Stories of High-Quality Development | Internet platforms bridge trust gap between supply and demand in cultural tourism

Narrator: Zhao Liwei, owner of travel photography studio in Dali, Yunnan Province

The ancient city of Dali in southwest China's Yunnan Province is bathed in a golden glow as the sun sets. Lifting their cameras and snapping their shutters, photographers capture unforgettable moments for tourists dressed in traditional Bai ethnic attire.

Through their viewfinders, photographers connect with tourists, with the breathtaking scenery of Dali serving as the perfect natural backdrop.

Before becoming a travel photographer, I was an architect. After years of working with light, architecture and ethnic design, I moved to Dali to open a small travel photography studio.

Each photo session serves as both a travel souvenir for tourists and a window into current consumer trends.

Today, young people's demands have become more personalized and diverse. Traditional "been-there" travel is evolving toward "in-depth experiences," with ethnic costume photography serving as a way for tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture. Internet platforms like Meituan are connecting customers with services more efficiently.

Travel photography is not just about taking a set of photos; it is a cultural experience unfolding through imagery. Our "Bai Culture Exploration Journey" integrates traditional Bai architecture, ethnic costumes, and intangible cultural heritage elements into the shooting plan. This allows tourists to gradually understand the history and aesthetics of Bai culture while selecting scenes, changing outfits and capturing moments.

During the peak travel seasons, we tailor styles and scenes according to tourists' shooting preferences, from clothing selection and makeup styles to shooting routes. Every click of the shutter becomes a unique aesthetic expression that reflects individuality.

From satisfying consumers' demand for beauty to building trust, market transparency and honesty play a vital role. We operate our small studio on internet platforms such as Meituan, where transparent prices are a prominent feature. Tourists who come to experience our service through the platforms are free from worries about hidden costs. Positive word-of-mouth naturally accumulates in the shop's reviews, becoming the studio's digital storefront.

According to Meituan data, during the 2026 New Year holiday, transaction volume for ethnic costume travel photography increased 130 percent year on year. In May 2025, "Travel Photography Customizer" was recognized as a new occupation by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. On the platform, ethnic costume travel photography shops operate in nearly 300 cities and regions across the country, with close to 4,000 stores having been established.

How is this contract for beauty established? It is achieved through a bridge of trust between supply and demand built by internet platforms in a non-standardized market. By leveraging advanced technology and quality services to meet more personalized consumer demands, these platforms unleash new momentum for local cultural and tourism consumption.