China's in-depth Hanfu culture experience program will also teach you simple Han etiquette, such as bowing and the Wanfu salute.
- Capturing the Magic – Hanfu photoshoot: Props (such as fans, oil-paper umbrellas, folding fans, lanterns) are highly recommended when combined with the backdrop of classical architecture. We can either hire a professional photographer in Hanfu attire for you or have your tour guide take the photos for you.
Hanfu for Everyone: Families, Couples, and More
When you ask what the best cultural experiences in China are. Hanfu is one of them - for everyone.Hanfu Experience FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Is hanfu allowed in the Forbidden City?
The "Visiting Instructions" of the Palace Museum clearly state that commercial photography is prohibited. However, tourists are allowed to take photos in traditional Chinese costumes.Can foreigners wear hanfu?
Of course, we warmly welcome you to come to China to experience the Hanfu culture. Among the guests of Easy Tour China, there are also many who have participated in this experience and the feedback has been very positive.How long does a hanfu experience take?
It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours, including choosing the clothes, designing the makeup and hairstyle according to the styles of Hanfu from different dynasties, and taking photos.