China's Young Travellers Turn Arranged Photoshoots Into a Travel Ritual

Arranged photoshoots have moved from the portrait studio into the itinerary. In one survey, more than 60% of respondents reportedly described a staged shoot as a necessity when travelling, making the camera as routine a piece of luggage as a passport.

The ritual has roots in the traditional portrait studio, where families and individuals marked milestones in front of a backdrop. That sense of occasion carried into travel, particularly for young people who have few chances to wear traditional clothing in public outside of festivals, and who treat a trip as reason enough to dress up and document it.

The culture first gathered pace among cosplayers, many of whom made their own costumes to recreate favourite anime characters. Photography styles have since broadened, letting enthusiasts experiment with creative identities and experiences once largely associated with celebrities.

The practice also raises questions about cultural representation. In a country with a wide range of ethnic groups and regional traditions, clothing and customs vary considerably, yet visitors sometimes reduce those complex identities to a handful of recognisable visual symbols when framing a shot.

Tensions have surfaced too, between tourists and local residents and between photographers and the models they shoot, who are sometimes friends or romantic partners. Still, the creativity of young Chinese photography enthusiasts is hard to overlook.

For many participants, the appeal comes down to visibility. Above all, the practice offers the feeling of being seen.