Move over selfie sticks and Instagram boyfriends – there’s a new travel trend sweeping across Asia that allows tourists to truly immerse themselves in the local culture through elaborately staged ethnic photoshoots.

Millennials and Gen Z jetsetters are seizing the chance to live out glamorous cultural fantasies in front of the camera lens. This isn't your average posing in front of landmarks - it's a full fashion experience complete with traditional costumes, hair, makeup, and beautiful backdrops.

China's dynastic Hanfu experiences

Across China, lavish hanfu photoshoot studios offer ornate dynastic costumes, hair/makeup for extravagant shoots at popular tourist sites. Photo Credit: Instagram/@aly ___q/@xixiplease

All across China, a new breed of photography studios specialising in Hanfu (Han dynasty inspired clothing) photoshoots has emerged to cater to this growing demand. The experience is as lavish as the ornate robes themselves, with hair and makeup styling tailored to each meticulously recreated dynastic look.

Prices start around US$30 for basic packages, but can soar into the hundreds for ultra-luxurious experiences with multiple costume changes, hair/makeup services, and a professional photography crew that directs travellers how to pose in strategically chosen photo spots like ancient temples or palaces. While communicating exclusively in Chinese, these studios have cultivated huge followings on Chinese apps like Xiaohongshu by sharing their visually stunning hanfu photography.

Some of China's hottest photoshoot destinations include Xi'an for Tang dynasty architecture and costumes, Chongqing for blending futuristic and ancient Chinese aesthetics, and Beijing's lush royal gardens and Forbidden City backdrops.

Macao's timeless Qipao moments

Macao's old quarter blends Chinese and Portuguese aesthetics, offering tranquil gardens and gritty alleys as picturesque backdrops for QiYuan boutique's curated qipao dress rentals and makeover services. Photo Credit: QiYuan

Beyond the glitzy modern integrated resorts, the old side of Macao is a stunning tapestry of Chinese and Portuguese influences. The charming Lou Lim Ieoc Garden offers a tranquil zen setting with winding paths, bamboo groves, flowering bushes, and a koi-filled lotus pond, while Macao's historic streets and alleyways also present plenty of picturesque moments of Portuguese aesthetics blending with gritty old-world Chinese elements.

With all these jaw-dropping traditional backdrops transporting visitors back in time, it's surprising the ethnic photoshoot trend hasn't fully taken off in Macao yet, which makes QiYuan (qiyuanmacau.com) an incredible find. This small boutique, tucked into an alleyway near the iconic Ruins of St. Paul's, offers a curated selection of both classic and modern qipao (Chinese dresses) for rent, allowing travellers to simply take their own photos while donning the elegant silk garments.

For a full makeover, they can add on professional hair and makeup services for US$72, or a complete outdoor qipao photoshoot starting at US$186. Since this boutique designs their own qipao, customers can also choose to custom make one to purchase for their own travels and bring home as a souvenir.

Chut Thai fantasies worthy of royalty

Nana Photo Studio Bangkok offers intricately detailed chut Thai costume rentals, hair/makeup styling for bold Thai looks, and outdoor photoshoots at historic sites for the ultimate Thai dress experience. Photo Credit: Instagram/@nana _photo_studio_bkk

Few cultural outfits are as iconic as the traditional Thai dress or Chut Thai, but what many don't realise is the diversity of styles available for different occasions, each ensemble layered with rich symbolism.

Nana Photo Studio Bangkok has become Insta-famous for travellers looking to dress up like a Thai princess for the day. The studio offers a wide variety of intricately detailed chut Thai costumes to rent, from casual everyday wear to ornate ceremonial pieces. Completing the transformation, the studio's hair and makeup artists specialise in creating the bold, vibrant Thai makeup looks to perfectly complement each traditional outfit chosen. A professional photographer then whisks clients away to popular historical sites like Wat Arun and Wat Pho for a stunning outdoor photoshoot.

Costume rental starts around US$9, adding professional makeup costs US$60, and one hour of photography services is US$45, coming to a total of around US$114 for the full Thai dress experience.

This article is part of Travel Weekly Asia's April-June 2024 issue. Click here to read more from the latest issue.