A real costume drama

Forward (Qianzhan) Intelligence, a financial research services provider, says more than 60 percent of people purchase hanfu for fun or for travel, with the remaining 40 percent purchasing hanfu for cultural events or portrait photos.

According to information from travel social-networking platform Mafengwo, the Hengdian World Studios and Xitang town in Zhejiang province, the Palace Museum in Beijing, and Mount Qingcheng in Sichuan province are among the top sites for hanfu travelers.

"Those who like ancient styles have shared many practical tips on taking photos in hanfu on our social platform, including how to capture the lighting and finding a proper backdrop," says Feng Rao, an officer with Mafengwo's tourism research center.

Data from Mafengwo also showed that many tourists have brought their hanfu to these destinations.

Tourists wearing hanfu made their presence felt during the busy Qingming and Labor Day holidays.

At major scenic spots across the country, hanfu parades have emerged and become an attraction. This in turn has contributed to a rise in ticketing revenue. "Many tourists come and rent our hanfu to play," says Lin Yi from China Horse Town resort of Fengning Manchu autonomous county in Hebei province.