Events

At the edge of Anshun (安顺), Guizhou, stone-built fortresses have kept watch for six centuries. On March 28, these walls will host a different kind of gathering. The Yunfeng (云峰) Tunbao (屯堡) Flower Festival returns, not as a staged performance, but as a living immersion. Morning opens with a ritual: the Flower Goddess returns. Not a symbol, but a presence—embodied in ceremony, in the careful placement of offerings, in the collective pause to honor renewal. Then the village itself becomes the stage. Visitors wander narrow lanes where a goose keeper argues with a tofu vendor, both in period dress. A child’s hand slips a wildflower into a woven ring. Nearby, a game of “flying flower” poetry demands quick wit over wine. The Ming dynasty street scene is not decorative. It functions. An innkeeper—played by a local “little lady”—recalls garrison stories passed down through generations. An actor in a fierce mask demonstrates Di Xi (地戏) opera, a ritual art older than the village itself. You can press herbs into a sachet, test your skill at a grass-pulling contest, or sit for a Gu Qin (古琴) melody that drifts between stone walls. No guides explain the culture. You walk into it. Hanfu…

On March 20, the second floor of the Wuhan University of Design and Engineering Library was transformed. Students in flowing hanfu, each representing a floral deity, walked among the bookshelves. This wasn’t a costume party. It was the opening of the seventh Reading Festival, and it began with a procession. The event folded classroom learning into public display. Fashion students used AI to design the visual setting. Others modeled garments that blended historical reference with modern style. Performers read classical poems aloud, their voices joining the rustle of silk. A reading list, curated by the twelve flower spirits, sat nearby, linking botany to literature. After the main presentation, the space shifted into an open courtyard scene. Guests tried their hand at pitch-pot, an ancient drinking game, or tested their memory with poetry challenges. There was even a hoop-rolling station, a simple pleasure from childhood. The idea is straightforward. Books are not just objects to be read silently. Here, they become a reason to gather, to dress up, to play. Tradition is treated as something immediate, not distant. The scent of paper mixes with the movement of fabric. Poetry leaves the page and becomes a shared game. It is a deliberate…

Spring arrives not with a whisper but with silk sleeves brushing against bamboo leaves. On March 21, within the quiet courtyards of Miaoshan (妙善) Academy, men and women in flowing robes gather—not to perform, but to inhabit a rhythm older than the city around them. They sit by a meandering stream, cups of tea floating on water. No orchestra plays; instead, verses rise spontaneously from the group, each line answered by another. Nearby, fingers press dried herbs into small embroidered pouches—lavender for calm, mint for clarity. The scent clings to palms long after the knot is tied. In a hall shaded by bamboo, inkstone meets brush. Participants kneel on cushions—shoes left at the door—and let characters form without hurry. The act itself becomes the message. Between these moments, tea is poured among strangers who quickly become companions. Laughter drifts from windows open to the late afternoon light. Cameras capture poses against weathered walls, but the real images are internal: the weight of a robe’s hem on stone steps, the pause before offering a cup with both hands, the quiet recognition of a shared code. No one lectures about tradition. Instead, it passes through gestures—how to enter a room, how to…

This April, the Qu Yuan (屈原) Cultural Tourism Zone is offering twenty families a free, immersive experience. The event transforms a traditional holiday into a tangible connection with the ancient poet. On a crisp Qingming (清明) morning, parents and children will first visit a Hanfu pavilion. Here, they trade modern clothes for the flowing robes of a bygone era, preparing to step into a living painting. The morning is spent exploring the zone’s ancient architecture. Armed with a passport-style booklet, families hunt for five specific locations among the vernal greenery. At each stop, they pose for photos, capturing candid moments against a backdrop of centuries-old eaves and stone pathways. This scavenger hunt is not just a game; it is the key to unlocking the afternoon's main event. After collecting all five stamps, each child receives an exclusive verse from Chu Ci (楚辞) to rehearse. The climax unfolds at an open-air stage in the afternoon. One by one, children mount the ancient platform, their young voices reciting the romantic and heroic lines of Qu Yuan. The juxtaposition of youthful voices against the timeworn stage breathes new life into age-old poetry. After the recitations, each family receives a small, commemorative gift. They…

For the next month and a half, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, California will be hosting various free community events to celebrate the Year of the Horse! This weekend (February 21-22), the temple will be hosting an all vegetarian food festival from 10 am to 3:30 pm. They will also provide a vegetarian buffet until March 3. The vegetarian buffet hours are Monday through Friday 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, and Saturday through Sunday 11:30 am to 2 pm. Lantern viewing, cultural performances, and art gallery exhibitions will also be available until March 3. There will be various Lunar New Year events occuring throughout February and early March at various locations in Southern California, the Hsi Lai Temple Lunar New Year Celebration Peace Lantern Festival promises to be one of the most unique (and definitely the most delicious!) I hope to see you all there! 新年快乐！Original link

Mark your calendars! From June 12th to 14th, 2025, Jinshan District in Shanghai is pulling out all the stops to celebrate China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day with a vibrant series of events centered around the theme "ICH (Intangible Cultural Heritage) Embraces Youth, Heritage for the Future." The main hub is the Jinshan District Museum (1800 Jinshan Avenue), transforming into a dynamic stage where ancient traditions meet modern creativity. Earlier that day, starting at 9:00 AM on the museum's second floor, dive into the "ICH Treasures of Jinshan" exhibition. Part of the broader "ICH Revitalization Shopping Month," it features three exciting zones: ICH-inspired Creative Goods, mouth-watering ICH Delicacies, and stylish ICH Apparel. Discover how China-chic (Guochao) is breathing new life into traditional crafts, making them relevant for today's lifestyles. For hands-on fun, head to the third-floor Experience Zone between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM on the 14th for the "ICH Aesthetic Classroom." This interactive session focuses on integrating ICH into modern life, exploring its role in nurturing Chinese aesthetic principles and fostering creativity among the younger generation. Getting a head start, renowned ICH expert Professor Chen Qinjian, a leading national authority, will deliver a special lecture titled "Blending Tradition with…

This early June, I witnessed Hanzhong transform into a vibrant cultural playground during its Dragon Boat Festival celebrations. Under the theme "Hanfeng Dragon Boat, Vibrant Hanzhong" (汉风端午·潮游汉中), the city launched over 100 events blending sports, culture, and commerce to ignite holiday spending and cultural revival. The action centered on three pillars: sports-tourism fusion, cultural empowerment, and commercial innovation. On the Han River, the Hanzhong Paddleboard Open drew 300+ athletes nationwide for thrilling races and rescue drills, while the "Bear Rush Hanzhong" event (熊涌汉中) lured 20,000 daily visitors with water sports, traditional medicine workshops, and pop-up markets . Football fans flocked to Liuba County for a star-studded charity match featuring celebrities like Sun Nan . Culture took center stage with the Sohu "Li Yi Hua Xia" Hanfu Model Contest (礼衣华夏汉服模特大赛) at Xinghan Shengjing Scenic Area, where 300+ hanfu enthusiasts showcased dynastic attire through catwalks and poetic performances . The "Guofeng Youth" (国风少年) talent hunt captivated 500+ teens with poetry duels and traditional music, while a grand hanfu parade featuring 600 models recreated 2,000 years of sartorial history . Commerce thrived through creative incentives: 1.85 million yuan in digital coupons boosted local dining and shopping , while foodies savored "Han Family Cuisine"…

Aya in her Hanfu photoshoot at the Great Tang All Day Mall. Today, more and more foreigners are setting foot on Chinese soil to experience its culture. Tasting local delicacies, celebrating traditional festivals, exploring intangible cultural heritage crafts… These moments paint a unique "Chinese impression." Each experience is an encounter between Chinese and foreign cultures, weaving stories of surprise and emotion. Starting today, this column, "Experiencing the 'Chinese Flavor,'" will showcase these cross-cultural sparks and reveal contemporary China through the eyes of foreign friends. With the rise of the "Hanfu fever," an increasing number of foreigners are embracing Hanfu. Some don Hanfu for photo shoots at scenic spots, others wear it daily for work or life, while some create short videos to promote it… Through this, they delve deeper into traditional Chinese etiquette and fall in love with Chinese aesthetics. 1. Aya, Ph.D. Student from Renmin University of China: "A Photoshoot Made Me Fall for Hanfu" My first impression of Hanfu came from Chinese historical dramas. Born into a multicultural family—my father is Jordanian, and my mother is Chinese—I grew up watching Chinese TV series. The flowing robes of immortals in Journey to the West and the dignified attire of…

HANGZHOU—The 2025 Guosi Hanfu Month (国丝汉服月), hosted by the China National Silk Museum, unfolded as a vibrant ode to the artistry of Hanfu (traditional Han attire) and China’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH). Under the theme “Tiangong Nichang” (天工霓裳, Heavenly Craft and Radiant Attire), the month-long event, upgraded from its eight-year run as a festival, blended scholarly discourse, theatrical grandeur, and hands-on cultural immersion. The opening ceremony spotlighted Hanfu’s evolution from niche passion to cultural phenomenon. Director Ji Xiaofen highlighted plans to expand globally, including a Hanfu-themed event in Astana, Kazakhstan, this June. “Hanfu bridges ancient craftsmanship with modern creativity,” she noted, underscoring its role in reviving national pride. At the “Elegant Scholars’ Salon” (雅士沙龙), experts tackled pressing topics: digitizing textile preservation, reinventing ICH techniques like Jiaxie (夹缬, resist-dyeing) and Su Embroidery (苏绣) in contemporary fashion, and engaging youth through handicrafts. Parallel sessions, such as the “Yinhan Discourse” (银瀚论道), featured master artisans like Huang Jiecheng demonstrating Hangzhou’s woodblock printing, blending live craftsmanship with philosophical debates on preserving tradition. A highlight was the exhibition “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future”, which dissected the Tang Dynasty costumes from the hit drama The Lychee of Chang’an (长安的荔枝). Director Cao Dun revealed how historical research…

At the 2025 IAI International Creative Festival in Beijing, Li Zhiyao, Deputy County Governor of Caoxian, Shandong Province, unveiled staggering figures: Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) sales in Caoxian surpassed 120 billion yuan ($16.6 billion) in 2024, capturing over 50% of China’s Hanfu market. Dubbed the “Universe Center” of China-chic, this once-obscure county now anchors a cultural-industrial revolution. Caoxian’s journey began modestly in 2009, when villagers like Ren Qingsheng pivoted from making theatrical costumes to Hanfu, capitalizing on e-commerce platforms like Taobao . By 2021, the county’s Hanfu sales hit 19 billion yuan, driven by affordable designs that democratized access to traditional attire. Today, its 2,000+ enterprises form a "5-kilometer ecosystem" integrating design, fabric innovation, and AI-driven manufacturing, supported by 87,000 online stores and 21,000 livestream hosts. Caoxian’s success lies in balancing tradition with modernity. While early products faced criticism for historical inaccuracies, the rise of "original Hanfu" — such as the viral Mamianqun (horse-face skirt) that generated 300 million yuan during 2024’s Spring Festival — reflects rigorous design upgrades. Local brands like Hu’s Hanfu Studio now hold 320 design patents, blending Ming Dynasty silhouettes with contemporary fabrics. Collaborations with historical dramas and scenic spots further embed Hanfu into daily life.…

From May 10 to 11, 2025, the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, hosted the grand Guosi Hanfu Month · Tiangong Nichang (天工霓裳), a month-long cultural extravaganza dedicated to revitalizing Hanfu (traditional Han Chinese attire) and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) craftsmanship. This year’s theme, “Heavenly Craft and Radiant Attire,” highlighted the fusion of historical authenticity and modern creativity, drawing over 500,000 online viewers and trending on Weibo. The event marked the eighth edition of the Guosi Hanfu Festival, now upgraded to a Hanfu Month to expand its global reach. Director Ji Xiaofen emphasized Hanfu’s role in bolstering cultural confidence and its mission to “bring traditional Chinese attire to the world,” notably through collaborations like the “Two Cities Initiative” with Kazakhstan’s National Museum, set to debut in Astana this June. Central to the festivities was the Hanfu Night, where six research teams showcased painstakingly reconstructed garments. One team revived the Song Dynasty’s “Yingjin Embroidery” (影金绣) after years of research and 300 hours of stitching, while another invested ¥200,000 to recreate ten Tang Dynasty outfits using ICH techniques like Jiaxie (夹缬, resist-dyeing) and Su Embroidery (苏绣) . The Joy of Life (长安的荔枝) TV series team also participated, presenting Tang-style costumes…

Keqiao, Zhejiang — On May 7, 2025, the avant-garde Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) brand Dengyunlai (等云来, Awaiting Clouds) will debut its latest collection, The Wayfarer, at Keqiao Fashion Week’s Spring Edition. Held at the Oriental Milan International Fashion Center, the showcase promises to redefine gender norms in traditional attire while bridging millennia-old heritage with futuristic innovation. Founded on the ethos of “a woman’s wardrobe for men’s wear,” Dengyunlai has carved a niche in blurring gendered fashion lines. Its signature yuanlingpao (圆领袍, round-collar robe) series reimagines Hanfu through modern tailoring, deconstructed silhouettes, and East-meets-West aesthetics. Since 2022, the brand has graced over 10 cultural stages, including the Guofeng Grand Ceremony (国风大典) and Wuhan Flower Festival (武汉花朝节), before transitioning to mainstream runways like Tianjin and Qingdao Fashion Weeks. Three Acts, One Journey Titled The Wayfarer, this season’s collection unfolds in three chapters: Knowing the Origin (知来处): Rooted in Hanfu’s historical DNA, the opening act revives forgotten motifs, such as intricate embroidery and layered draping, to “awaken dormant memories of Eastern beauty.” Understanding the Path (明去处): Modernized designs merge Hanfu with contemporary streetwear—think cropped robes paired with tailored blazers—catering to urban lifestyles without sacrificing tradition. Envisioning the Future (晓归处): The finale dazzles with…

Beijing, April 28, 2025 — At a star-studded event blending tradition and innovation, Chinese liquor giant Wuliangye launched a sweeping lineup of premium baijiu (Chinese distilled liquor) products, spanning banquets, gifting, and collectibles. Coinciding with the kickoff of CCTV’s new cultural documentary Li China (礼仪中国, Rituals of China), the launch underscored Wuliangye’s ambition to redefine its brand through China’s ancient “Li Culture” (礼文化, ritual etiquette and harmony). Three flagship releases stole the spotlight: Wishing You Smooth Sailing (祝君一帆风顺): Inspired by maritime exploration, its teardrop-shaped bottle houses a mellow, “silky” iteration of Wuliangye’s signature aroma. Full Moon, Full Hearts (月满人圆): Encased in a taiji (太极, yin-yang)-themed design, this offering balances philosophical symbolism with the brand’s classic rich palate. Aged Reserve Series (老酒): Housed in wooden cases evoking Ming-era meiping (梅瓶, plum vase) ceramics, this amber-hued liquor targets collectors with its velvety, aged complexity. For younger and global audiences, Wuliangye rolled out trendy variants like the ceramic panda-shaped bottles and international editions such as Purple Hues from the East (紫气东来). “These launches aren’t just about flavor—they’re cultural statements,” noted a Chengdu-based consumer, Liu, who plans to gift the aged series for family reunions. Baijiu as a “Ritual Ambassador” Wuliangye Chairman Zeng Congqin…

As the May Day holiday of 2025 coincides with the 10th anniversary of Changsha Binjiang Cultural Park—renowned as the city’s “cultural living room”—a grand series of events titled “A Decade of Glory, May Day Joy” will unfold from May 1 to 4. Blending tradition with modernity, the celebration promises opera performances, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) workshops, vibrant markets, Hanfu lectures, and immersive art installations, inviting visitors to embark on a cross-temporal cultural journey. The festivities kick off on May 1 at 7:30 PM in the newly unveiled Azalea Flower Theater. Acclaimed artists Liu Zhaoqian and Cao Rulong, both winners of China’s prestigious Plum Blossom and Culture & Arts Awards, will lead a lineup of Huagu opera, folk dances, and ICH performances. Over five days, ten free public shows will be staged by troupes including the Xiangfan Club, Changsha Song and Dance Theatre, and the Municipal Intangible Cultural Heritage Troupe. The Changsha Symphony Orchestra will close the series with a majestic finale, bridging traditional melodies and symphonic grandeur. At the park’s Landscape Tower, a dedicated “ICH Experience Zone” offers daily free workshops. Under the guidance of master artisans, visitors can create traditional Chinese knots, try cloisonné enameling, practice wooden movable-type printing,…

Hanzhong, Shaanxi – On May 1, 2025, the Xinghan Shengjing Hanfu Cultural Week officially commenced at the historic Xinghan Shengjing complex in Hanzhong. With the theme “Chinese Heart, Han Dynasty Spirit,” over 500 Hanfu enthusiasts participated in a grand procession and ancestral tribute rituals, immersing visitors in a vibrant cultural feast while driving a surge in tourism and consumption. Highlights of the Festival Banners bearing phrases like “The Heavens Bless the Han” fluttered above a parade led by iconic cultural figures such as Liu Bei, Zhang Liang, and Zhuge Liang. Followed by themed delegations—including the “Twelve Flower Deities,” “Four Ancient Beauties,” and Han, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasty-inspired groups—the procession wound through Yutian Square, Hanren Laojie Street, and the Han Culture Museum plaza. The flowing robes and timeless elegance of participants created a living tapestry of history, drawing crowds of photographers. Ancestral Tribute Ceremony The procession culminated at the Ancestral Hall, where a solemn ritual honored China’s cultural forebears. Visitors experienced an immersive journey into Han traditions, blending reverence with interactive storytelling. Xinghan Shengjing, a Han-themed resort, unveiled a lineup of events for the holiday: Han Dynasty Wedding Shows: Reenactments of ancient matrimonial customs. Hanfu Garden Tours: Strolls through scenic…

On May 1, 2025, the inaugural Hanfu Cultural Festival commenced at the revitalized Hong'an Film Fantasy City (formerly Hong'an Film Studio) in Huang'an Ancient Town, Hubei Province. This grand event, blending historical charm with immersive technology, attracted tens of thousands of visitors to experience a cultural journey through China's Ming Dynasty. Ming Dynasty-Style Wedding Ceremony A meticulously reconstructed Ming-era wedding captivated audiences. The groom wore traditional wusha bufu (black gauze official robes), while the bride donned a fengguan xiapei (phoenix crown and embroidered cape). The ceremony followed the "Three Letters and Six Etiquettes" ritual, culminating in a grand banquet at Geng Mansion, where guests savored authentic Ming cuisine. Nighttime Spectacles As dusk fell, the ancient town transformed into a luminous wonderland. Performances included classical dances, pipa (lute) recitals, acrobatic feats like "Flying Axes" and "Juggling Jars," and the crowd-favorite "Huang'an Roly-Poly" act. The Huji Tavern offered a blend of fine wines and traditional music, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance. Immersive Interactive Zones "Silver Ticket Marketplace": Visitors earned currency through NPC interactions (e.g., night watchmen, scholars, flower sellers) to unlock discounts and prizes at a Ming-style gambling den. Twelve Flower Goddesses Parade: Twelve performers in lavish Hanfu paraded through stone-paved…

Under the guidance of the Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Qingdao Bureau of Landscape and Forestry, the 5th China Sky Hanfu Show at Taiping Mountain Cableway officially commenced on April 28. Centered around the theme “Heavenly Beauty · Taiping Peony,” the event merged the elegance of Hanfu with the breathtaking vistas of the cableway, creating a timeless cultural spectacle that bridged ancient traditions with modern innovation. Hanfu enthusiasts, tourism representatives, and visitors from across the nation gathered at Taiping Mountain to witness this pioneering fusion of culture and tourism. At 9:00 AM, accompanied by melodious traditional music, the grand procession began. Dressed in resplendent Hanfu, participants strolled from Fountain Plaza along Mugua Road to the main venue, engaging with onlookers through poetic recitations and graceful fan gestures. In her opening speech, Guo Jing, General Manager of Taiping Mountain Cableway Scenic Area, highlighted the site’s dual role as both a vantage point showcasing Qingdao’s iconic “red-tiled roofs, verdant trees, azure seas, and sapphire skies” and a “skyborne cultural corridor” linking urban heritage with natural beauty. Qi Yue, Deputy Director of Qingdao’s Bureau of Culture and Tourism, emphasized the event’s significance: “The Sky Hanfu Show exemplifies Qingdao’s shift…

From April 26 to May 3, 2025, Hefei’s Bao Gong Park, a cultural landmark in Anhui Province, will host the Yangtze River Delta (Hefei) Hanfu Carnival, themed “Brilliant New Scenes, Radiant Chapters of Splendor.” This grand event invites visitors to immerse themselves in the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE) while celebrating the revival of traditional Chinese culture through innovative experiences. Highlights of the Carnival The opening ceremony on April 26 at Qingfeng Pavilion Square will feature Song Dynasty-inspired performances from popular historical dramas like The Long Ballad and Know Yourself, Know Your Enemy . Attendees can witness a unique blend of tradition and modernity, including a silver-haired models’ qipao (cheongsam) show and the unveiling of the Bao Gong Memorial Hall, an interactive museum using AR and AI to showcase the legacy of the revered Song official Bao Zheng . A photography contest, “Search for the Most Beautiful Flower Goddess,” adds participatory flair . The Hanfu Fashion Show (April 26, 10:00 AM) will trace the evolution of Hanfu (traditional Han Chinese attire) across dynasties—from the Qin (221–206 BCE) to the Ming (1368–1644 CE)—with narrators explaining stylistic shifts and cultural symbolism . Later, over 200 Hanfu enthusiasts and students will…

Launching on April 18, 2025, at Sui-Tang Luoyang City’s Jiuzhou Pool, the Luoyang Hanfu Fashion Week merges ancient aesthetics with modern design under the theme “Taste Brands, Innovate Creativity.” Highlights include: “Peony Madam” Hanfu Show: Designed by China’s top-ten fashion designer Shi Jie, this collection blends Chinese mulberry silk and ramie with Western tailoring, featuring ink-dye gradients and draped silhouettes to embody “vastness and inclusivity” in Eastern philosophy. Cultural Fusion: Runway shows, intangible heritage exhibitions, and award ceremonies highlight the collision of Heluo culture (Yellow River-Luo River civilization) with contemporary trends. “See Now, Buy Now” Market: Brands from Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Wuhan display “new Chinese-style” Hanfu, peony-themed attire, allowing visitors to purchase pieces post-show. Diverse Programming: A three-day agenda includes a children’s modeling show (“Red Drum Little Loves”) and (local heritage crafts) showcases, enhancing Luoyang’s identity as a cultural-tourism hub. By marrying tradition with global fashion language, the event positions Hanfu as a dynamic cultural force, bridging eras and geographies.

On April 12, 2025, the Xitang Hanfu "Twelve Floral Deities" Festival launched in Xitang Ancient Town, Jiashan County, drawing Hanfu enthusiasts nationwide to celebrate spring. The two-day event featured immersive activities like floral deity parades, riverside walks, traditional craft workshops (lantern-making, lacquer fan crafting, and hairpin styling), and a nighttime lantern-lit river procession. Innovative highlights included a surprise appearance by the mythical “Nezha” puppet and children dressed as “flower fairies,” blending folklore with modern playfulness. Visitors praised the picturesque ambiance, with many sharing photos to capture the town’s timeless charm. As a 2024 UNESCO-listed cultural exchange hub in Zhejiang, Xitang aims to further revitalize Hanfu culture through such events, bridging heritage with contemporary creativity.

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