A woman in hanfu takes photos at a scenic spot in Hangzhou. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

At West Lake International Trade Center, a curious scene unfolds daily: instead of office workers in suits, the building is filled with visitors in flowing traditional Chinese outfits heading to hanfu photo studios.

The lakeside tower has become a popular first stop for tourists seeking hanfu travel photography around West Lake. Studios such as Huajianyue Hanfu Studio offer costume rental, makeup and photography packages before visitors head to scenic spots.

During the Spring Festival holiday, bookings surged as tourists lined up for styling sessions. Many visitors, like travelers from Guangdong, decided spontaneously to try hanfu photography while exploring Hangzhou.

The trend is fueled by the city's growing interest in Song Dynasty (960-1279) culture and popular filming locations, with visitors often heading to sites such as Deshou Palace or the iconic Broken Bridge for photos.

More than 40 hanfu studios now operate in the same building, turning it into an unusual time-travel hub where elevators open to reveal rows of elaborately dressed visitors. For many tourists, this has become the starting point for capturing their own ancient-style memories in Hangzhou.

A woman gets ready for a hanfu outlook. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]