Chinese New Year: Tradition of studio family portraits remains popular

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And whether you're celebrating in Datong or Guangzhou, the long-standing tradition of family portraits during the Spring Festival, is seen all across China. CGTN's Wei Lynn Tang spoke to two families, and found out what draws them to having their family photos taken professionally.

Suiting up in traditional clothes, being instructed to smile. How often does this happen?

Well, amongst many other Chinese traditions, having photos taken in a studio is one tradition that appears to still be going strong.

It's the anticipation, dressing-up, the spirit of togetherness of three to four generations, from all parts of the country that continue to drive demand for this act.

And every family or individual who comes here has a story.

WEI LIN TV HOST "Two of my fondest memories of having portrait photos taken here are: when I turned 18, which marks a coming of age in China; and secondly, when I graduated from university. Graduation means a new starting point, a time to repay my parents for having worked so hard to bring me up."

Lin's grandparents, both over 80, are from Harbin. And this year is extra special for them, because they will celebrate their Ben Ming Nian-- that's when a person's birth year coincides with the animal year in which they were born.

WEI LYNN TANG BEIJING "Professional studio portraits continue to be a popular choice for many Chinese people despite the smartphone boom. For these families however, it's more than just a photograph, it's about locking in that special moment, be it to ring in a new year, a life event, or an outstanding achievement. And the aim is always the same, to celebrate family unity."

For some families, the act of photoshoots takes on a deeper meaning.

Mr Yang and his family of 8 have been coming to this studio for 5 straight years now each year to celebrate his daughter's birthday.

MR YANG "I hope this small act of portrait-taking will give my children a sense of perseverance in whatever they do. Not just in celebrating little wins in life, but also, think about it -- if you do this every year over 10 years, what will it become."

Family is an important concept for the Chinese. There is a saying, harmony in the family leads to prosperity in all undertakings, which translates to peace in society and the nation.

Yang's mother can't agree more. She says taking portrait photos may look like a simple act. But she insists it is not, and that it's a part of Chinese traditional culture, a gesture of respecting the elderly and loving one's child.

China Photo Studio has been around since 1937, and it says turnover has been increasing every year, with an overflow of customers during festive periods.

XU JIANBO, ASSISTANT TO GENERAL MANAGER BEIJING CHINA PHOTO STUDIO "As stress resulting from work and studies increases, people focus more on kinship and family affection. We've noticed that more families who just moved to Beijing and those from overseas come here to have their portrait photos taken. What they are after is a sense of ceremony, because this can't be captured at home."

This studio has taken portraits of many of the country's previous leaders as well as artists. However, one staff member says the beauty lies beyond that reputation.

BAO CHEN, OFFICE DIRECTOR BEIJING CHINA PHOTO STUDIO "For example, how I look at this photo now, and how I look at it 5, 10 years later is different. As time goes by, the meaning which the photo carries in my hands gets heavier. It's almost similar to reading a book now, and reading it again years later."

And while this Chinese-style of portrait-taking continues to be sought after, who is to say that a "selfie" once in a while wouldn't hurt. WLT, CGTN, Beijing.