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 streets, embodying seasonal blooms and drawing endless photo sessions.
Imperial Guards & Scholar Processions: These dynamic reenactments recreated the pomp of Ming-era official life, thrilling history enthusiasts.
Cultural Integration & Innovation
Aligned with Hubei's "Cultural Tourism Development Strategy," the festival merged technology with tradition. Jiang Yuanhang, the event director, emphasized its role in establishing Hong'an as a national cultural destination: "We aim to create a 'see, play, feel' experience that bridges past and present".
Visitor Highlights
Ticketing: Adult entry at 30 RMB (15 RMB concessions), with OTA discounts at 28.8 RMB.
Recommended Attractions: Moon Bay Square, De Yue Tower, and Huang'an County Office.
Theatrical Tie-In: Attendees could exchange festival tickets for The Blue-Clad Scholar, a revolutionary drama about martyr Zhang Nanyi, staged by the Hong'an Chu Opera Troupe.
The festival not only showcased Hanfu aesthetics but also revitalized interest in Ming-era customs, from doucai (porcelain art) to folk games like archery and rooster fights. By blending historical reenactment with interactive storytelling, Hong'an has set a benchmark for cultural tourism in China, proving that ancient traditions can thrive in the digital age.