Qing Dynasty Scenes 'Recreated' by Tourists in the Forbidden City

This is a common sight at heritage sites across China. While it is not certain that the costumes are designed to be historically accurate, they are inspired by Chinese painting, theater, and art, especially during the Qing Dynasty, China's last imperial dynasty.

During this time, China expanded its empire, and art and painting flourished, along with clothing and textiles. Men and women wore long, elaborately embroidered silk robes. The women differed in that they wore wigs adorned with flowers, pearls, and precious stones.

The ancient city scene is captured by tourists from the perspective of figure 1. — Chinese girls wearing Qing Dynasty costumes outside the Drum Tower on Donggulou Street in Beijing. Photo: AP

The ancient city scene is captured by tourists from the perspective of figure 2. — Chinese people wearing Qing Dynasty costumes stroll at Beihai Park in Beijing. Photo: AP

The Qing Dynasty fell in 1911, but the family was still often seen wearing Qing-era costumes for decades afterward, some homemade, others rented from vendors at photo shoots.

Many popular period dramas, combined with the growth of social media, have fueled this craze. Some participants dress up based on the appearance of characters from novels, plays and poems from centuries ago.

The ancient city scene is captured by tourists from the perspective of figure 3. — A group of Tsinghua University students shop at a convenience store in Beijing. Photo: AP

Professional and amateur photographers sold sample clothes to tourists. Others dressed in royal attire took turns taking photos with their phones. A group of students from Tsinghua University celebrated the end of the semester with a photo shoot in ancient costumes.