Capturing the most candid moments

The booming travel photography industry has also inspired over 40 businesses within the ancient town, including hotels and retail stores, to incorporate hanfu services, generating a combined annual revenue of over 20 million yuan.

To manage the influx and maintain a quality experience, Feng says his team has implemented measures, such as designated photography zones and guidelines that help to avoid disrupting other visitors.

Looking ahead, the scenic spot plans to incorporate AI-assisted costume selection and digital scene previews to enhance efficiency. The team is also developing customized short videos and drama productions to further deepen the integration of culture and technology.

"We're giving visitors a chance to step into history and become part of Taierzhuang's living heritage," Feng says.

Kang Jiawang has firsthand experience of how travel photography has become a central part of the visitor experience in Xijiang Qianhu Miao village, Guizhou province.

"We've seen everything from family portraits to friends and parent-child shoots," says Kang, who runs a travel photography store in the ethnic Miao village, known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Since opening in May 2024, the store has welcomed over 30,000 visitors, with peak travel season seeing around 150 clients per day.

Kang's team, which includes eight photographers and eight makeup artists, usually works from early morning to midnight to meet the demand.

They offer an immersive experience where visitors can step into a world of Miao ethnic culture through traditional clothing, makeup and a stunning landscape.

"There's something magical about night photography here. The way the village lights up, combined with traditional Miao outfits, makes for truly spectacular images," Kang explains.

Located in the heart of the village, Kang's store has become a go-to spot for tourists eager to capture the village's essence.

The store specializes in providing traditional Miao attire and expert makeup services, ensuring visitors are fully immersed in the culture. Guests are guided to various scenic spots, from the observation deck and ancient alleyways to the iconic wind-and-rain bridge.

"We focus on providing a seamless experience from the moment they walk in until they leave with their desired images," Kang says.

For those looking to break into the industry, Beijing-based travel photographer Ma Zhixue emphasizes that technical skill alone is not enough.

"A successful travel photographer must have passion, cultural insight, creativity, and strong communication skills. It's about understanding people as much as pixels, and stories as much as settings," he says.

yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn