In recent years, a new craze has swept through China’s tourist spots: dressing up in traditional costumes and posing dramatically against famous landmarks. The other day, my daughters decided to join the fun at the Confucius Temple 夫子庙, and what a performance it turned out to be.
The operation began at 4:30 p.m. in a photo studio. Because my sister knew the owner, the girls received VIP treatment with the best photographer, the best makeup artist, and, I suspect, the heaviest headgear in Jiangsu province. Each makeover took over an hour. By the time the photographer whisked them off to a bridge overlooking the Qinhuai River, the sun was setting, the red lanterns were glowing, and the teahouses were shimmering invitingly in the water.
At 7 p.m., they still hadn’t finished and had to join us for dinner in full regalia. They looked magnificent — if a little ghostly — their faces buried under a geological layer of white powder. Between the elaborate hairpieces and the heavy silk robes, they could barely relax or enjoy the food: the headgears were so heavy. After dinner, they, still wearing their trainers, hidden under the long dresses, marched off to continue the shoot, while I sensibly stayed behind, enjoying my tea and freedom from hairpins and headdresses.