Selfie sticks in hand, Meitu filters at the ready, and an array of poses in front of elaborate camera angles — it’s no shock that in the Chinese mainland, selfies and photo-taking capabilities are unparalleled. Take, for example, the popular photo editing app Meitu, with some 130 million monthly users, which indicates a deep cultural appetite for curating and enhancing one’s self-image. This appetite also extends naturally into offline experiences, like themed photography studios.

One such studio that’s offering a twist on its services is Nanjing-based 709小相馆, where historical accuracy immerses visitors into 20th-century China. The studio specializes in carefully staged shoots that imitate the elegance of the 1930s, from qipaos to period-correct poses. Aside from photography, the studio offers full styling services — from hair and makeup to an extensive wardrobe of apparel and accessories — as well as guiding guests in learning the era’s distinctive poses.

The qipao selection runs deep, with rows of dresses in different colors and textures. According to one Instagram user, the real charm is in slipping into the outfit and being taught how to carry the subtle gestures that defined the aesthetic of modeling for photographs in the 1930s. “I so admire my hair and makeup artist because I didn’t think this hairstyle was possible,” said user Vivin Qiang, who admits that learning the poses of the time took some adjusting.

With the staff’s guidance, she found herself easing into character. “After a few runs, I started feeling more comfortable and getting into character, and that’s when they brought out the smoke machine — the foggy atmosphere was seriously perfect for this aesthetic.” Check out some of the stunningly vintage photos from 709小相馆 throughout.

Cover image via TikTok/709小相馆.