Yueqing, Zhejiang — At the 2025 “Crafting Dreams” ICH Parade in Yueqing this May Day, Hanfu makeup and styling artist Yu Xiaodan (俞小丹) will lead a troupe of enthusiasts in a mesmerizing display of Guoyun Fanghua (国韵芳华, “Elegance of Chinese Heritage”). Dressed as characters from Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦) and dancing to classical melodies like Etiquette Nation (礼仪之邦), her team embodies a cultural renaissance that’s captivating Gen Z.
Born in 1996, Yu’s love for Hanfu began during college in Fuzhou, where a riverside Hanfu performance left her spellbound. She joined local Hanfu societies, spent savings on 200+ historically accurate outfits—from Tang dynasty qixiong ruqun (齐胸襦裙, high-waisted dresses) to Song-era beizi (褙子, long jackets)—and even splurged 20,000 RMB on a diancui (点翠, kingfisher-feather) crown. “Hanfu isn’t just clothing; it’s a portal to our past,” she says.
In 2021, she apprenticed under Yang Shuyun, a legendary CCTV stylist known for Dream of the Red Chamber’s iconic looks. This training, coupled with workshops on huashen zhuang (花神妆, Flower Goddess makeup) in Guangzhou, honed her skills in blending historical accuracy with modern flair.
Bridging Eras, Breaking Norms
Yu’s talent lies in making Hanfu relatable. At the 2024 Hongqiao Azalea Festival, her “Pink-Green Koi” look went viral; during Yueqing’s Flower Festival (花朝节), she transformed into a “Plum Blossom Goddess.” She even reimagined a friend as Shiji Niangniang (石矶娘娘, a villainess from Nezha: Devil Boy), proving Hanfu’s versatility across pop culture.
Now a certified ICH mentor, Yu collaborates with museums and tourism boards to host Hanfu salons and photo shoots. “Young people crave immersive experiences—dressing up isn’t just fun, it’s storytelling,” she notes.
The “China-Chic” Wave
Yu’s rise mirrors Hanfu’s journey from subculture to mainstream. At the Yueqing parade, her troupe will showcase Tang dynasty opulence and Song dynasty minimalism, attracting enthusiasts from Shanghai to Guangzhou. “Every stitch and hairstyle carries centuries of wisdom,” she says. “My mission is to let that wisdom dance in today’s world.”
