Photoshoot experiences in China
If there’s one place that really knows how to nail a photoshoot, it’s China. You can train your Instagram boyfriend all you want, but chances are, he’s not going to match what these next-level photo experiences can pull off.
Across China, you’ll usually find photoshoot experiences at major tourist attractions, from Jiuzhaigou and ancient towns to popular cities like Shanghai and Chengdu. But if you’re ready to give your IG feed a serious glow-up, here are unique photoshoots in China that go beyond your usual tourist snaps.
Table of Contents
- Photoshoot experiences in China
- What are photoshoot experiences in China like?
- Apps for researching photoshoot experiences in China
- How to book photoshoots in China?
- – Indoor photoshoot experiences –
- 1. Anna Vision
- 2. Wave Soda
- 3. Himo Studio
- 4. HammKumo
- – Outdoor photoshoot experiences –
- 5. Lian Li Zhi Hanfu Experience Hall
- 6. Yixun Jiuchuan
- 7. No. 32 Photography Commune
- Tips for booking photoshoots in China
What are photoshoot experiences in China like?
Image credit: @kaylaflies via Instagram
Photo experiences in China give you a chance to be the star of your own story. You won’t just be paying for a guy with a camera; the photoshoots usually include costumes, makeup, hair styling, and sometimes even 2-way transport to outdoor locations. After the shoot, your photos will likely go through an editing process to make them look extra professional.
Photo studios
Image credit: @熊老鸭 via RED
There are 3 ways to go about photoshoot experiences in China. You could head to a photo studio, which usually has its own in-house photographers. Studios tend to be pricier but offer high-end costumes and themed photo setups, like mermaid princess vibes and fancy garden tea party. But take note that these shoots usually require advanced booking.
Outdoor photo experiences
Image credit: @meaniemin via Instagram
Alternatively, there are outdoor photo experiences which are usually found at major tourist spots. These shops don’t have in-house photographers and only provide costume rentals and makeup, but staff usually have contact details of freelance photographers. This option is cheaper since it comes without studio sets.
Outdoor photo experiences tend to focus on ethnic costumes like hanfus, so don’t expect modern styling here. Most places take walk-ins, which means it’s possible to just rock up on the day itself without stressing about reservations.
1-day personal photographer
Screenshot from: RED
Hiring a personal photographer for a day has been pretty popular, especially among solo travellers in China. You’ll essentially be DIY-ing your own photo experience by booking a freelance photographer via social media apps like Xiaohongshu (XHS). It’s one of the cheapest options since they usually charge hourly rates. Just be sure to check their reviews and online portfolios to make sure they’re legit.
Apps for researching photoshoot experiences in China
Sure, you could always turn to trusty TikTok for advice, but China has its own set of apps for the best local recommendations and service bookings. Here’s a quick breakdown of apps to download:
Xiaohongshu
Image adapted from: @薯队长 via RED
First up is Xiaohongshu (App Store | Google Play), AKA Rednote, China’s go-to social media app for lifestyle content and the best local reviews. My fellow O-Level-Chinese-C6 friends and non-Mandarin speaking pals need not worry, the app has a translation feature, so you won’t have a crash-out while deciphering reviews.
Dianping
Next, there’s Dianping (App Store | Google Play), another review platform that goes beyond your usual restaurant recs by covering anything from KTV to spas in China and even hospitals and photo studios.
Image adapted from: WeChat
Finally, WeChat (App Store | Google Play) is China’s most used messaging platform – studios will usually contact customers and receive fees through the app’s payment transfer feature.
Alipay
Alipay (App Store | Google Play) is another online payment app widely used in China, so be sure to download it as well.
For more tips on apps to download and how to use them, check out our China travel guide.
How to book photoshoots in China?
Click on the chat icon to send the studio a message.
Screenshot from: RED
This applies more to photo studios, which require pre-booking. First, you’ll want to head to their official XHS page and slide into their chat. Once you start a chat with them, you’ll receive an automated message asking you to add them on WeChat by sending them your WeChat ID.
Once you’ve added them, you’ll be connected to a staff member who will send you a link to their full catalogue with prices. Deposits are pretty standard when it comes to photoshoots, so you’ll have to make a payment in advance. Studios normally accept WeChat Pay and Alipay for payment transfers.
– Indoor photoshoot experiences –
1. Anna Vision
Multiple locations across major cities & a wide variety of themes
Image credit: @安娜视觉写真馆 via RED
A peek at Anna Vision’s XHS page may make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a fashion magazine site. The studio is also known as 安娜写真馆 in Chinese, and it pulls out all the stops with its huge catalogue of photoshoot themes – think princess tea party, Hello Kitty bedroom, and even birthday-themed sets where you get your own cake prop.
If you’re looking for a photoshoot straight out of a Pinterest board, this is the place. The studio also offers photoshoots for guys, so they won’t miss out when they visit.
You’ll find the studio’s multiple branches across major cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen. Most reviews recommend the Xuhui branch in Shanghai since it’s only 500m away from the subway station.
Photoshoot prices start from RMB2,299 (~S$410.45), which includes 2 sets of outfits and 2 unique themes, 40 digital copies and 6 retouched or edited photos.
Book a shoot with Anna Visions.
2. Wave Soda
K-pop-style photoshoot
Image credit: @Mimi cat-_ via RED
Wave Soda, or WAVESODA摄影工作室, is for the girlies who dream of playing a K-pop idol for a day. The photo studio is located in Jingyuan Art Centre, Beijing, and boasts an extensive list of themes to choose from.
Go for the K-pop-themed photoshoot where you’ll get to star in shoots inspired by K-pop MVs. There’s even an option to recreate shoots by K-pop icons like BLACKPINK’s Jennie, thanks to the studio’s impressive wardrobe and selection of themed sets. If you’ve always wanted your own photocard set, here’s your chance.
Their shoots start from RMB2,388 (~S$426.88), which includes 2 sets of costumes and 2 unique indoor studio sets with 12 retouched photos.
Book a shoot with Wave Soda.
3. Himo Studio
Disney Princess photoshoot
Image credit: Himo Studio
Himo Studio, or 海马体照相馆, is China’s largest full-service photo studio, with a whopping 600 locations across 90 cities. The brand started as a photo ID studio and now specialises in special concept high-end shoots, famous for transforming normal portraits into movie poster-like shots thanks to its high-budget props and sets.
Disney fans can consider booking their Disney collab shoot, where you’ll get to dress up as either Tiana, Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel, or Aurora and star in your own live-action photoshoot. The shoot starts from RMB359 (~S$64.07) and includes 1 costume, 1 background, and 1 printed photo with editing.
Check out their online portfolio and full list of branches on Himo Studio’s official website.
Book a shoot with Himo Studio.
4. HammKumo
Dragonfly-themed photoshoot
HammKumo may be located in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, but its style leans more towards the Korean-inspired aesthetic. If you aren’t the biggest fan of Douyin makeup, this studio might be a better fit.
Service here is highly rated on XHS, with reviews raving about the staff’s eye for detail and personalised service. Like other photo studios, they’ve got plenty of themes to choose from. A standout is their dragonfly-themed concept, where you’ll be modelling with an actual dragonfly on your face, complete with your own set of wings as a prop.
When it comes to pricing, photographers are split into 2 tiers: director rates start from RMB2,500 (~S$446.94), while senior photographers charge lower rates. It’s worth taking time to browse their portfolios beforehand to pick a style that matches your vision best.
Image credit: @不想洗头 via RED
Once you’re done with your photoshoot, you can even request that your photo be blown up on the studio’s display screen. Your billboard may not see the light of day after your photoshoot, but at least you’ll have the pictures to prove it.
Check out their portfolio on HammKumo’s official website.
Book a shoot with HammKumo.
– Outdoor photoshoot experiences –
5. Lian Li Zhi Hanfu Experience Hall
Popular hanfu rental shop with free night scene shooting
Image credit: @莲鲤芝汉服体验馆 via RED
Lian Li Zhi Hanfu Experience Hall, or 莲鲤芝, is a popular pitstop for Xi’an travellers hoping to snap a shot in traditional hanfus. The costume rental shop is known to have a huge selection of costumes and is conveniently located near major tourist sites like the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Qujiang Pool Park.
Costumes go for around RMB388 (~S$69.28) for ladies and RMB238 (~S$42.50) for guys. Your costume rental comes with full make-up and hair styling with accessories, so you’ll look the part during your shoot. The studio also has a list of photographers, with fees ranging from RMB399 to RMB499 (~S$71.24-S$89.09).
There’s a current promotion where customers who book a prior photoshoot with them enjoy 20 free shots at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The offer is limited to the first 20 customers per day, so be quick if you want those extra photos.
Book a shoot with Lian Li Zhi Hanfu Experience Hall.
6. Yixun Jiuchuan
Lakeside photoshoot
Image credit: @Lee Bora via RED
Yixun Jiuchuan, or 一寻九川旅拍, makes good use of its prime location near West Lake, one of Hangzhou’s most famous scenic attractions. The studio is only a 15-minute drive away from the lake and offers packages with 2-way transport to the shoot location.
Costume options are stacked here, including hanfus, Warring States robes, and classic cheongsams. Book an evening slot to catch the lake’s night vibes, and you’ll get to pose with their lantern props for an extra dreamy touch. You’ll also get the royal treatment with their 3-to-1 photography service, where you’ll be accompanied by a photographer, a makeup artist, and a photography assistant to your shoot.
Reviews suggest packing insect repellent to avoid taking home mosquito bites. Shoot prices range from RMB1,300 to RMB1,800 (~S$232.40-S$321.78), though you might score cheaper rates if you snag last-minute slots on Dianping.
Book a shoot with Yixun Jiuchuan.
7. No. 32 Photography Commune
Ranch photoshoot with horseback riding & sheep petting
Image credit: @32号摄影公社 via RED
If you’re visiting Lijiang, odds are you’ll end up in Lijiang Old Town. This UNESCO-listed ancient town is famous for its 800-year-old trading town heritage and is a hotspot for costume rental shops. A standout among reviewers is No. 32 Photography Commune, also known as 32号摄影公社. The shop is located on Wu Yi Street, a 9-minute walk from Sifang Street.
Choose from 2 kinds of packages available. The Ancient City package takes you to landmarks like Bar Street, Wanzi Bridge, Red Wall, and the Dongba Murals. Shoot prices go for RMB299 (~S$53.46) for a solo package and RMB499 (~S$89.22) for a couple’s package.
For something different, the Ranch package whisks you to Snow Mountain Ranch – a 30-minute drive away – where you’ll pose with horses and sheep against stunning mountain views. It’s highly recommended to book the group package for 2 (RMB599/pax, ~S$107.10) since it’s pretty worth it compared to a solo package (RMB699/pax, ~S$124.98), and includes horseback riding.
Both packages include your usual makeup and costume, as well as 2-way transport.
Book a shoot with No. 32 Photography Commune.
Tips for booking photoshoots in China
Check Dian Ping for last-minute slots at cheaper prices.
Screenshot from: Da Zhong Dian Ping
Don’t just rely on vibes and first results when choosing a photoshoot experience service – reviews are the name of the game here. Look out for watermarked images since some shops may reuse pictures, and use XHS and Dianping to cross-check services.
Before your shoot, bring your own makeup since shops often reuse makeup products, which could pose hygiene concerns. Prepare some reference photos for your stylist so they have a better idea of how to style you.
If you’re still unsure about a costume rental shop, hang around the entrance and see how customers look as they’re leaving. If their makeup is on point, you’ve found the spot; otherwise, keep hunting.
DIY your own Asia’s Next Top Model experience with these photoshoots in China
Landing on Vogue’s September cover may not be in the cards for you, but you won’t need Anna Wintour’s nod of approval to book a photoshoot in China. While it’s not the cheapest experience, the team’s attention to detail and top-notch styling mean you’ll get to live out your celebrity dreams for a day – and you’ll have the pictures to prove it.
Other things to do in China:
- Best places in China for each month of the year
- 7-day winter itineraries in China
- 7D6N Yunnan itinerary
Cover image adapted from: @32号摄影公社 & @Mimi cat-_ via RED