Peking Opera makeup exaggerates one's natural facial structure. Photo: Li Hao/GT

Bedecked in heavy greasepaint and glittering headwear, Song Wei asked her 5-year-old daughter, "Am I beautiful?" To celebrate her 30th birthday, she was living out her dream of becoming a Peking opera actor.

Song, whose day job is property management in a residential community, has never learned Peking opera. She is one of the many customers who go to Fenmo Nongzhuang, a photography studio which specializes in shots of people dressed in the elaborate opera costumes.

For 888 yuan ($164), Song chose four classic female roles in Peking opera: Mu Guiying, Yang Yuhuan, Du Liniang, and Cheng Xue'e. All are very popular among female customers.

"Our makeup artist is a professional Peking opera makeup artist, and the action director herself is a daomadan," said Tang Suyi, the studio owner, referring to a female character type versed in fighting and swordplay. "Even the photographer is also a Peking opera actor."

"We show people how to pose and express themselves with their eyes," said Tang. "For example, Mu Guiying is a female military officer - you must act valiant but still graceful. Most of the customers know the operas' stories well, and they can master the general mien, although they cannot compare with professional actors."

Tang, 35, who has more than a decade's experience as a Peking opera makeup artist, started the business seven years ago. "The costumes are very expensive," said Tang. He pointed at Song, dressed up as Yang Yuhuan. "That one costs over 10,000 yuan."

"Some worry that the makeup makes everyone look the same," said Tang. "But the opera makeup is based on facial structure. You will look unique because the makeup simply exaggerates your own facial characteristics." Tang continued, "Westerners' facial structure is more angular and their eyes are deeper-set, so when a Westerner wears Peking opera makeup, he or she still has a Western face - it hasn't been changed into an Asian face."

Customers soon find that it's not so easy to play the role of a Peking opera actor. "My head is so heavy!" said Song. "And it is hard to pose! Keeping still for one pose is exhausting." She was doing a classic pose from Guifei Zuijiu (The Drunken Beauty). The action director made her squat and pretend to spill wine from a golden cup. Song said her legs were trembling because of the heavy costume.

It's not just women who come in for these Peking opera photo shoots. Many men and children have enjoyed playacting for these photos, and some couples make it part of their wedding album. "There are men who like to dress up in female roles, and woman in a male role," said Tang. "Usually the girls are very handsome. And I'm afraid that men must be a little feminine to become a perfect female character."

Fenmo Nongzhuang has also had customers from South Korea, Japan and the US.

Tang said his oldest customer was a Chinese American in her 80s, who was inspired by seeing her granddaughter's photo shoot. The old lady had not been back to China for over half a century but she flew back expressly for this experience.

"We took several photos of her dressed as Yang Yuhuan," said Tang. "She was very happy, because she loved Peking opera and the culture, and our service helped her to realize her lifelong dream."