Costume styling near Forbidden City booms in Beijing
The Story
A trend of dressing visitors in ancient Chinese imperial costumes is booming in Beijing, driven by young people exploring a revival of traditional culture. Studios near the Forbidden City transform clients into empresses and other historical figures, with makeup artists like Chen Jiao working long hours during peak seasons. The average cost is 300 yuan ($45), though prices can exceed 1,000 yuan (more than $150). Visitors pose for photos and videos at the Forbidden City’s walls and moat, often pairing historic robes with modern accessories like sneakers. The number of such studios in one building grew from a handful around 2020 to more than 100, according to local media. The trend is fueled by the popularity of historical costume dramas and a growing interest among young Chinese in their cultural heritage. Tourists come from provinces like Shandong and Hebei, often during holidays such as Qingming, to experience the styling.
Key Facts
- Chen Jiao is one of hundreds of makeup artists at studios near Beijing’s Forbidden City.
- The average cost for a costume styling is 300 yuan ($45), but can exceed 1,000 yuan.
- In a single day during a recent peak season, Chen Jiao began work at 6 a.m. and transformed around two dozen young women.
- The number of costume styling studios in one building near the Forbidden City grew from a handful around 2020 to more than 100, per local media.
- The Ming dynasty (built the Forbidden City, ruled more than 270 years until 1644) and Qing dynasty (collapsed 1912) inspire the costumes.
- Cai Zehong, founder of Hanfu Beijing, said young Chinese have discovered the aesthetic appeal of traditional clothing while learning about cultural heritage.
- Historical costume dramas have contributed to the trend, according to tourists like Chen Xiao.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Chen Jiao: makeup artist near the Forbidden City
- Chen Xiao: tourist from Shandong province, college student
- Cai Zehong: founder of Hanfu Beijing, an ancient-costume association
- Liu Ruitong: college student visiting from Hebei province
Sources: abcnews.com
