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Nguyen Quynh Chi (Vietnam) poses for a photo wearing Hanfu in Luoyang, Henan Province, China, in April. Photo: Xinhua News Agency. |
In Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province (China), cobblestone streets and ancient architecture transport visitors back in time. Lao blogger Parn Sivlai, who has over 1.2 million followers, said he was deeply impressed when he visited a Hanfu experience shop there.
"They're all beautiful, I want to try them all," Sivlai told Xinhua News Agency as he admired the elaborate costumes. After dressing up, he shared photos and the cultural stories behind each outfit on social media.
Sivlai is one of a growing number of international travelers seeking to connect with Chinese culture through "wearable" experiences.
This trend is spreading in many localities. In Luoyang city, Henan province, Vietnamese tourist Nguyen Quynh Chi attracted many likes after posting photos of herself wearing Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) in front of the ancient city gate. In Beijing, tourists lined up near the Forbidden City to dress up as royal figures.
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Tourists dressed as empresses pose against a backdrop of a thin layer of snow in the Forbidden City square on December 12. Photo: China.com.cn. |
American blogger Vivin Qiang, who shared her experience of taking photos in the Chinese style earlier this year, said that the activity is not simply about taking pictures.
She recounted that the stylist patiently explained the cultural significance of each detail on the outfit, such as the buttons on the cheongsam or the meaning of the poses.
"This wasn't like a photoshoot, but more like a lesson on the aesthetics of Chinese history," Vivin wrote.
In the ancient town of Xitang, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, 29-year-old French tourist Thibaut Grzelak tried on Hanfu for the first time. He was impressed with the bright colors and elegant design of the outfit, saying the experience made him feel "truly immersed in the scenery."
To promote cultural engagement, Xitang has intensified its promotion on social media and travel platforms, offering online ticket purchases and group discounts. As a result, the number of group tourists visiting the area has increased by 40.5%.
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German tourists feel like they've traveled through time in Beijing, China. Photo: Xinhua News Agency. |
According to experts, the popularity of period-style photography in China stems from both the increased convenience of international travel and the inherent appeal of Chinese culture. Optimized entry policies have made it easier to travel to China.
Data from China's National Immigration Administration shows that in the third quarter, the number of visa-free entries for foreigners exceeded 7 million, accounting for 72.2% of total entries, a 48.3% increase compared to the same period last year.
The increase in tourist numbers is driving a shift from quick sightseeing to more immersive, experiential tourism. Hanfu, cheongsam, and other traditional ethnic costumes embody history, craftsmanship, philosophy, and rituals. By dressing in these garments and posing in a distinctly "Chinese" style, tourists gain a direct and vibrant cultural connection.
Social media also contributed to amplifying the trend. Photos shared at landmarks like the Forbidden City or ancient towns quickly became popular "check-in spots" attracting viewers.
Chinese netizens have responded positively to international tourists. Comments welcoming visitors, such as "Welcome back" or "Remember to try the local specialties," frequently appear under posts.
Experts believe this trend reflects international tourists' desire for deeper cultural immersion and shows that Chinese people are also ready to welcome tourists not only through photographs, but also in their daily lives.
Source: https://znews.vn/trung-quoc-thu-hut-khach-xuyen-khong-post1611178.html
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