What you need to know about the Hanfu photoshoot in Xi’An.
Contacting the photographer.
Reaching out to the photographer is pretty simple. As always, most communication in China happens on WeChat, so scan the QR code on the left to add him. I’ve got a lot of comments asking if this studio can be found elsewhere in China, but he’s a photographer, not a studio, and he is specific to Xi’An. If you’re not sure how to scan, hit the button below for a tutorial I made. You can also search him up on WeChat using his ID “Tcy8298”, or his number at +86 18288894172. Remember to mention me (Elliott) to get 10% off any package!
Pricing.
There are multiple packages you can choose from, and they all cover the basics: a minimum of an hour of hair and make-up, the hanfu and accessories rental, the photographer and his team of 3 for 2 hours of shooting, and editing.
It does not include transportation and the entrance fee to the ancient wall, which costs 54RMB /person (~$8 USD).
The Packages.
“Experience” package: 1,099 RMB (~ US$160):
30 raws + 6 edited.
“Advanced” package: 1,499 RMB (~ US$220):
50 raws + 9 edited (what I chose).
He also has specialized packages:
Couples package: 2,799 RMB (~ US$415):
50 raws + 9 edited.
Custom photoshoot: 4,999 RMB (~ US$740):
80 raws + 15 edited. 5-to-1 service, sample director, makeup director, and a retouching director. One BTS video.
⚠️ To book, you’ll need to make an advance reservation of 200 RMB (~$30 USD) deposit per person to secure a spot and date. If you need to change the date, ask him if it’s changeable.
Makeup and styling spot: either the Bell Tower or the Great Wild Goose Pagoda.
When to go.
I’ve been twice actually, and my suggestion is to go 30 minutes or more before the feeding starts, usually at 12PM. I’d suggest going off season, cause it can get very busy. Avoid weekends and holidays, and in the summer, it can get very hot.
Once you’re there.
You’ll most likely be in line for a bit, as they let in a handful of people at a time in batches. Before entry, you’ll need to pay an additional fee for the feeding, about $5 USD (30 CNY). They’ll come around with a machine to take payment, and then they’ll give you a token to exchange for the apples to feed at the gate. Each group gets 5 minutes or so with the pandas, and you can line up and go again if you want more time.
The experience.
This was one of my Shanghai highlights. They are SO cute, and they are very friendly. They just chill and eat apples. If you put the skewer a little high, they’ll STAND UP and grab it and eat it on its hind legs, it’s so weird!
You’re not allowed to touch them for their/your safety, but they may come close to you and touch you, so just be aware. To keep them safe, you’ll also need to sanitize your hands, and there’s a shoe washer to make sure you’re not bringing in any diseases.
One of the concerns that most people may have is how the red pandas are treated. Based on what I’ve seen, they are as wild as they can be, within a zoo. They are not caged, and they are free to roam the park. There are no barriers, and they don’t like distressed at all. The portions are also controlled so they aren’t overfed, and they are even given ice blocks and mist to keep them cool during the summer. I’m not an animal expert, but from my experience, it seems quite ethical, and a great experience, especially for kids to learn about animals and develop a passion for them.
Thanks for reading! Sign up for the next China newsletter.
If you’re interseted in booking, don’t forget to mention my name Elliott to the photographer to save 10%! If you want more guide and tips for China, you can subscribe to my monthly newsletter (coming soon).