If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through TikTok, mesmerized by stunning hanfu dress photos of beautiful men and women, and thought, “I’d love to try that look too”—you’re not alone. But if you’re unsure about buying a full set you may only wear once, renting hanfu is a great option.

Take Xi’an, for example—where I live and work. On just my commute alone, I pass by more than 20 hanfu rental shops. So if the idea of dressing up in traditional Chinese attire is calling your name, renting might be the perfect way.

Here’s some basic info you’ll need to know about renting hanfu dress in China – use it as a reference. You can adjust things based on your actual situation, and we’re not saying renting is definitely the best option. If that works for you, let’s dive in.

Ⅰ. Are Locals Okay With Foreigners Wearing Hanfu?

At Taoyuan Village in Tongxiang, international guests wearing hanfu dress walk amid blooming flowers. Also in Beijing’s imperial palace grounds, couples pose in coordinated hanfu outfits, blending modern travel with dynastic elegance.

Platforms such as TikTok and YouTube are full of honest vlogs documenting these experiences—from the thrill of wearing ancient clothing to the friendly local reactions. One video even explores “Can foreigners wear hanfu?” and shows that as long as the attire is respected, locals usually respond positively. （I’ve seen foreign couples strolling around Huimin Street in stunning hanfu before, and people were super friendly to them.）

Quoting one Instagrammer called travellyconcierge:

“My hanfu experience in Xi’an—I felt so beautiful I got multiple photos ”

But don’t just rush into it because of all those amazing Chinese dresses photos. At least let me walk you through the basics: booking, renting, paperwork, taking photos, and returning it.

Ⅱ．Where Can You Rent Hanfu?

Hanfu rental shops are easy to spot near top tourist spots, especially places with traditional architecture or historical vibes. Take Beijing, for example—around the Forbidden City or Summer Palace, they usually include makeup and hair styling, and Ming/Qing dynasty clothing is common there, perfect for photos.

Then there’s Xi’an, with its Tang Dynasty districts—great for filming videos or even evening parades.

In Hangzhou and Suzhou, by the classical gardens, you can get stage experiences, and some shops offer makeup too.

Chengdu’s got options near Wenshu Monastery or Wide & Narrow Alleys, and even local young people rent there.

And ancient towns like Lijiang or Phoenix? Super laid-back, ideal for couples wanting photos.

Ⅲ．How the Rental Process Works

Renting hanfu is usually a simple, tourist-friendly process:

• Choose your outfit: Browse through rows of robes in various colors and dynastic styles (Tang, Song, Ming, etc.)

• Optional styling: Many shops offer hairstyling and light makeup to complete the look.

• Get dressed: Staff will help you put on the layers properly—some styles like the mamianqun (horse-face skirt) can be tricky to tie on your own.

• Enjoy your time: Take photos, explore the area, and soak in the atmosphere.

• Return and wrap up: Most rentals are hourly (1–3 hours), half-day, or full-day. Just return everything before closing time.

Ⅳ．How Much Does It Cost?

📍 Xi’an—Budget Option

A basic hanfu rental (clothing only) can cost as low as USD $27 (about RMB 200) per session.

A refundable deposit of around RMB 400–500 (~$60–70) is typically required

📍 Beijing—Premium Experience

Full‑day packages with makeup, hairstyle, accessories, and even professional photography start from around €86 (~USD $92).

More elaborate Ming/Qing Dynasty styled experiences may go up to USD $107 (~RMB 750) per person for 1.5 hours inclusive of styling and photo services

📍 General Range at Photo Studios

Across tourist cities, typical packages offering hanfu dress, styling, basic props, and photography fall roughly in the USD $30 to $150 range, depending on complexity and extras ~ 😉

Or if you want to find more niche rental methods, you can search on the Xianyu app, you might find an unexpected surprise.

Ⅴ．Tips & Things to Keep in Mind

Weather matters: Go for lighter fabrics in summer, or ask for a cloak or cape in winter.

Wear safety shorts or a base layer: Some hanfu skirts aren’t fully closed in the front, especially the mamianqun. Wearing a light inner layer helps you feel more secure and comfortable.

Shoes: Some shops offer traditional embroidered shoes, but you can also wear simple flats or sandals if you’re walking a lot.

Photos: Many scenic spots are made for hanfu dress photo shoots—bring a fan, parasol, or book as a prop!

Time management: Most rentals are limited by the hour, so plan your route and photos accordingly.

VI. Downsides to renting hanfu  

Renting hanfu isn’t all perfect. You might run into issues: sometimes the rental cost ends up higher than buying one, the clothes could smell bad, or you might lose an accessory and not get your deposit back.  

Take small, unprofessional shops, for example. Their stylists often mismatch hairstyles with outfits—hairstyles are just trendy “influencer looks”. Worse, the clothes might even fall apart. I once saw a shop owner who didn’t know how to tie a chest-high ruqun properly, and the customer’s skirt slipped down after leaving the store, so embarrassing. 😟

From my experience in Xi’an, Chinese typical dress photoshoots are way too commercialized and assembly-line. They rush through the process, you might like the final photos, but the service? Probably not. Plus, photographers are packed so close—you’ll find two setups less than 100 meters apart.

I’d suggest heading to less crowded spots like pavilions or parks after renting your hanfu—best to go during the day. Places like Xi’an’s Huaqing Pool, for example, make for way better photos than those assembly-line setups.  

Honestly, my personal take? I’d recommend buying your own hanfu instead of renting. There are tons of affordable options online and in stores. What bugs me about renting: high deposits, tight return deadlines (and fees if you’re late), dealing with stained clothes that they won’t let you swap out…

Plus, I’m weirded out by the thought of renting something smelly. A friend once got a hanfu dress that had a faint odor—manageable if you didn’t get too close, but still. And let’s be real: the rental cost often covers a brand-new hanfu you can keep forever. Why not just buy one?  

Summary  

Lots of people who visit China end up taking hanfu photos and call it one of their best life experiences. Hanfu dress rentals can vary wildly—by region, style, package, even time of year. Here’s hoping every traveler gets a great experience. Got thoughts? Feel free to share in the comments!