Studios near Beijing’s Forbidden City are attracting growing numbers of visitors who pay to dress in imperial-era costumes, turning them into characters such as empresses and other figures from ancient China. Multiple outlets report that the trend is expanding as young people seek experiences tied to traditional culture and as cultural and tourism activities in central Beijing gain popularity. The businesses operate as themed photo or costume studios, where staff help clients choose garments styled after historical clothing and assist with styling for portraits. ABC News and The Independent describe the revival as being driven partly by interest from younger generations, who view traditional costume experiences as a way to engage with heritage. The Winnipeg Free Press also links the growth of the practice in Beijing to rising demand for imperial-style dressing experiences. Coverage focuses on the location near the Forbidden City and on the ongoing popularity of the makeover-and-photo format, presenting it as a broader cultural and tourism development rather than a single event.