Empress for a Day: Beijing's Cultural Costume Craze

A growing trend sees young visitors in Beijing transforming into ancient Chinese empresses, embracing a revival of traditional culture. Hundreds of makeup artists are stationed in studios near the historic Forbidden City, once the seat of China's last imperial dynasties. These artists meticulously style visitors in richly embroidered robes, imperial jewelry, and traditional hairstyles.

The immersive experience, costing around 300 yuan ($45) to over 1,000 yuan ($150), culminates in photo and video sessions. Participants often blend historical costumes with contemporary items such as sneakers and sunglasses, sharing their modernized imperial looks on social media. This trend is particularly popular during public holidays and weekends, with artists working long hours to meet demand.

The revival is largely inspired by the Ming and Qing dynasties, China's last imperial eras. Historical costume dramas have also fueled this interest, with many young enthusiasts drawn to the aesthetic appeal of traditional Hanfu. This cultural resurgence is evident in Beijing, where costume styling studios have rapidly proliferated in recent years.