Wang Kai
Time-Honored BrandWang Kai · Shanghai · Founded 1920
Wang Kai Photo Studio, a time-honored brand in China's photography industry, is renowned for its portrait photography. Since 1920, it has witnessed a century of Shanghai's visual history, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
Brand Story
Founded in the 1920s during the Republic of China era by Wang Chikai, a Cantonese native, Wang Kai Photo Studio first opened on Nanjing Road in Shanghai. After learning photography in Hong Kong, Wang brought his exceptional skills and unique business philosophy to Shanghai, quickly gaining fame. His celebrity portraits and theatrical stills became all the rage, sought after by socialites and ordinary citizens alike. The studio not only captured precious family moments but also preserved numerous historical images reflecting Shanghai's modern era, earning it the title 'Living Fossil of Shanghai Imagery.' Through phases of public-private partnership and reform and opening-up, Wang Kai has upheld traditional photographic techniques while embracing modern aesthetics, making it a culturally rich brand among China's time-honored enterprises.
Signature Products
Traditional lighting and fine retouching for ID photos and artistic portraits, preserving the charm of Shanghai-style photography. (Hundreds to thousands of RMB)
Digital restoration of damaged old photos, reviving historical memories. (Priced per image, starting from a few hundred RMB)
Traditional family group photos, continuing the warm ritual of a century-old studio. (Thousand to ten thousand RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Shanghai（上海）
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Cultural Note
The core of Wang Kai's craft lies in 'meticulous workmanship': from lighting and posing guidance to darkroom printing, every step follows traditional procedures. The studio excels at combining natural and artificial light to create a three-dimensional effect in portraits. Its preserved archive of Republic-era photographs is a vital resource for studying modern Chinese social history, costume history, and the history of photography.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Wang Kai founded?
Wang Kai was founded in 1920, originating in Shanghai, Shanghai, primarily in the Other field.
What is the signature product of Wang Kai?
Its signature product is Classic Portrait Photography. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: