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Moonlit Memories: Preschoolers Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Style In the quaint town of Chenqiao, Jiangsu Province, a heartwarming scene unfolded as the Mid-Autumn Festival approached. The local community came together to organize an enchanting event that blended age-old traditions with youthful enthusiasm, creating a magical experience for the town's youngest residents. The "Our Festival · Mid-Autumn Festival" event, jointly organized by various local institutions and the Wulishu Kindergarten, was more than just a celebration - it was a bridge connecting China's rich past with its vibrant future. As the children gathered, dressed in miniature hanfu and clutching handmade rabbit lanterns, they embodied the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity that defines contemporary China. The event kicked off with young party member volunteers weaving tales of the Mid-Autumn Festival's origins. Through a tapestry of stories, rhymes, and vivid imagery, they transported the children back in time, unraveling the mysteries of this ancient celebration. From moon-gazing to lantern riddles, the volunteers painted a vivid picture of traditional customs, instilling in the young minds a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage. But the real magic began when theory turned to practice. The DIY lantern-making session saw tiny hands busily at work, guided by…

From Classrooms to Weddings: Hanfu's Growing Presence in Everyday Life As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, a fascinating trend is sweeping across China - the rising popularity of hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing. This resurgence is more than just a fashion statement; it's a cultural phenomenon that's reshaping how modern Chinese, especially the younger generation, connect with their heritage. In recent years, hanfu has transcended its historical confines to become a vibrant part of contemporary Chinese life. From school performances and holiday photo-ops to Chinese-style weddings, the elegant silhouettes of hanfu are increasingly visible in everyday scenarios. This trend reflects a deeper shift in Chinese society - a growing appreciation for traditional culture and a burgeoning sense of cultural confidence among the youth. The numbers tell a compelling story. Some hanfu stores report a four to five-fold increase in customers, with students making up the majority of this surge. This isn't just a local phenomenon; the popularity of hanfu, particularly styles like the horse-face skirt, has even caught international attention. Li Fangguo (李方国), owner of a hanfu experience store, offers insight into this trend. His shop boasts over 500 sets of hanfu, ranging from styles of the Wei-Jin period to the Qing dynasty.…

Nowadays, the Mamian skirt is increasingly integrated into our sight and life. Under such a trend, many people are eager to own their desired Mamian skirt. Let's follow Hanfu Shidai and take a look at the details to consider during the process of selecting and styling a Mamian skirt. 1 - Selection Stage Step 1: Size Firstly, choosing the right size that fits the body curves is crucial for the perfect outfit. Like a suit, a Mamian skirt can be chosen according to a size chart or customized. Whether you are selecting from a size chart or opting for customization, the main standards to measure are height, waist, and hips. These measurements will influence the choice of skirt length, waist length, and sweep circumference. If we choose to shop online, sellers often provide a size chart for customers to make their selection. By comparing the chart, you can choose according to your size information. If opting for customization, you can first provide the seller with your waist, hip, and height information for reference. Then, based on your needs, negotiate with the tailor to decide the width of the skirt door, the length of the skirt waist, and the skirt length. Generally,…

Beyond Love: A Tale of Redemption and Choice The recently released Snowy Night Timeless Love (七夜雪) unfolds a poignant story of love, redemption, and destiny. Directed by Ren Haitao (任海涛), known for his work on the hit period drama Mysterious Lotus Casebook (莲花楼), the series centers around the emotionally charged journey of Huo Zhanbai (霍展白) and Xue Ziye (薛紫夜). At its core, it is a narrative about two individuals with deeply rooted ideals, finding solace and purpose in each other amidst the trials of life, only to be separated by fate. Ren Haitao, in a recent interview, described Snowy Night Timeless Love as a departure from the straightforward romantic tropes prevalent in the genre. Instead, the story unfolds delicately, weaving themes of missed opportunities, redemption, and the inexorable pull of destiny. The emotional evolution of the protagonists—from strangers to confidants, and ultimately to kindred spirits—exudes a restrained intensity that is quintessentially classical. This journey transcends romance, delving into the broader spectrum of human connections: familial bonds, friendships, and the moral dilemmas that define a person's character. Redefining the Aesthetic of Period Romance What sets Snowy Night Timeless Love apart from its contemporaries is its meticulous attention to visual storytelling. The…

The Double Lives of the Moonlit Flame In the world of martial arts drama, Secrets of the shadow sect (皎月流火) emerges as a striking short series. It masterfully intertwines themes of love, power, and betrayal, breaking away from the typical archetypes of the genre. At its core lies the mysterious Ling Tian Palace (灵天宫), a reclusive yet formidable force in the martial world. The palace harbors secrets as deep as its influence, and at the heart of it all is its enigmatic heir, Ling Xuan (灵玹). Ten years prior, Ling Xuan crossed paths with a dying pair of siblings. In a moment of compassion cloaked in cold calculation, she struck a bargain—saving the sister's life in exchange for the brother, a young man she saw potential in. Promising him a chance to prove himself, she brought him to the palace’s shadowy training division, the Shadow Pavilion. If he could survive its brutal trials, he would serve her as her most trusted ally. Years later, the boy emerges as Ying Shi, hardened yet loyal, only to find the palace teetering on the edge of chaos. Its master plots to seize Ling Xuan's mother's ultimate martial arts secret, the Wanxin Technique, sowing…

In recent years, adaptations of Jin Yong’s The Legend of the Condor Heroes (射雕英雄传) have continued to captivate audiences, but the latest version, The Legend of Heroes (金庸武侠世界·铁血丹心), offers something different. As someone with a deep interest in both the technical and cultural elements of martial arts dramas, I watched this newest rendition with a combination of curiosity and nostalgia. Having seen many adaptations of the classic, I was keen to explore what fresh perspectives the creators might bring to a story that has been told time and again. This version, as I soon realized, does more than just update the visuals; it actively engages with the changing societal values of today, especially when it comes to gender, character development, and narrative structure. Rethinking the Pace and Structure One of the biggest challenges in adapting a story like The Legend of the Condor Heroes is finding a balance between honoring the original material and keeping the story engaging for modern audiences. In the past, viewers could easily get caught up in the nostalgia of familiar characters and scenes, but that familiarity can sometimes make it hard to fully appreciate a new adaptation. The Legend of Heroes tackles this by speeding…

Peony Perfume Persists: The New Frontier of Scented Garments In the heart of China's Shandong province, a quiet revolution is taking place. The ancient city of Heze (菏泽), long renowned for its peonies, is now at the forefront of a technological breakthrough that's set to redefine the intersection of tradition and innovation in the world of fashion. At a recent women's handicraft exhibition, all eyes were drawn to an extraordinary display from Cao County, Heze. The star of the show? A skirt that seemed to bridge centuries, combining the timeless elegance of traditional Chinese hanfu with cutting-edge textile technology. This wasn't just any skirt - it was a garment woven from peony fibers, infused with a fragrance that could last for two years. Yao Chihang, the visionary behind the "Luo Ruyan" hanfu brand, beamed with pride as she explained the intricate process behind this marvel. "We've developed a new technique to extract fibers from peonies," she revealed. "During the weaving process, we embed the peony fragrance into the fabric itself, ensuring the scent remains for at least two years." This innovation isn't just a novelty; it's a testament to the potential of merging ancient craftsmanship with modern technology. The skirt itself…

From Niche to Billions: The Explosive Growth of Hanfu Industry In the heart of bustling Shanghai, amidst the gleaming skyscrapers and neon lights, a curious sight unfolds. A group of young professionals, dressed not in Western suits or casual wear, but in flowing robes with wide sleeves and intricate embroidery, make their way through a high-tech office park. This is not a historical reenactment or a costume party - it's a typical workday in 2024 China, where the ancient meets the ultramodern in a phenomenon known as the "Hanfu Renaissance." The resurgence of Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese, is more than just a fashion trend. It represents a seismic shift in cultural identity, economic opportunity, and national pride that is reshaping the landscape of modern China. What began as a niche interest among history enthusiasts has exploded into a multi-billion yuan industry, with ripple effects touching everything from tourism to technology. In 2023, the Hanfu market in China reached a staggering 14.47 billion yuan (approximately $2.24 billion USD), with projections suggesting it could nearly double to 24.18 billion yuan by 2027. This growth is not just in sales figures - the number of Hanfu-related businesses registered in…

Reviving Heritage: Caoxian's Journey to Cultural Prominence In the bustling districts of Caoxian, Shandong Province, a quiet revolution is underway, fueled by the resurgence of traditional Hanfu clothing. What was once a niche interest has blossomed into a booming industry that not only revitalizes cultural pride but also drives economic growth. This transformation is emblematic of Caoxian's innovative approach to integrating heritage with modern entrepreneurship, paving the way for sustainable development in rural China. From Tradition to Trend: The Hanfu Renaissance in Caoxian The story begins with the humble origins of Hanfu, ancient Chinese attire revived to captivate a new generation. Caoxian, historically renowned for its cultural richness, has become a nucleus for Hanfu production, drawing on centuries-old craftsmanship to meet contemporary demands. This resurgence has not only preserved traditional textile techniques but also introduced innovations like lightweight fabrics and modern designs, appealing to a diverse demographic across China and beyond. Cultural Confidence Driving Economic Expansion The success of Caoxian's Hanfu industry is not just about fashion; it's a testament to cultural confidence. As the market for Hanfu expands exponentially, local entrepreneurs are leveraging this cultural resurgence to propel economic growth. The shift from seasonal to year-round production has bolstered…

2021 can be considered a prolific year for Chinese hanfu costume related programs. In addition to the familiar Henan TV, which presents a wonderful tour series on the occasion of Chinese traditional festivals, there are also a number of hanfu programs based on Chinese hanfu, traditional dance, and traditional sports events. This article sorts out these programs for you and will continue to update the latest ones. In chronological order by program broadcast.   2022 24节气系列 · 24 Solar Terms   2022 端午奇妙游 · The Marvelous Tour of the Dragon Boat Festival Broadcast time: June 2, 2022 Type: Gala Duration: 56 minutes https://youtu.be/-qtMsHX86x8 2022 The Marvelous Tour of the Dragon Boat Festival is a Duanwu Festival program produced by Henan TV and co-produced by Youku. The program tells the multiple origins of the Dragon Boat Festival by expanding from the commemorating Qu Yuan to knowledge about astrology and solar terms.   2022 元宵奇妙游 · Lantern Festival Wonderful Tour Broadcast time: February 14, 2022 Type: Gala Duration: 52 minutes https://youtu.be/nnVdmtrbNLo "Lantern Festival Wonderful Tour" is a series of "Chinese Festivals" produced by Henan TV and co-produced by Youku. Through 3 chapters, the audience can feel the hope of "Yuan", the romance of…

The history of Chinese women's make-up is very long. After the rotation of dynasties, the traditional Chinese makeup has changed with the development of the times, reflecting the changes in customs and thoughts in each era. We will prepare a series of articles to introduce traditional Chinese makeup.   Ancient traditional Chinese makeup Throughout the ages, women have different ways and methods to make themselves more beautiful. Compared with the modern, ancient women are more conservative and implicit, but they also have their own set of "secret weapons". As early as in the cultural relics unearthed in the Warring States period, it can be seen from them that at that time, women had the habit of thrushing and use rouge. That is to say, more than 2000 years ago in China, cosmetics had appeared. Of course, ancient China was an agricultural society, always in a state of self-sufficiency, and cosmetics were no exception. At that time, cosmetics were mainly made of pure natural plant and animal oils, and some natural spices were added. The general production process includes boiling, fermentation, filtration, etc. compared with the modern cosmetics production process, it is still relatively simple. Therefore, compared with modern women, ancient…

Ming Dynasty Hanfu clothing refers to the clothing system in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, inherited the costume style of Zhou, Han, Tang, and Song Dynasties and re-established the costume system in order to rebuild the national pride and etiquette and remove the influence of ethnic minorities. In the middle and later period of the Ming Dynasty, there were some new styles, such as stand collar, and a large number of buttons were used in the conspicuous part of a garment. It was gradually banned during the Qing Dynasty, but there are still a few styles and features that have been handed down to this day.   The characteristics of Hanfu in the Ming dynasty In the Ming Dynasty, a series of measures were taken to develop production, which made the industry and commerce develop continuously, and the production technology of each industry has improved. After the rise of the citizen class, the aesthetic interest has become the aesthetic orientation of the general dress in the Ming Dynasty. "Secularization" of the aesthetic and cultural sources and a relatively general, casual, and loose historical and cultural environment.…

Last Friday 3/17 I was invited to a local Chinese school to give a small talk on hanfu! The aim was to share hanfu culture with more people here and to present an example to the kids of what doors can be opened to you by maintaining language skills. A little background—I myself attended this once-a-week school from kindergarten up until 6th grade, upon which I pulled out of the school to invite the Chinese teacher that taught me in 6th grade to tutor me at home privately. She was a great tutor and a key part of inspiring my interest in ancient Chinese culture through poetry, history, and more, keeping me engaged while analyzing Tang Dynasty shi and Song Dynasty ci. As I got busy, I stopped the tutoring when I was in 10th grade—and I was introduced to the concept of hanfu not even a few months later! I’ve kept up communication with this teacher for a while (whose name I won’t disclose for privacy reasons) and visited her in Taiwan throughout the years. This year she came back to teach at the local chinese school and invited me to give a talk on hanfu there. For the…

I made my first real Hanfu based on patterns from this website. First outing at the beach, with dragons and all. Here is an article with much details on my sewing journey.

Wearing armor, riding a horse, holding a traditional weapon, fighting on the battlefield. Such a scene may have appeared in the dreams of many people when they were young. But there is a person who turned the traditional Chinese armor in the dream into reality, he is the first person to restore the ancient armor of the Tang and Song dynasties, Wen Chenhua (温陈华). He has highly restoration the armor of the Song dynasty, which has been lost in China for 700 years, after 6 years. He founded the Lian Kai Tang (炼铠堂), and with his own strength, he promoted the obscure armor restoration craft, and let Chinese armor on the world-class combat stage.   #01 The first person in traditional Chinese armor restoration There are only about 1000 armor restorers in China, 90% of them are Wen Chenhua's students, and for 40 years, he has been restoring Jiazhou (甲胄, traditional Chinese armor) to the extreme. On Wen Chenhua's social platforms profile, there is only a simple sentence "Top Chinese Jiazhou maker" as an introduction. However, he has shared a lot of armor design drawings and finished armor photos, all revealing his deep love for Jiazhou. Traditional armor restoration and…

The Mid-Autumn Festival is often synonymous with moon-gazing, family gatherings, and mooncakes. However, in ancient times, this festival was far more than just an evening dedicated to the moon. What if the skies were overcast, and the full moon hidden? How did the people of the past still manage to celebrate? Even in the absence of a visible moon, their festivities were rich and varied, showcasing traditions and customs beyond simply admiring the celestial body. Moonless Festivities: Celebrating Togetherness A traditional painting from the Qing Dynasty, titled The Auspicious Mid-Autumn (中秋佳瑞图), provides a glimpse into how ancient people celebrated this festival. Interestingly, the moon is not depicted in the artwork, yet the scene is filled with symbols of unity and joy. Fruits such as pomegranates, melons, and lotus roots are prominently featured, representing family harmony and prosperity. Even in the absence of the moon, people would gather to enjoy each other’s company, marking the occasion with wishes for happiness, fertility, and abundance. The essence of the festival lay not only in viewing the moon but in its deeper cultural significance, centered around family reunions and expressions of good fortune. The “Four Auspicious Trees” – the parasol tree and osmanthus tree,…

In the tapestry of human culture, few threads are as intricate and revealing as the names we bestow upon ourselves and others. Names serve as more than mere labels; they are vessels of identity, carriers of tradition, and mirrors reflecting societal values. This is particularly true when examining the evolution of female naming conventions, a fascinating journey that spans centuries and offers profound insights into the changing roles and perceptions of women in society. The Power of a Name: How Suffixes Shaped Women's Identities in Classical Literature In the realm of classical Chinese literature, a curious pattern emerges when examining the names of female characters. A striking number of these fictional women bear names ending with the character "娘" (niang), which can be roughly translated as "maiden" or "young woman." This naming convention is not merely a stylistic choice but a window into the cultural expectations and social positioning of women in traditional Chinese society. Consider the beloved characters from renowned works such as "The Water Margin" and "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio." In these stories, we encounter women like Zhang Zhenniang, Hu Sanniang, and Xin Shisining. The "niang" suffix serves multiple purposes: it immediately identifies the character as…

A Golden Victory: Showcasing China's Rich Cultural Heritage In the heart of China's cultural landscape, a remarkable institution is making waves by bringing the wisdom of the ages to life. The Gansu Bamboo Slips Museum recently captured the spotlight at the 10th China Museum and Related Products and Technology Expo, earning the prestigious Gold Award for Best Exhibition. This achievement underscores the museum's commitment to preserving and presenting China's invaluable historical treasures in innovative and engaging ways. The expo, centered around the theme "High-Quality Development of Museums: Balancing Education and Research, Integrating Digital and Physical Realms," drew participation from 552 museums and related enterprises. Among this sea of cultural institutions, the Gansu Bamboo Slips Museum stood out with its striking exhibition design that seamlessly blended ancient aesthetics with modern presentation techniques. Stepping into the museum's exhibition space was like crossing a threshold into China's illustrious past. The design team masterfully employed Han dynasty elements as a backdrop, creating an ambiance that transported visitors through time. The color palette, dominated by black and gold, exuded an air of elegance and importance. The use of que (阙) - ancient Chinese architectural gateways - as structural elements further reinforced the connection to historical…