A real costume drama

Built against the backdrop of vast grasslands, the resort has recreated scenes from the Three Kingdoms period (222-280) to offer an immersive experience for travelers.

They like walking around the resort in their hanfu and watch art performances featuring major historical elements.

"It might help them insert themselves into the scene better and become part of it," Lin explains.

About 30 percent of all visitors have rented hanfu at the resort, with most of them being born in the '80s and '90s.

The popularity of hanfu has had the resort management increase hanfu procurement this year and offer tourists professional photography services.

In the ancient capital Xi'an of Shaanxi province, the superb architecture from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and profound cultural heritage have also attracted tourists in their hanfu.

Local tour agencies have launched special events to cater to the rising trend.

Hanfu fashion and cultural events featuring hanfu have been organized to offer more fun for historical costume enthusiasts. Local authorities say this is to enhance tourist experience while passing on the charm of traditional culture.

At Nianhuawan in Jiangsu province, more than 3,000 sets of costumes featuring ancient styles were available to travelers for free during its hanfu festival in March.

Featuring Buddhist elements and historical architecture, the scenic spot provides a beautiful backdrop for tourists to try on the ancient costume.

Ancient poetry recitals were also staged for an in-depth historical experience. The event at Nianhuawan drew in a great number of hanfu fans and even encouraged some people to try it on for the first time.

In Beijing's Wtown resort, hanfu can be spotted at many areas of the Simatai section of the Great Wall, along with the surrounding ancient stone buildings and river.

"The costume is especially popular in the fall, with a vast range of red leaves and refreshing weather," says Wang Zuoquan from the Beijing water town management.

Last year, Beijing Wtown's red fall leaves festival attracted more than 50 national cultural and cosplay brands, and generated buzz with more than 110,000 related online topics discussing the festival.

Wang says it is necessary to organize relevant events such as tea and incense ritual observation, as well as fun competitions and ancient cultural learning, so that the craze for hanfu will be sustained.

Meng finds it a great joy wearing hanfu whenever she travels.

"It has added fun to our trips, with all the nice and memorable photos afterward," Meng says.

Some of her friends have grown fond of hanfu with her influence.

"We are not looking for the most popular types of hanfu now, but increasingly for authentic ones in the market-the way the ancients did," she says.