Beijing Traditional Costume Photoshoot With Kids: Cost & What to Expect
Temples and museums don’t always hold a kid’s attention for long. Dressing up like Chinese royalty does.
We booked a Beijing traditional costume photoshoot near the Forbidden City, and it became one of our daughter’s favorite parts of the trip. Here’s what it cost, how long it actually took, and what to know before booking.
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What’s Included
Our package included:
- Traditional costume — Ming, Qing, Tang and other historical styles
- Hair and makeup
- Professional photographer
- Original and retouched digital photos
Prices started around $35 for a one-hour solo shoot when we booked. Couples, families, and different photo locations cost more.
→ Book the Beijing costume photoshoot we did
Our Experience
We picked Ming Dynasty costumes at a studio near the Forbidden City. Hair and makeup took close to 90 minutes, so plan for more than the “one hour” listed on the package.
Once dressed and putting deposit for the costumes, we walked outside in full costume to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, where we met our professional photographer. He picked the locations and directed our poses around the historic complex. There are also lots of people doing Beijing traditional costume photoshoot around.
We also happened to catch members of the PLA National Flag Guard training nearby — a bonus we didn’t see coming.
Our original photos arrived the next day. The photographer sent the files through WeChat. The retouched photos came about a week later.
Is It Worth It With Kids?
For us, yes.
The hardest part was sitting through hair and makeup at first, but after a while, my little girl was enjoying it. Once she was dressed and outside, our six-year-old loved it. After days of walking through temples and palaces, this was something she got to do, not just look at.
Before You Book Beijing traditional costume photoshoot
- Budget 2–3 hours for styling, walking, and photos.
- Men’s costume choices may be more limited.
- Bring something to occupy younger kids during hair and makeup.
- Confirm whether admission to your photo location is included.
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased separately.
Beijing Costume Photoshoot FAQ
How much does it cost?
Packages started around $35 for a solo shoot when we booked. Check current pricing before booking.
How long does it take?
Plan for at least 2–3 hours. Hair and makeup alone took us about 90 minutes.
Where is the photoshoot?
We got ready at a studio near the Forbidden City, then walked in costume to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, where we met our photographer and did the shoot.
When do you get the photos?
We received the originals within 24 hours and the retouched photos about a week later.
Would We Do It Again?
Yes. It was one of our daughter’s favorite experiences in Beijing, and we came home with family photos we couldn’t have gotten anywhere else.
→ See current pricing and availability
Keep planning Beijing:
→ 5-Day Beijing Itinerary With Kids
→ 25 Beijing Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
We roam first. You travel smarter.
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