The salty breeze carries the scent of jasmine and the sea through the ancient lanes of Xunpu Village in Quanzhou, Fujian. Here, amidst houses adorned with oyster shells, a vibrant cultural ritual has transformed into a global tourism phenomenon. Visitors from across China and beyond are drawn not just to observe, but to become part of the living heritage, adorning their hair with elaborate crowns of fresh blooms known as Zanhuawei.
This once-intimate custom, deeply rooted in the lives of Xunpu women, now offers travelers a unique, immersive passport into centuries of tradition, turning quiet village streets into bustling open-air studios where history is worn proudly, one flower at a time.
Petals Through Time
Zanhuawei is far more than an aesthetic accessory; it’s the vibrant heart of theXunpu women’s intangible cultural heritage, recognized nationally in 2008. For generations, Xunpu women have meticulously pinned fresh flowers – jasmine, magnolias, chrysanthemums – into their hair as a daily ritual and a symbol of joy, resilience, and connection to the sea.
This practice evolved from heartfelt traditions where flowers were exchanged as precious gifts during celebrations and significant life events. The intricate hairstyle, anchored by a distinctive circular bun secured with bone or silver pins and vibrant red cords, served as a unique cultural identifier long before social media existed.
The act of creating Zanhuawei is deliberate and skilled. Hair is first smoothed and tightly bound into a unique rounded bun, symbolizing unity and prosperity. Sturdy pins anchor the structure, while red silk threads weave through, adding auspicious color.
Then comes the artistry: hundreds of fresh buds and blossoms are carefully layered and pinned, creating a fragrant, living crown. Traditionally, the flowers chosen held subtle meanings, reflecting seasons, moods, or occasions within the community’s maritime life. This profound symbolism imbues each floral arrangement with layers of cultural significance that transcend mere decoration.
Preserving this centuries-old practice demands unwavering dedication. Master artisans like Huang Chen (黄晨), a provincial-level inheritor, spent lifetimes perfecting the techniques and understanding the cultural weight carried by each pinned bloom. He instilled in his daughter, Huang Fangfang (黄芳芳), the critical importance of safeguarding this heritage: "True craftsmanship possesses enduring value," he emphasized, urging her to ensure its transmission regardless of her future path. This deep-seated commitment to intergenerational knowledge transfer forms the bedrock upon which the modern revival thrives.
Stitching Modern Threads
The transformation of Zanhuawei from a cherished local custom into a sought-after global tourism experience unfolded remarkably fast.Huang Fangfang, now a district-level inheritor herself, witnessed this shift firsthand. Returning to Xunpu in 2017 to open a traditional attire experience shop, she initially focused on cultural preservation. However, the explosive rise of "Zanhuawei" on Chinese social media platforms in 2022 changed everything. Suddenly, her village was inundated with visitors eager to don the floral crowns and capture the moment.
Recognizing the shifting landscape, Huang Fangfang and other local practitioners embraced innovation. Inspired by the influx of specialized photography studios, her shop evolved. She expanded offerings beyond traditional rentals to include professional makeup services tailored for photography, diverse costume options, and collaborations with skilled photographers. This wasn't abandoning tradition; it was adapting the presentation to meet the desires of a new, visually-driven audience seeking an immersive, shareable experience. The core ritual of pinning the flowers remained sacrosanct.
For Huang Fangfang and her peers, this modernization is a balancing act. They welcome the surge of interest and creative interpretations. "Whether visitors choose traditional Xunpu attire, a cheongsam, or Hanfu, their choice to wear Zanhuawei signifies appreciation for our culture," Huang observes. The key is ensuring that innovation respects the integrity of the foundational techniques and symbolism. Workshops now often blend teaching the authentic pinning method with offering contemporary styling options, ensuring the ritual's heart continues to beat strongly within its new, vibrant context.
Roots of Revival
The impact of the Zanhuawei boom on Xunpu Village and greater Quanzhou has been profound and multifaceted. What was once a quiet fishing enclave now buzzes with the energy of a cultural hotspot. Estimates suggest nearly300 specialized photography shops and cultural experience storeshave sprung up within the community, directly fueled by the Zanhuawei phenomenon. On peak days, the narrow lanes welcome upwards of 20,000 visitors, transforming the local economy and daily rhythm.
This surge in cultural tourism has generated significant economic prosperity. Local residents, many of whom are women trained in the art of Zanhuawei styling or traditional attire making, have found new, sustainable livelihoods. Reports indicate that average household incomes in Xunpu have more than doubled between 2022 and 2024. The revenue stream extends far beyond styling fees, revitalizing local eateries serving fresh seafood, spurring the growth of boutique guesthouses, and creating a thriving market for Zanhuawei-inspired souvenirs and handicrafts.
Looking ahead, the challenge lies in nurturing sustainable growth. Huang Fangfang and community leaders emphasize the dual focus:continual innovation in visitor experience– perhaps through augmented reality storytelling, advanced booking systems to manage crowds, or themed cultural festivals – coupled with robust safeguarding of the authentic craft and its meanings.
Educational programs for younger generations within Xunpu ensure the skills and stories are not lost amidst the tourist activity. The goal is clear: to ensure the blossoms of Zanhuawei continue to flourish, adorning heads and enriching lives, for generations to come, firmly rooted in tradition while gracefully embracing the future.
