5 Studios For Hanfu Photo Shoots In Singapore For Your C-Drama Moment (For Kids Too!)

You’ve seen it on Instagram and Tiktok — hanfu photoshoots that make the subjects look like they just stepped right out of a wuxia C-drama. With the rising popularity of Chinese dramas, elaborate makeover studios have taken off in China, offering not just hanfu portraits but even tribal and Mongolian-themed photos.

Not planning a trip to China anytime soon? You don’t have to. You can have your own Pursuit of Jade moment, as a growing number of photo studios in Singapore are bringing the hanfu photoshoot experience closer to home.

What are hanfu photoshoots about?

Hanfu refers to the traditional garb of the Chinese Han people, often characterised by cross collars, flowing silhouettes, and intricate embroidery.

And your photo shoot experience goes beyond just slipping into beautiful outfits — photo shoots often include full makeovers, including period-inspired makeup, elaborate hairstyles styled with ornate accessories, wigs or extensions, as well as props to bring the look to life.

Setting-wise, studios in Singapore offer various options, from styled studio backdrops to picturesque locations like Chinese gardens, or even modern cityscapes for an old-meets-new contrast.

Dressed Up Dreams

Specialising in hanfu portraits since 2018, Dressed Up Dreams prides itself on its commitment to historical accuracy — from the dynastic styles right down to the aesthetics and traditional poses. At the same time, it also keeps up with the latest trends in China’s photography scene to incorporate modern, artistic influences.

And if you’ve ever wanted your kids to look as adorable as Chang Ning or Bao Er in Pursuit of Jade, Dressed Up Dreams also offers kids’ outfits though there are more limited options.

Prices: From $580 for personal portraits, from $780 for couple portraits, and from $1080 for group portraits

Dressed Up Dreams is at 47 Jln#03-08A Halycon 2, Pemimpin, Singapore 577200. Visit its website for more information.

Lunarworks Studio

Beyond traditional Chinese settings, Lunarworks Studio puts a modern spin on the experience with cyber-inspired backdrops that give classic hanfu portraits a futuristic edge. Choose from styles spanning different Chinese dynasties, and the team will guide you through the dressing process while sharing the cultural significance and nuances behind each garment.

While the studio doesn’t appear to offer hanfu outfits for children, it has plenty of other options for families, including family portraits, maternity shoots, newborn photography and cake smash sessions.

Prices: From $488 for individual photo session and from $888 for two pax.

Lunarworks Studio is at 31 Bukit Batok Cres, #01-06, Singapore 658070. Visit its website for more information.

Yagyo Haven

Yagyo Haven is, in fact, not a photo studio but a Chinese spa. Originally a modern wellness sanctuary inspired by Eastern traditions, it later threw a photo shoot session into the equation.

With steaming pools, faux blossom-laden trees and Chinese-style interiors, you’ll already feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Opt for the Princess Head Spa or Ginger Ritual and you’ll get to enjoy a hanfu photo shoot after your treatment as well, with various cinematic backdrops.

Price: $280 for the Princess Head Spa or Ginger Ritual treatments with the hanfu photo shoot package

Yagyo Haven is at 149 Rochor Road, #05-15, Singapore 188425. Visit its website for more information.

Photonow

If you’re feeling a little shy, then Photonow may be more up your alley. This self-photography space lets you take complete control of the shoot — there’s no photographer behind the camera, so you can ditch the self-consciousness. But if you wish, you can book a photographer for an extra fee.

Book a room (Regular for up to five people, and Large for up to 12 people), rent your costumes, and get posing. For an even more immersive experience, pay a small top-up to swap out the backdrop digitally.

Hanfu aside, you can also choose from Korean hanboks, Japanese kimonos and Peranakan kebayas.

Prices:
- Outfit rental: From $15 per outfit
- Makeup: From $100 for a natural makeup look
- Room: From $40 for 15 mins in the Regular Room (1 to 5 pax), and from $90 for 30 minutes in the Large Room (2 to 12 pax)

Photonow is at #04-05 Centrepoint, Singapore 238843. Visit its website for more information.

Nanyang Memories

Nanyang Memories is known for its Nyonya photo shoots, but it also offers hanfu outfits and makeup. Born out of the founder’s love for dressing up her daughter, you can be sure to find kids’ outfits here, too.

Prices:
- Outfits: From $19.90 per hour
- Makeup: From $150 per hour
- Hanfu hairdo: From $30 for 30 mins
- Photography: From $150 per hour

Nanyang Memories is at . Visit its website for more information.