Hanfu turns a walk through Gankeng Ancient Town into a small costume-drama scene: you choose a historical-style outfit, have your hair and makeup done, then pose for portraits in and around the old town. I like the choice of distinct Hanfu styles and the chance to get professionally styled without arranging a costume, makeup artist, and photographer separately.
I also like that you can choose a package with no photography, or pay for a set number of retouched images. The main consideration is communication: English may be limited, so bring a few reference photos and be ready to use gestures or a translation app.
- Key points to know
- Start at Nanxiang Art Makeup Studio
- Pick a Hanfu style that suits the setting
- Makeup and hair are half the transformation
- Take portraits in and around Gankeng Ancient Town
- Compare the three package types
- Give the session time, and protect the costume
- Who will get the most from it?
- Should you book the Gankeng Hanfu experience?
- FAQ
- Where does the experience start?
- What are the studio’s opening hours?
- Does every package include photography?
- How many edited photos are included?
- How long does the experience take?
- Are shoes included with the costume?
- When can I get my photos?
- Are outdoor location tickets included?
- Can children take part?
- What should I do if I have sensitive skin or am pregnant?
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Key points to know
- Choose from different Hanfu looks: Options described include Qixiong Ru skirts, Quju Shenyi robes, and Wei and Jin-inspired costumes.
- Makeup and styling are part of the experience: Each package includes one outfit rental, makeup, and hairstyling.
- Photography costs extra: The basic makeup experience does not include a photo shoot.
- Packages include a set number of finished images: Photography options include 6 or 9 retouched photos, plus unedited originals.
- Bring your own shoes: Footwear is not provided, and modern sneakers can look out of place in costume portraits.
- Allow time for preparation: One group of three took about 1.5 hours to get ready and around an hour for the shoot.
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Start at Nanxiang Art Makeup Studio
The experience begins at Nanxiang Art Makeup Studio, at Ganli Road 18 in Gankeng Community, Longgang District. It is next to Bawang Chaji in Gankeng Ancient Town. The studio’s stated hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Once you arrive, you’ll select a costume and settle in for makeup and hairstyling. The activity has no age limit, though children’s costume choices may be more limited than the adult selection. If you are booking for kids, keep some flexibility about the exact outfit.
The studio is also listed as Nanxianglou Art Hotel, so use the studio address and nearby Bawang Chaji as your practical location cues. You enter the ancient town and walk straight ahead; the studio is on the right, next to M Stand coffee. The booking voucher is used under the name on your Klook order.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Shenzhen.
Pick a Hanfu style that suits the setting
The wardrobe is a central part of the appeal, not just a quick change before the camera comes out. The described styles include the high-waisted Qixiong Ru skirt, the more formal Quju Shenyi, and costumes inspired by the Wei and Jin periods. Each gives a different outline and mood, so think about the kind of portrait you want before you arrive.
The clothing is described as having a substantial drape, with many pieces featuring detailed embroidery. That matters in photographs: fabric with weight and texture tends to show its shape and decorative work more clearly than a thin, plain costume. You can also ask the staff to match the makeup and styling to the outfit’s color and the features of your face.
There is no need to know the names of historical garments to enjoy choosing one. A few saved reference images can help you explain whether you prefer an elegant, dramatic, or more relaxed look, especially if you and the staff do not share much spoken language. The outfit is rented as a single set, so plan on choosing one look rather than changing costumes throughout the session.
Shoes are not included. Bring footwear that suits your chosen outfit if you have it, or at least avoid assuming that the costume rental covers them. One group arrived in sneakers and found the contrast distracting in the finished look. It is a small packing detail that can make a noticeable difference in full-length portraits.
Makeup and hair are half the transformation
The styling is more than everyday makeup with a costume added. The studio describes its approach as matching makeup to the shooting style, clothing color, and the person’s facial features. Hair and accessories help complete the period look, and the process may feel quite different from your normal routine.
Give the makeup artist room to work. One visitor’s advice was to trust the process, and that is sensible if you are used to a lighter or more familiar style. If you have a particular preference, show a reference photo or explain it before the application begins. The artist can only adjust what they know you want.
There is a language consideration. A visitor who did not speak Chinese found that makeup artist 小白 made an effort to communicate, while the photographer also used guidance to help with posing. That is encouraging, but it does not mean English will be available throughout. Keep instructions simple, use a translation app if needed, and confirm key choices before the shoot starts.
If you have sensitive skin or are pregnant, tell the studio in advance. You are also advised to bring your own cosmetics if you have concerns about the products. One customer raised a concern about whether some brushes and lip gloss were single-use or sanitized between clients; another found the tools and clothes clean. If hygiene is a priority for you, ask staff directly and bring personal products you prefer to use.
Take portraits in and around Gankeng Ancient Town
After you are dressed and styled, the photography package moves on to posing and portrait-taking. The photographer may guide your posture and use props. One group’s session included five different locations, but that should be treated as an example, not a guaranteed route or a promise that every package visits the same spots.
The ancient town setting gives the costume a place to belong. Rather than taking portraits in a plain studio backdrop, you can use the old-town surroundings to create a sense of scene. The exact locations and route are not specified, so ask the photographer what is available on the day and whether the shoot will be indoors, outdoors, or a mix.
Outdoor photography has extra costs to consider. Tickets for you and the staff are not included if a shooting location requires admission. That can affect the final cost, so ask before leaving the studio if you have a particular spot in mind.
The photographer’s direction is useful if you are not used to posing. You do not need to arrive knowing how to hold a sleeve or angle your face; the photographer can guide you. Props may also be used, adding something for your hands to do and helping the images feel less like a standard standing portrait.
Compare the three package types
The simplest choice is the single Hanfu makeup experience. It includes one costume rental, makeup, and hairstyling, but does not include photography. Choose it if you want to dress up and take your own pictures, or if you already have another photographer arranged.
The photo packages add a professional shoot and edited images. One option includes 6 retouched photos and 20 original shots; the more extensive option includes 9 retouched photos and 30 originals. Both include one costume rental, makeup, and hairstyling. Check the package details before paying, since the difference is not only the number of edited images but also the total set of original files.
You can choose your photos on the same day. The finished images are available in about 3 to 5 days, with delivery arranged through WeChat or email. If you do not use WeChat, confirm how you will receive the files before the session ends.
Prices shown for the experience start at US$39.35, while the single-person costume makeup and photography option is also shown from US$35.75. Since the supplied starting prices differ, check the current price for the exact package and date before booking. The value depends on what you want: makeup and costume alone cost less, while a photo package combines wardrobe, styling, a photographer, and a fixed set of edited portraits.
The experience also requires a 200-yuan deposit, which is stated as separate from the clothing rental. The package includes a booking service fee, but personal expenses are not included. Ask how the deposit is handled and whether any location tickets will be needed so the total is clear before you begin.
Give the session time, and protect the costume
Plan for a substantial appointment rather than a quick dress-up stop. One group of three spent about 1.5 hours on makeup and hair, followed by roughly an hour of photography. The time will vary with group size and the session, and no fixed duration is stated. If you have a meal, train, or other booking afterward, leave a generous gap.
During busy periods, you may have to wait. That is worth keeping in mind if your schedule is tight, especially since preparation itself can take a while. Arriving with outfit ideas ready can help you make the most of your time, though the costume choice still deserves a little thought.
Treat the borrowed clothing carefully. Minor stains are not charged extra, but damage or loss can lead to a charge. Be especially careful around food and drink once dressed, and ask staff for help if you are unsure how to handle an accessory or garment.
The voucher is valid only on the date and time specified, if a time is included. Confirmation is expected within 24 hours; if it does not arrive, contact customer support. Participants who appear intoxicated may be refused service without a refund, so arrive ready for the session.
Who will get the most from it?
This is a good fit if you want a polished costume portrait and would rather have someone else handle the clothing, makeup, hair, and posing. It also suits visitors who enjoy trying on historical dress, even if they choose the makeup-only package and take their own photographs.
Families can book, since there is no age limit. Just allow room for children to find an outfit they like, as the children’s selection may be smaller. The styling and photo session can be a fun shared activity, but the time commitment may be tiring for younger children, and no specific child-focused schedule is provided.
You may want to skip the photo package if you are uncomfortable with a possible language gap, uncertain about makeup products, or hoping for a very fast stop. You can reduce those concerns by bringing reference images, mentioning skin sensitivities ahead of time, and asking about product hygiene and the location plan before makeup begins.
Should you book the Gankeng Hanfu experience?
Book it if the appeal is the full transformation: choosing a Hanfu, getting your hair and makeup done, and coming away with professionally shot portraits in an old-town setting. The most persuasive value is the combination of costume, styling, and photography in one appointment, with a lower-cost option if you do not need professional images.
Before you reserve, decide how many edited photos you want, bring suitable shoes, and check the exact package price. Give yourself enough time, prepare a few visual references, and ask about outdoor ticket costs and image delivery. If those details suit your plans, this is a memorable way to make Gankeng Ancient Town part of the portrait rather than just the backdrop.
Shenzhen Gankeng Ancient Town – Hanfu Dress-up – Photo Shoot Experience
“loved it! loved the locals here, they are very sweet and welcoming. Felt very comfortable. Beautiful Hanfu's and accessories. And with the makeup a…”
FAQ
Where does the experience start?
It starts at Nanxiang Art Makeup Studio, Ganli Road 18, Gankeng Community, Jihua Street, Longgang District, Shenzhen. The studio is next to Bawang Chaji in Gankeng Ancient Town.
What are the studio’s opening hours?
The stated opening hours are Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Does every package include photography?
No. The single Hanfu makeup experience includes costume rental, makeup, and hairstyling, but no photography. The photo packages include a shoot and edited images.
How many edited photos are included?
One photography package includes 6 professionally edited photos and 20 original shots. The other includes 9 retouched photos and 30 original shots.
How long does the experience take?
A fixed duration is not stated. One group of three spent about 1.5 hours getting ready and around an hour on the photo shoot, so allow plenty of time.
Are shoes included with the costume?
No. Shoes are not listed as included, so bring your own.
When can I get my photos?
Photo selection is available on the same day. The finished photos take about 3 to 5 days and can be sent through WeChat or email.
Are outdoor location tickets included?
No. If the shoot is outdoors at a location that requires admission, tickets for both you and the staff are not included.
Can children take part?
Yes. The activity has no age limit. The children’s costume selection may be more limited than the adult selection.
What should I do if I have sensitive skin or am pregnant?
Tell the studio in advance. You are advised to bring your own cosmetics if you have concerns about the products.
