Da Xin turns a Shanghai visit into a portrait session in the style of the city’s 1930s glamour. I like the period-inspired sets, which range from Old Shanghai street scenes to Jiangnan courtyard settings, and the one-stop styling, with makeup, hair, a qipao, and photography in one appointment.
One thing to plan for: your package includes only a set number of edited digital photos. Extra edits, original files, prints, and upgraded costumes cost more, so decide your budget before you start choosing images.
- At a glance
- A portrait session with an Old Shanghai frame
- Choosing your qipao and getting ready
- Makeup, hair, and the camera
- From set to same-day photo selection
- What the package price really covers
- Getting to Old Yuyuan Street on time
- Who will get the most from this session
- Should you book Da Xin Photo Studio?
- FAQ
- How long does the photoshoot take?
- What does the basic qipao package include?
- Are printed photos included?
- Are all original photo files included?
- Can I buy more retouched photos?
- Do upgraded costumes cost extra?
- Where is Da Xin Photo Studio?
- How do I get to the studio by metro?
- When should I arrive?
- When will I receive the QR code for entry?
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At a glance
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9 / 9- The studio dates to 1933: Its vintage portrait concept gives your photos a connection to Shanghai’s past, without requiring a citywide photo itinerary.
- One qipao is included: The basic package covers one outfit from the designated collection, plus light makeup and hairstyling.
- Sets create the period look: Expect indoor scenes inspired by old Shanghai and Jiangnan garden aesthetics, with props available for posing.
- Same-day selection saves time: You choose your photos on the day, and the included retouched digital images are part of the package.
- Packages suit different groups: Options include solo portraits, couples or friends, and higher-priced packages with more edited photos.
- Plan for about two hours: Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, and allow time for outfit selection, styling, the shoot, and choosing images.
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A portrait session with an Old Shanghai frame
Da Xin Photo Studio is at No. 49, Old Yuyuan Street, in Huangpu District, close to the Yuyuan area. The studio’s story begins in 1933, and its rooms are designed to evoke the glamour and visual style associated with 1930s Shanghai. For you, that means the setting is part of the activity, not just a plain backdrop behind a camera.
The themes include vintage Shanghai glamour, qipao portraits, vintage Shanghai ladies, Jiangnan garden aesthetics, bridal concepts, and family or couple sessions. The variety matters because a qipao portrait can feel formal, playful, or romantic depending on the costume, set, and pose. You can discuss what you want before the camera comes out.
This is an indoor studio session, so it offers a controlled alternative to arranging your own portraits around the city. You are not relying on the weather or trying to find a quiet spot for a photo. One package that includes a Yuyuan ticket combines the studio session with a nearby sightseeing option, but the basic package is focused on the portrait experience itself.
You can also read our reviews of more photography tours in Shanghai
Choosing your qipao and getting ready
The standard Personal Qipao Photoshoot Package includes one outfit from the designated qipao collection, light makeup, and hairstyling. You select your costume at the studio, then the staff help with styling before the photoshoot. Shoes and props may also be part of the selection process; the range of props is one reason this can feel more like a themed session than a simple studio headshot.
The included outfit is not the whole wardrobe. Premium qipao, hanfu, evening gowns, and other upgraded costumes cost extra, as do personal styling items such as stockings, colored contact lenses, and nail accessories. If you have a particular look in mind, ask what is covered before you arrive. It is easier to choose a package and set a spending limit before you are dressed and looking at upgrades.
Makeup is described as light, not a full theatrical transformation. That may suit you if you want a polished portrait that still looks like you. If your skin is sensitive, bring your own preferred makeup products. Hygiene standards may not match what you expect from a high-end salon, so this is another good reason to bring personal essentials if you have them.
Makeup, hair, and the camera
Once you are dressed, the makeup and hairstyling help complete the period look. The appointment is designed as a one-stop process, so you do not need to find a separate salon before the shoot. Staff are described as helpful and efficient, and some speak English, but English ability is limited. Keep a translation app ready for costume choices, requests about makeup, and any detailed instructions.
The photographer directs your poses and angles. That can be especially useful if you have never worn a qipao for a formal portrait and are unsure how to stand or where to place your hands. Rather than arriving with a long list of poses, you can let the photographer guide you and speak up if you want a more natural or less formal result.
You can discuss whether to take photos indoors only or include an outdoor portion on the day. Outdoor shooting is not guaranteed as part of every package, and conditions such as heat may affect your choice. The indoor sets are the core of the experience, so you can still get a range of themed images without going outside.
From set to same-day photo selection
The shoot takes place among themed indoor settings, including Old Shanghai street scenes and Jiangnan-inspired courtyard aesthetics. The different scenes give you choices in mood and framing, while props help add character to the portraits. The overall look is intentionally staged, not documentary photography. If you want a record of daily Shanghai street life, this is not that; if you want a stylized keepsake with a period feel, it is a better match.
After the shoot, you select your photos on the same day. The basic package includes two detail-retouched digital images. Higher packages include more edited photos, and the process is designed so you can make your selections and collect the finished images on the day as well. A reported session took about an hour and a half from outfit choice through photo selection, though the stated experience duration is approximately two hours. Allow the full two hours rather than planning a tight connection afterward.
Retouching is a matter of taste. If you prefer a natural finish, say so when choosing your pictures and discuss how much editing you want. Some people may like a more polished look; others may find extensive Photoshop too much. Giving clear direction is the best way to get closer to the result you want.
What the package price really covers
The Personal Qipao Photoshoot Package includes the session, one designated-collection qipao, light makeup, hairstyling, and two retouched digital photos. The package options listed begin at US$54.99 for that basic session, while the experience is also advertised from US$60.49. Prices can vary by package and booking details, so check the current amount shown before paying.
The higher-priced choices include a Personal Premium Experience with five retouched photos, a package combining a Yuyuan ticket with eight retouched photos, a Personal Deluxe option with nine, and a Couple or Friends package with nine. The value depends on how many finished portraits you want and whether you are booking for one person or more. If two edited images are enough, the entry package keeps the cost lower. If you expect to want a wider selection, a package with more included edits may be simpler than buying each extra image later.
Additional retouched photos are RMB 100 each. Original, unedited files are RMB 60 each, and neither RAW files nor printed copies are included in the standard package. These are optional purchases made on site. Ask to see the final set before deciding how many add-ons you want, and do not assume the digital images include every frame taken.
Getting to Old Yuyuan Street on time
The studio address is No. 49, Old Yuyuan Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai, written as 上海市黄浦区豫园老街49号. It is a 440-metre walk from Exit 7 of Yuyuan Station on Metro Line 14. The meeting point is identified as 大新照相馆, so save the Chinese name and address in your phone in case you need help finding it.
Opening hours are listed as 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with last admission at 8 p.m. Your voucher is valid only for the date and time booked. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow for costume selection and preparation. Late arrival can shorten the session, and the stated policies give different thresholds for cancellation or refunds. Treat punctuality as essential and contact the operator if a delay looks likely.
After the order is confirmed, you should receive a dedicated QR code by email or messaging app within 48 hours. Present it to staff when you arrive. If it has not arrived within that period, contact customer service before setting out.
Who will get the most from this session
This is a good fit if you want a personal keepsake from Shanghai and enjoy the idea of dressing for a portrait rather than just snapping a quick tourist photo. Solo visitors can make a day of it, while couples, friends, families, parents and children, and mother-daughter pairs have package options designed for group portraits. Children pay the same rate as adults, and the activity has no age limit.
It also suits people who value convenience. Makeup, hair, costume styling, photography, and photo selection happen in one place, with same-day selection. That compact format can work well when your Shanghai schedule is full. You still need to protect roughly two hours for the appointment, and you should not expect every digital file or a print to be included.
Consider another option if you dislike posed photography, do not want makeup, or prefer candid images in real city settings. Also think carefully before choosing a premium package if you have not decided how many retouched photos you want. The basic package is more limited, but the extra charges are clear enough to plan around.
Should you book Da Xin Photo Studio?
Book it if you want a themed qipao portrait with styling and photographer direction, and if a polished, staged image sounds like a fun part of your Shanghai visit. The studio’s historic identity and period-inspired sets give the session a stronger sense of place than a generic portrait appointment, while same-day photo selection keeps the process practical.
Go in with a clear idea of your budget, your preferred level of retouching, and whether you need more than two finished images. Arrive early, bring personal makeup if you have sensitive skin, and ask about any costume upgrades before choosing. With those points settled, Da Xin can make a memorable Shanghai souvenir in about two hours.
Da Xin Photo Studio | Exclusive Old Shanghai Vintage Photoshoot
“very nice and worked well with you. highly recommend.”
FAQ
How long does the photoshoot take?
The experience is listed as approximately two hours, including makeup, styling, photography, and photo selection. One session was completed in about an hour and a half, but it is sensible to allow the full two hours.
What does the basic qipao package include?
It includes an indoor photoshoot, one qipao from the designated collection, light makeup, hairstyling, and two detail-retouched digital photos.
Are printed photos included?
No. Printed photo copies are not included in the package.
Are all original photo files included?
No. RAW or unedited photo files are not included. They can be purchased for RMB 60 per photo.
Can I buy more retouched photos?
Yes. Additional retouched photos are available for RMB 100 each, payable on site.
Do upgraded costumes cost extra?
Yes. Premium qipao, hanfu, evening gowns, and other costume selections outside the designated collection are not included in the basic package.
Where is Da Xin Photo Studio?
It is at No. 49, Old Yuyuan Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai, at 上海市黄浦区豫园老街49号.
How do I get to the studio by metro?
The studio is a 440-metre walk from Exit 7 of Yuyuan Station on Metro Line 14.
When should I arrive?
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your reserved time to allow for costume selection, makeup preparation, and arrangements for the shoot.
When will I receive the QR code for entry?
After your order is confirmed, the operator should send a dedicated QR code by email or messaging app within 48 hours. Present it to staff when you arrive.
