ChinaStars | Modeling in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong

International Model Management

Conquer China.
Become a style icon.

We open the doors to the world of high fashion and commerce in Asia for models from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
Official employment in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Hong Kong.

More than just
Agency.

Modeling agency office

ChinaStars Headquarters / Shanghai

China is now the largest fashion market in the world. While Europe is stagnating and the US markets are oversaturated, China (especially the Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta) is experiencing a huge hunger for "new faces".

ChinaStars - is a parent agency with its head office in Shanghai and representative offices in Moscow and Kiev. We have been working in the market for more than 12 years. Our specialization is legal employment of models of Slavic appearance (Russia, Belarus, Ukraine) in the top cities of China.

Our philosophy

We don't send models to "nowhere." We're building a career. We understand that for a young girl traveling to Asia is stressful and risky. That's why we take it upon ourselves absolutely all organizational mattersFrom getting a complicated work visa to buying a SIM card on arrival.

There is a specificity in China: not only runway models (High Fashion) are needed here, but also a huge number of commercial models for catalogs (E-commerce). The Chinese e-commerce market (Taobao, Tmall, JD, TikTok) generates millions of shoots every day. Here Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian models can earn 3-4 times more than in Milan or Paris working on clothing catalogs.

Why choose us?

  • Direct Contracts: We work without intermediaries, directly with brands and production houses.
  • Legal Defense: All contracts are translated into Russian and comply with PRC legislation.
  • Advance system: We provide weekly pocket money until the first royalties are received.
  • Bookers 24/7: You will have a personal manager who speaks Russian and Chinese.
Geography of success

Choose your metropolis

China is huge. Each city has its own style, its own requirements for models and its own rhythm of life. We can help you find the perfect location for your type.

Clothing Model in Shanghai
SH

Shanghai

Paris of the Orient | High Fashion & Commercial

Shanghai is the most cosmopolitan and fashionable city in mainland China. It is home to the headquarters of international brands, fashion weeks and the most expensive advertising campaigns.

For whom: Shanghai loves classic European beauty, but is also open to strangelooks and edgy models. Height is important here (girls from 175 cm, guys from 185 cm). Working here is all about prestige. A portfolio made in Shanghai is valued all over the world.

  • - High rates for shows.
  • - Huge expat community.
  • - The best clubs and nightlife in Asia.
E-commerce Model in Hangzhou

Hangzhou

E-commerce Capital | Alibaba | Taobao

Just an hour's drive from Shanghai is Hangzhou, home of the giant Alibaba. It is the e-commerce capital of the world. Thousands of brands selling clothes on Taobao and Tmall are concentrated here.

Job Specifics: It's a "photo factory." Models here work hard, changing 100-200 bows (outfits) a day. But the pay here is the highest in China. In a season (3 months), a good commercial model can earn an apartment in Minsk or Kiev.
Type: "Baby face", cute blondes, big eyes, commercial smile. Height can be lower (from 170 cm).

Amazon Model in Guangzhou
GZ

Guangzhou and Shenzhen

South China | Subtropics | Mass-market

The south of China is eternal summer and endless clothing production. Guangzhou is the historic center of the textile industry. Shenzhen is the technological hub of the future.

There is a huge demand for models for lingerie catalogs, swimwear (thanks to the climate), wedding dresses and evening fashions. There is a lot of work. Clients in the south are more relaxed and like to haggle, but the volume of shoots compensates for everything.
Type: Shapely girls (Curve is welcome for lingerie), classic beauty, russet hair. Guys - athletic build (Fitness models).

Shopping Mall Model in Beijing

Beijing

Capital | Editorial | TV

Beijing is a center of culture and media. Major magazines (Vogue China, Harper's Bazaar), movie studios and TV channels are based here. Working in Beijing is more about image, magazine covers, shooting TV commercials and participating in large-scale car shows.

Type: Strict High Fashion, high height, ideal parameters. Actors of European appearance for movies and advertising are also in demand.

Performance Model in Hong Kong
HK

Hong Kong

Luxury | Finance | English

Hong Kong stands apart. It's not exactly China, it's Asia with a British accent. It has the highest Day rate, but also the highest competition. Life here is very expensive.

We only send Top models With a strong bouq (portfolio) and perfect English. Working mainly for luxury brands, jewelry houses and international banks. Visa regime is different from mainland China.

Who are we looking for?
Types and Requirements

Fashion Model

  • Girls: 174-181 cm.
  • Guys: 186-190 cm.
  • Age: 16-24 years old
  • Parameters: Hips up to 90 cm
  • Style: Strange faces, sharp cheekbones, thin.

Commercial / Catalog

  • Girls: 168-176 cm.
  • Guys: 180-188 cm.
  • Age: 18-28 years old
  • Appearance: Cute, "Baby face", big eyes, clear skin, beautiful smile.

Plus Size / Curve

  • The market is growing: Chinese lingerie brands are actively looking for models with shapes.
  • Size: M-XL
  • Requirement: Taut figure, well-groomed face, well-proportioned.

Kids / Teen

  • Kids: Ages 4-12
  • Trip: Strictly with one parent.
  • Demand: Children's clothing on Taobao is a huge market. Blond hair and blue eyes are valued.

Important note on tattoos and piercings

The Chinese market is conservative. For catalog shoots (especially lingerie and bridal fashion), visible tattoos and piercings can be a problem. If you have a tattoo, please let the manager know in advance. We may be able to pick up work in streetwear brands where it is welcome, but the range of casting will be narrower.

Your way to China:
From application to first fee

01

Snaps and Video Business Card

It all starts with Snaps. This is a photo without makeup, in a simple black swimsuit/underwear, in daylight. Full-face, profile, 3/4, full-length. You also need a short video walkthrough.
Tip: Don't use filters or Photoshop. Agents in China see the retouching immediately. Honesty saves you time.

02

Selection and Contract

We send your materials to partners in different cities. If your face "hits" the clients, we offer a contract. It specifies: term (usually 90 days), guarantee (minimum payment), agency percentage (standard 40-50%), accommodation and flight conditions. We translate the contract into Russian.

03

Visa and Departure

We issue an official invitation from a Chinese company. You get a work visa. The agency buys air tickets. At the airport in China, a driver with a sign meets you and takes you to your apartment.

04

Castings and Jobs

The first week is the adaptation and creation of the "composite" (model card). Then the daily castings begin. You are driven by an agency driver. The work can be different: shooting for a catalog (8 hours), fitting, fashion show or shooting for TikTok.

Safety and the Law

Many girls (and their parents) worry, "Will I end up in slavery?". These fears are from the 90s. Modern China is a state governed by the rule of law with total digital control.

  • Legitimacy: We do work visas. Working on a tourist visa is a risk of deportation, we do not work that way.

  • Communication: You always have access to the internet (we help with VPN). You are in touch with your parents 24/7.

  • Apartments: Models live in comfortable apartments (Model Apartments) with 2-3 people per room. These are guarded apartment complexes with a swimming pool and a gym.

"We strongly discourage 'freelancing' without an agency for the first time. The Chinese mentality is complicated, and it's easy to go unpaid without the protection of a manager."

A model's life in China

Food

Food and Diet

Chinese food is tasty but greasy. Models often cook for themselves in apartments. In metropolitan areas, there is everything from avocados to buckwheat in imported stores.

Travel

Travel

You can take high-speed trains on weekends. Shanghai Disneyland, Avatar Mountains, Sanya beaches are all accessible.

Money

Shopping and Taobao

Models take home suitcases of clothes and appliances. Everything is cheaper in China. Online shopping is delivered in 1 day.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

How much can I make? +

Earnings depend on type, city and season.
Average:
- New model (New face): $1000 - $3000 per month (minus agency costs if there is debt).
- Experimental model with beech: $5,000 to $15,000 per month.
- Top in E-commerce season (Hangzhou): up to $30,000+ per month.
It is important to understand the "Minus" system. The agency pays for your tickets, visa and accommodation in advance. This money is deducted from your first earnings. Only after the "minus" is covered do you make a net profit.

Do you need English or Chinese? +

It is not necessary to know Chinese, but learning a couple of phrases ("Hello", "Thank you", "Beautiful") will be a plus for customer relations. English is compulsory at a basic conversational level. You need to understand the photographer's commands (Left, Right, Smile, Chin up, Change pose). The manager may not always be on site.

What are the parameter requirements? +

The most critical thing is the hips. For China, the ideal hips are 88-90 centimeters. If you are 92 cm, it is already difficult to find work in fashion, only in lingerie or Plus size. Height: China likes tall, but for catalogs often take girls 170-174 cm, as clothes are sewn for Asian growth. Skin should be perfect.

What to take with you on your trip? +

1- Basic closet: black skinny jeans, white/black tank tops, heels (black loafers) for castings.
2. Cosmetics: foundation of your tone (China often has too light or yellow shades), makeup remover (there will be a lot of it).
3. medications: sorbents, pain relievers, your usual medications.
4. PowerBank and power outlet adapter.
5. VPN: install 2-3 paid VPN services on your phone BEFORE the flight, otherwise you will be left without Instagram.

How does casting work? +

There may be 5-10 castings per day. A driver drives a group of models in a minivan. You arrive, hand over the composite, do a walk-through, a couple of poses. Sometimes they ask you to try on clothes. It is important to always smile and be energetic, even if you are tired. The Chinese love "Cute & Happy energy." Sullen models don't work here.

Contact us now

Fill out the application form now. Our scouts will review your application within 24 hours. If your type is a good fit, we'll contact you for a video interview.

  • No registration fees
  • Formal contract
  • Full support

Professional Start

01

Direct Contact

Send your snaps and parameters directly to the casting director.

02

Type Analysis

We will evaluate your chances in the Shanghai, Beijing or Hangzhou markets for free.

03

Quick Answer

Guaranteed response within 24 hours for prospects.

Send your application to Email:

nolan@meetingboth.com

In the letter specify: Name, Age, Height, Parameters and attach 5-10 photos.

ChinaStars

© 2024 International Model Management.

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