We love seeing photos from friends’ trips to China. And one trend we’ve been noticing is full hanfu transformation shoots, complete with dramatic sleeves, elaborate hair ornaments, and palace-worthy backdrops. It’s become one of those “main character in a period drama” experiences that people add to their itinerary after scrolling through Xiaohongshu or TikTok.
But what if we told you that you don’t need to fly to China for a full hanfu transformation shoot? You can get the experience right here at Dressed Up Dreams, a photo studio that specialises in hanfu photography, styling, and rental. Here’s all you need to know.
Image credit: @dressedupdreams via Instagram
Dressed Up Dreams has over 100 hanfu outfits available for rental, with prices starting from $90. You can choose something soft and ethereal like Tang hanfu, or a more structured Ming dynasty look.
Image credit: @dressedupdreams via Instagram
The latter may have a reputation for looking more formal, but its defined A-line silhouette can actually be pretty flattering and easy to pose in, even if it’s your first time doing a hanfu shoot. You’ll also find details like intricate embroidery, woven patterns, touches of gold, and fabrics that hold their shape while still moving nicely.
If you’re going all out, you might as well commit to the fantasy. Dressed Up Dreams offers hair and makeup services from $220, helping you complete the look with traditional hairstyles, elaborate hair ornaments, and makeup that complements your chosen outfit. You can also get guidance on styling and backdrops, so everything comes together.
They don’t just do hanfu looks either. If you prefer something more vintage, the studio also offers qipao-inspired shoots, including themes reminiscent of In the Mood for Love. With a few styling tweaks and a change of backdrop, the same outfit can give off a completely different vibe.
So whether you want to look like a Chinese period drama heroine or a mysterious woman in old-school Shanghai, there’s room to play around with the aesthetic.
Image credit: @dressedupdreams via Instagram
Dressed Up Dreams offers packages for different occasions, whether you’re planning a solo portrait session, a couple’s shoot, or a photoshoot with your friends and family. You can even bring the little ones along for a children’s hanfu photoshoot, with the team taking a more patient approach through gentle direction and plenty of room for kids to play and show off their personalities.
Image credit: @dressedupdreams via Instagram
And if you’re someone who never knows what to do with your hands in front of a camera, you’re in good hands. The team will guide you through posing and help you feel more comfortable throughout the session, so you won’t have to awkwardly guess what to do next. So hopefully, the result feels less like a stiff studio session and more like a keepsake you’ll actually want to frame.
Prices start from $90 for outfit rental, $220 for hair and makeup, and $580 for personal portraits. It may not be as affordable as your casual photobooth session. But judging from the end results, this is something you’d keep as memories for years to come.
If you’ve been saving hanfu photoshoot inspo on Xiaohongshu, this is your sign to finally try one for yourself. And if this has you dreaming of experiencing China beyond the photos, check out these beautiful destinations in China with direct flights from Singapore or our 4D3N Shanghai itinerary for ideas for your next trip.
Dress up for fun with your friends, or plan your next China getaway. There’s no reason you can’t have a little main character moment along the way.
Address: 47 Jalan Pemimpin #03-08A Halcyon 2 Singapore 577200
Opening hours: By appointment only
More photo shoot options in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: @dressedupdreams, @chel.sea.ang via Instagram
Getting your steps in hits different when you’ve got company.
Get your period drama moment without flying to China.
No need to fret if you didn’t manage to cop yours during the pre-order.
The CameraJet is so popular that it’s currently out of stock at most retailers.
Have you seen any of them with your own eyes?
This is your sign to visit Little India this Deepavali season.