Monday, August 26, 2024 China’s cultural pride is vividly displayed in Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties located in northwest Shaanxi Province. Last year, Xi’an achieved a milestone in tourism, attracting a record number of visitors, many drawn to the city’s rich historical legacy and eager to preserve it through photography. Yang Jinghao explores how Xi’an’s thriving photography industry is energizing the local economy.
As dusk descends on Xi’an, the city transforms into a portal to the past. Tourists, clad in traditional Chinese garments like Hanfu, predominantly inspired by the Tang Dynasty, gather at prominent sites like the Grand Tang Mall for memorable photo sessions. Xi’an continues to be one of China’s premier tourist hotspots.
In 2023, the city witnessed an astonishing 278 million tourist visits, setting a new benchmark. The surge in travel photography has fueled growth in associated services. Photography studios in Xi’an provide a comprehensive array of offerings, including hairstyling, makeup, costume rentals, and photography packages, with prices ranging from about 200 to 5,000 yuan, or roughly 28 to 700 U.
S. dollars. This trend is spreading across the nation.
An industry report suggests that in 2023, China’s travel photography market neared 40 billion yuan, or approximately 5.6 billion U.S.
dollars. As the market becomes increasingly competitive, experts emphasize that maintaining top-notch service quality will be essential for continued success in this booming industry. YJH, CGTN, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province.
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