Tang Dynasty Hanfu Guide – Where to Wear, Cost & Dressing Guide in Xi’an & Luoyang

Written by Candice Zhao | Updated March 25,2026

Just imagine, you are wearing a set of Tang Dynasty Hanfu and strolling around the ancient palaces and historical sites. Surrounded by traditional architecture, you will immerse yourself in the tour and feel like travelling back to the Tang Dynasty. Do you want to try on the traditional Chinese clothes during the China tour? Xian and Luoyang are the most recommended places. Both are historic cities and have many Hanfu rental stores.

To help you plan your Hanfu experience in Xian and Luoyang, we will introduce where and how to rent Hanfu with styling and makeup, how to choose the suitable outfit for your trip and practical tips and itinerary ideas in this guide.

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• Why Should You Try the Tang Dynasty Hanfu?
• Practical Guide to Experience Tang Dynasty Hanfu
• Where and How to Immerse Yourself in Tang Dynasty Hanfu
• How to Plan a Hanfu Tour
• History of the Tang Dynasty Hanfu
• Comparison of Hanfu in the Tang, Song, and Ming Dynasties
• Enjoy an Immersive Hanfu Tour with China Xian Tour
• FAQs about Tang Dynasty Hanfu

Why Should You Try the Tang Dynasty Hanfu?

Overall, it is a simple way to enrich your travel experience and make your trip more memorable.

Cultural immersion: When wearing the Tang Dynasty Hanfu to explore the historical attractions, you will feel like an active participant, rather than an onlooker.

Get a closer look at the clothes: You can appreciate the fine texture, beautiful patterns and details of the clothing closely.

Great for photos and videos: Tang-style Hanfu is highly photogenic and visually distinctive. With the ancient architecture as background, you can take amazing photos and videos easily.

Practical Guide to Experience Tang Dynasty Hanfu

Where to Rent Hanfu

Near the scenic areas in Xian and Luoyang, like Datang Everbright City and Luoyi Ancient City, there are many stores that offer one-stop services from costume rental, makeup and styling to photography. In these stores, the Tang Dynasty Hanfu is the most common. Some also provide Song Dynasty and Ming Dynasty Hanfu.

Please note that most stores offer one free photo prop for each customer, like an ancient lantern or a round silk fan. You can select your favorite one. Some popular stores may require a reservation one day in advance, so check with the merchant if you have decided to experience it.

How to Choose the Suitable Hanfu for Yourself

The core principle is to choose based on the scenes and your own personal style.

• Based on the scenes:

If you plan to visit attractions with magnificent architecture or night views, like Yingtian Gate and Datang Everbright City, the skirts with bright colors and striking patterns will be more impressive.

If you want to take photos with classic gardens or natural scenery as the background, then clothes with soft and pastel colors are more harmonious.

• Based on styles:

Chest-length skirt: friendly to almost all people. If this is your first time trying Hanfu, a chest-length skirt is usually the safest and most popular choice.

Low-cut-collar and waist-high Hanfu: highlight body curve;

Round-collar robe: looser and more comfortable, offering a neutral and cool style.

How to Wear Hanfu

Looking at photos, the Tang Dynasty Hanfu seems to be difficult to wear. Don’t worry. Most rental shops will help you put it on, so you actually don’t need to learn everything in advance. But we will also offer a simplified guide with the chest-length skirt as an example for your reference. You can imagine it as an ancient dress, which is composed of a short top and a very long skirt and the skirt is fastened with a strap above the chest.

Step 1: Find the center point of the skirt and place it directly above your chest.

Step 2: Wrap the two straps around your back once, then pull them back to the front.

Step 3: Tie a knot at the front or under your arm (just like tying shoelaces). This is the most crucial step. Make sure it’s tight, and the dress won’t slip!

Step 4: Put on the short top and fasten the straps.

Step 5: Drape the Pi Bo, a long, flowing silk scarf, over both arms or one shoulder.

Step 6: Adjust the skirt. Check whether the overall fit is smooth and the ties are secure.

Hairstyle and Accessories

In most Hanfu rental shops, hairstyling and accessories are also included. You do not need to prepare by yourself and you can choose the hairstyle and accessories as you like.

Usually, the stylist will recommend a suitable hairstyle based on the Hanfu you choose. If you have searched for the hairstyle you like in advance, you can also ask for advice from the stylist to check whether it is suitable or whether he/she can make it. They are experienced in it and usually can give you useful advice. For tourists who do not want a complicated hairstyle, just ask the stylist to tie up a half-up top knot. Then pair with a hairpin.

About accessories, Pi Bo is the soul of the Tang Dynasty Hanfu. Waistband is suitable for waist-length clothes. Flat shoes with shallow openings are preferred. Another recommended alternative option is the modern and simple shoes that match the color of Hanfu.

Photography Tips

Best time: 07:00 – 09:00 and 16:00 – 19:00, when the lights are gentle and tourists are fewer.

Best places:

Xian: the red walls near Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the night views in Datang Everbright City and the setting sun in City Wall;

Luoyang: the Wenfeng Pagoda and lantern street in Luoyi Ancient City and Yingtian Gate Tower

Tips:

Just remember, you are not taking photos, but are acting as an ancient person and reproducing the daily life scenes in ancient times. The following tips will help you look more natural:

1. You can slowly turn around, take small steps, or suddenly turn your head. And let your friends take snapshots. It will be more natural.
2. Do not look at the camera directly. Try to look down at your hand or look towards the eaves and leaves in the distance.
3. Use your props. The classical posture is to cover your face partially with a round silk fan, lean the oil-paper umbrella against your shoulder or hold the lantern with both hands and look at the lantern.
4. Lean against the pillar or window or sit on the chair and pretend to be lost in thought.

Where and How to Immerse Yourself in Tang Dynasty Hanfu: From Museums to Cultural Activities

Xian and Luoyang are undoubtedly the top destinations, where you can not only see the authentic Chinese Hanfu closely and learn about its history in museums, but also wear the Tang Dynasty Hanfu and take part in the Hanfu-related cultural activities.

Learn the History of Hanfu in Museums

Shaanxi History Museum in Xian

• Location: 91, Xiaozhai East Road, Yanta District, Xian
• Transportation: Take metro line 2 or 3 to Xiaozhai Station exit E, and then walk eastward for about 750 meters. Or take metro line 3 or 4 to Dayanta Station exit A and then walk westward for about 900 meters.
• Ticket:Free, but you need a reservation 5 days in advance

In the Shaanxi History Museum, you will find plenty of “models” of the Tang Dynasty Hanfu: the clay warriors and sculptures. They are wearing the daily costumes at that time and are excellent physical objects for you to learn about the designs, patterns and wearing methods of Hanfu. There is also a female figure wearing the men’s clothes. The exhibits are gathered in the third exhibition hall on the 2^nd floor.

In the Wall Painting Treasure of the Tang Dynasty Hall, the wall paintings are like the photos from thousands of years ago, which vividly reproduce the details of Hanfu and also the life scenes of the nobles at that time, such as the Portrait of Foreign Envoys. In the “Treasures of the Tang Dynasty” special exhibition, there are also exquisite accessories that match the splendid costumes, like golden hairpins, jade armbands, etc.

4 DAYS

4 Days Xian Classic Tour with Mt. Huashan

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Luoyang Museum

• Location: 6, Nietai Road, Luolong District, Luoyang City
• Transportation: Metro line 2: Wenbo Park Station exit A, walk westward for 800 meters
• Ticket: Free, but you need a reservation 3 days in advance

Luoyang Museum also has a permanent exhibition hall in the Tang Sancai Hall. Through numerous collections of figurines, the clothing styles of people from all walks of life and ethnic groups are vividly displayed before your eyes. It can be regarded as a “three-dimensional history of Tang Dynasty clothing”.

There are female figurines, Hu people figurines, civil officials figurines, horse-riding figurines, etc. All are wearing characteristic Hanfu of the Tang Dynasty. You can pay attention to the details of the clothing during the visit, like the high-waisted skirt of female figurines and the dignified robe of civil officials figurines.

During public holidays, the museum may also launch the night tour. The interpreter will wear Hanfu and guide you to explore the museum. There are also NPCs who act as a Hu merchant or a historical figure and interact with tourists in the exhibition hall, offering a more immersive experience

2 DAYS

2 Days Xian to Luoyang Tour by Bullet Train

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Take Part in Cultural Festivals and Performances

Every year, both Xian and Luoyang will hold many cultural festivals and performances themed by Tang Dynasty Hanfu, creating a more immersive atmosphere.

• In Xi’an

Datang Everbright City is the main venue in Xian. Every night from 19:00 – 22:00, a series of street performances and interactive experiences is held continuously along the main street. A lively performance is created. The representative performances include:

Pipaxing Performance: An immersive performance integrating poetry, music and dance. All the actors will wear Hanfu during the performance to offer an immersive experience.

Shengtang Mihe Interaction: An interesting historical Q&A interaction. The two actors dress up like ancient literati. They will select one tourist randomly and ask him some questions about Chinese culture and history.

• In Luoyang:

The Peony Culture Festival is the grandest festival in Luoyang, China, which will last for one month in April. During this period, the National Garden of China and Wangcheng Park will host live performances, ancient-style parades, etc. The Luoyang City of the Sui and Tang Dynasties and Luoyi Ancient City features the Hanfu carnival, where many tourists will also wear Hanfu to participate in the event.

7 DAYS

7 Days Xian & Luoyang Tour

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How to Plan a Hanfu Tour

If you are planning a Hanfu tour in Xian, both the 1-day tour and the 2-day tour are available. The 1-day tour is suitable for tourists who want to experience the Tang Dynasty Hanfu but have a limited time. This is a sample itinerary for your reference.

• 09:00 – 12:00: Make an appointment in advance at the Hanfu experience stores near Big Wild Goose Pagoda to try on Hanfu and complete your makeup and hairstyle. Then take some photos with the pagoda as background and wander around in the nearby Tang Ci’en Temple Heritage Park.
• 13:00 – 17:30: Walk to Tang Paradise. In this Tang-style imperial garden, all the pavilions, towers and corridors are all perfect backdrops for Hanfu photography.
• 18:30 – 21:30: Walk to Datang Everbright City. In the evening, the ancient street lamps illuminate the surrounding ancient architecture. There are also plenty of live performances along the street. Wearing Hanfu, you will be immersed in the prosperous scene and feel like an ancient person of the Tang Dynasty.
• For a 2-day tour, include other popular attractions for Hanfu photography in the downtown area on the 2^nd day.
• 09:00 – 12:00: Visit the Shaanxi History Museum to see the abundant and precious cultural relics.
• 14:00 – 17:00: Head to City Wall. The Yongming Gate is a very classic scene for Hanfu photography. Take historical photos beside the broad city walls and the ancient crenels. If time permits, cycling on the city wall is also worth trying.
• 17:30 – 19:00: Tour Bell and Drum Tower and Muslim Quarter. Take a photo with the city landmark Bell Tower as the background and end your tour with a delicious meal in Muslim Quarter.

The Evolution of Tang Dynasty Hanfu

During the Tang Dynasty, the country was powerful and prosperous and the Silk Road reached its peak, leading to an open and inclusive social atmosphere. So the Tang Dynasty Hanfu had also formed a magnificent, innovative and diverse style. Its development can be divided into three stages as follows.

Early Tang Dynasty: Its design basically followed the style of the Sui Dynasty. The women’s clothing mostly featured narrow sleeves and high-waisted skirts, giving a delicate and slender appearance.

Prosperous Tang Dynasty: the clothing became luxurious and open. Low-cut collar and wide sleeves became popular designs in women’s clothing. The skirt had a higher waist, rich and bright colors, and intricate patterns. The elements of Hufu, nomadic-style clothing from northern and western regions, were also integrated into Hanfu. Round-collared robes were the mainstream for men’s wear. An interesting fashion trend was women wearing men’s clothing.

Middle and Late Tang Dynasty: the clothing was more magnificent and loose. Large-sleeved shirts were the most common design for women’s clothing, and the patterns were becoming more exquisite and complex with flowers and birds as the beloved patterns.

Comparison of Hanfu in the Tang, Song, and Ming Dynasties

How to choose a suitable Hanfu for yourself? If you want to capture stunning blockbusters, Tang Dynasty Hanfu is more recommended and pair it with a rich and elaborate makeup and Pi Bo. For tourists who prefer an elegant and artistic style, Song Dynasty Hanfu is better. It is also harmonious with the daily scenes. If you are fond of noble and dignified costumes, Ming Dynasty Hanfu suits you more.

Enjoy an Immersive Hanfu Tour with China Xian Tour

Do you want to try on Hanfu and experience an immersive cultural tour in China? No matter whether you want to tour Xian or Luoyang, China Xian Tour is glad to customize a trip for you. Our travel agency has been dedicated to tailor-made trips for about 20 years. When planning the Hanfu tour, we will arrange a reputable local Hanfu store to help you choose the clothes and complete your make-up and hairstyling. Besides, our travel consultant will try her best to meet all your other requirements. So do not hesitate to contact us.

FAQs about Tang Dynasty Hanfu

• Is it strange to wear Hanfu in public places?

Not at all. In historic cities like Xian and Luoyang, wearing Tang Dynasty Hanfu is a very common and popular cultural experience. In the scenic areas and metros, you will see many locals and tourists wearing Hanfu.

• How much does it usually cost to experience Tang Dynasty Hanfu (rental + makeup and styling)?

It varies according to the package formats and cities. The basic package that includes a set of costumes and basic hairstyle and makeup is about CNY 100 – 300 and CNY 50 – 200 per day in Xian and Luoyang, respectively. The package with better clothing and more exquisite hairstyle and makeup will cost about CNY 500 per day. If you also want to include the photography, at least CNY 500 is needed.

• Where is a better place to experience Tang Dynasty Hanfu, Xi’an or Luoyang?

Both are ideal places, but the experience is slightly different. Xian offers a more magnificent and prosperous scene and you will feel like taking part in a grand festival. While in Luoyang, you will have a more immersive experience and enjoy a journey through the hustle and bustle of ancient civil life.