Guest Post

Some netizens have raised concerns: Japanese architectural elements are increasingly appearing in historical dramas. When discussing Tang Dynasty architecture in China, many recall the phrase "The true legacy of the Tang Dynasty lies in Japan." But is this really the case? The statement "The true legacy of the Tang Dynasty lies in Japan" did not originate from us but was a cultural slander by Japanese experts after the invasion of China. It wasn't until 1937 when Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin discovered the Tang Dynasty Foguang Temple in Shanxi that the Japanese experts' claim—that China no longer had any wooden structures predating the Tang Dynasty—was debunked. Upon closer examination of Chinese and Japanese architecture, one realizes that Japan was more like a transfer student learning Chinese architecture, often ending up with a mishmash of styles. Let's take the most commonly misused Japanese element in historical dramas as an example—Tang Po Feng (唐破风). Tang Po Feng refers to a small gable roof placed outward at the entrance of a building, extending the eave space. The term "Po Feng" (破风) actually originates from the Chinese "Bo Feng" (搏风). The side panels of a hip - and - gable roof are called "Bo…

Recently, netizens have been complaining about Li Landi's makeup and hairstyles in the drama 'The Gurgling River (流水迢迢)'. They say, 'This should be the simplest makeup and hairstyles for a leading actress in history.' Some netizens even claim that the beggar makeup and prison makeup in the drama look better than the main - line makeup. In this drama, Li Landi has three main types of makeup and hairstyles. One is the loose - hair style during the beggar period; the second is the 'high ponytail' style with pulled - up hair during the 'Moonfall' period; the third is the so - called 'bun' style, a simple high - knot hairstyle. Throughout the whole drama, most of her looks revolve around these three styles. If you think the makeup and costumes in 'The Gurgling River' are perfunctory, do you still remember the high - ponytail styles in 'A Little Sugar Falls from the Sky (星落凝成糖)' where the hairstyle remained the same while only the hair accessories changed? There's always a simpler one. Why do Li Landi's makeup and hairstyles seem so simple? Especially when compared with her image in another drama, although both are in green clothes with coiled hair,…

Did ancient clothes have buttons? Isn't it too "modern"? Well, buttons did exist in ancient times! They just weren't always called "buttons". Traditional "Jieying Xidai" In ancient Chinese clothing, the most commonly used method was "Jieying Xidai" (结缨系带). It involved wrapping two delicate ribbons around to connect the two sides or front and back parts of the clothing tightly. It was both stable and adjustable in terms of fit. As recorded in "Liji Yuzao" (礼记·玉藻), "Disciples use twisted ribbons to tie knots." "Niu" (纽) in Chinese is related to threads as it has the radical "mi". Uncertain Cases in Qin Dynasty However, there were also some special cases. For example, there were decorations on the Terracotta Warriors that resembled one - character buttons. But some also claim that they were ropes specifically for connecting armor, and this is still in doubt. Development in Tang and Song Dynasties During the Tang and Song dynasties, although ribbons still dominated, the clothing culture was quietly changing. Round - collared robes and some minority Beizi (褙子) gradually incorporated cloth buttons, mostly made by knotting silk fabrics. Some reports now call them "Niupan" (纽襻). Flourishing in Ming Dynasty In the Ming Dynasty, the prosperity of…

In the past year, various concepts of 'fragmentation' and 'fatalism' have suddenly become popular online. Paired with trendy Hanfu styles such as the straight-fronted robe of the 'Warring States' period, the silk shirt of the Northern Song Dynasty, Tang-style shirts and skirts, and armor, there are all sorts of scenarios: running away in the rainy back - view, collapsing in the ice and snow, being tied up, drawing a sword, dying in battle, and even imitating Emperor Chongzhen's 'hanging himself'. It's really a wide variety, giving us a fresh feeling of fatalism. Understanding 'Fragmentation' and 'Fatalism' What exactly are 'fragmentation' and 'fatalism'? Do we really need this kind of emotional appeal? In short, this kind of aesthetic doesn't necessarily have to be called 'fragmentation' or 'fatalism'. It's a kind of incomplete, heart - wrenching but irresistible sadness. Originally more common in the fields of painting and sculpture, with the lower threshold of shooting short dramas and taking photos and the improvement of costumes and props, ordinary people have more opportunities to touch those emotional corners that are usually hard to notice and seek deep 'resonance'. Creating the Atmosphere To create this sense of fatalism, besides creating extreme environments, for example,…

Why Maids Often Wear Short-Sleeved Tops in TV Dramas Why do we often see maids wearing short-sleeved tops in TV dramas, while young ladies rarely do? Let's first talk about these so - called "short - sleeved" tops. Maids wear them mainly for the convenience of work. However, this style is not restricted to maids; it's just a type of clothing item. In ancient China, it had two names: "Banxiu" (半袖) and "Banbi" (半臂). It originally evolved from the short ru (a kind of traditional Chinese upper - body garment). Usually, it reached the waist, and the sleeve length was up to the elbow or even shorter. It was not worn alone, and the most common way to wear it today is to put it over a long - sleeved garment. Actually, men could also wear it. In the Tang Dynasty, it was often used as an inner layer, like wearing a Banbi inside a round - collar robe. The Origin and Popularity of Banbi This style emerged during the Han and Jin dynasties. The figurines of a lute - playing person and a mirror - holding person in Sichuan Han tombs were all wearing Banbi over long - sleeved…

Nowadays, young people are into black lipstick. Their families would surely be shocked and wonder about this "weird" aesthetic. But if this trend went back over a thousand years to the Tang Dynasty, you'd be amazed at the "ahead - of - time" makeup looks. People would exclaim, "It's still our ancestors who were the trendsetters!" The "Wu Gao" (乌膏) mentioned by Xi Jun and Mrs. Ma in "The Detective Diaries 2" (唐诡2) did exist in the Tang Dynasty. It was a special kind of lip balm in the "Shishi Zhuang" (时世妆), or the fashionable makeup of the time. According to "New Book of Tang -五行志", during the Yuanhe period of Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Dynasty, women favored a makeup style of "round - bun and cone - shaped hair, no hair ornaments, no rouge or powder, only using Wu Gao to paint the lips, looking like someone who had been crying." Characteristics of the Makeup Even the spider spirit in "Black Myth: Wukong" has the same "Wu Gao - painted lips". This makeup was not just about painting the lips nearly black. It also included drawing eight - character eyebrows, adding oblique red makeup on the cheeks, and…

The recent trend of Shenxianfu (神仙服) has sparked enthusiasm for traditional clothing culture. But do you know the difference between Xianfu (仙服) and Shenxianfu? Defining Xianfu and Shenxianfu Here’s a clear distinction: Xianfu: Modernized Han-inspired fashion, blending traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics—think oversized sleeves, lace, and sheer fabrics to create a fairy-tale or princess vibe, often seen in fantasy dramas. Shenxianfu: Traditional Hanfu (汉服) with added accessories, rooted in historical paintings like Gu Kaizhi’s Nymph of the Luo River or Yuan Dynasty murals, featuring layered robes, feathered capes, and ornate sashes. Shenxianfu draws from ancient art, such as Tang Dynasty Eight Immortals paintings or Dunhuang frescoes, adhering to Hanfu’s foundational styles like 上衣下裳 (upper garment with skirt) and embellished with 垂髾 (flowing ribbons) or 璎珞 (beaded necklaces). Why It Matters Both styles celebrate Chinese heritage—Xianfu as a creative evolution, Shenxianfu as a historical homage. While debates persist among Hanfu enthusiasts, appreciating their distinct origins enriches cultural dialogue. What’s your take? Share your thoughts below!

When watching costume dramas, we often wonder why the ones we watched in our childhood still feel like authentic period pieces, while the current ones seem more like modern dramas set in ancient settings. There are numerous reasons for this. Let's start from the beginning. Liu Hai (刘海) One of the most common styling elements in modern costume dramas is Liu Hai. In the early days, the most common type was probably the wispy bangs similar to those in Princess Returning Pearl. Later, all kinds of bangs became ubiquitous, including side-swept bangs and straight-across bangs. Even characters in the martial arts world often have a rebellious strand of hair hanging in front of their foreheads. Actually, after reaching adulthood in ancient times, it was a basic courtesy for both men and women to keep their hair tidy. Even those living in the martial arts world adhered to the principle of "the body and hair are gifts from parents." Confucianism even condemned loose - haired people as barbarians. In public, men usually wore hats or scarves, and women coiled their hair or used hairpins to tie it up. Unless in extreme situations where they were unable to manage their hair, hairstyles…

Sometimes when we see people in TV dramas wearing clothes with large sleeves while going out, having meals, dating, fighting, or sleeping, it just seems so awkward. Were all the ancient people's clothes with large sleeves? How inconvenient would it be to go to the toilet then? We usually use the term "broad robes and large sleeves" to describe the characteristics of Hanfu. "Broad robes" means the Hanfu has a loose fit, and "large sleeves" or "wide sleeves" refer to the wide sleeves. However, it should be noted that this is not a universal feature of Hanfu but rather a characteristic of Hanfu formal wear, used to highlight the wearer's status, such as the historical large-sleeved shirts and official uniforms. Except for formal occasions, people in daily life rarely wore such large sleeves. Various Sleeve Types of Hanfu If we simply categorize the sleeve types of Hanfu, there are many, suitable for any current daily occasion. To simplify, narrow sleeves are suitable for daily labor, martial arts, etc.; hanging beard sleeves, pipa sleeves, and straight sleeves are suitable for daily occasions without labor; short sleeves are suitable for ordinary outerwear and home wear in summer. Examples of Sleeve Width For…

If you've seen the stills of costume dramas like Moyu Yunjian and For the Sake of the Hidden Fragrance, you'll notice that director Yu has a particular preference for one type of clothing style: the shirt and skirt ensemble. It's the most common style in traditional Chinese clothing and also the easiest to mass - produce and replicate. It's like wearing hundreds of different - colored shirts. Can you really not get aesthetically tired of it? Styles of Shirt and Skirt The upper part of the shirt and skirt can be in the styles of cross - collar, front - closing, or shallow cross - collar. The lower skirt is usually a split skirt or a pleated skirt. Simply put, if you change the fabric and color of the upper shirt and the lower skirt respectively, it counts as a new set of clothes. The dynasties when the shirt and skirt were most popular were the Tang and Song dynasties. The styles of the shirt and skirt in these two periods were different. In the Tang Dynasty, the skirt was tied high to the chest, showing a luxurious and noble style. In the Song Dynasty, the skirt returned to the…

On February 17th local time, under the auspices of the China Cultural Center in Malta, a wonderful Hanfu show was staged on the streets of Valletta, an ancient Mediterranean city. Along the main street, Hanfu enthusiasts wearing Hanfu attracted the attention of local people and tourists. The young ladies in Hanfu walked forward gracefully in an orderly queue. What was eye - catching was that, besides Chinese faces, there were many foreigners in the team. They also held round fans and wore hairpins, combining Western features with the charm of Eastern beauties. In recent years, with the promotion of some Chinese students studying abroad and overseas Chinese, Hanfu has been loved by more and more people around the world. Nowadays, not only do Chinese people wear Hanfu abroad, but also many foreigners have joined similar Hanfu activities and appear on the streets of major cities around the world. However, some netizens believe that Westerners can never wear out the beauty of Hanfu. Some even bluntly said, "You wear it well, but don't wear it next time." Here, A Luo believes that more foreigners liking and wearing Hanfu is a sign of the successful spread of Chinese culture. In this cultural…

In the long history of the ancient Chinese land, China enjoys the great reputation of being the “Country of Elegant Attire”, the “Land of Beautiful Costumes”, and the “State of Etiquette”, all of which are closely related to Hanfu. In modern life, Hanfu is not an everyday outfit. We can often see it only in large - scale traditional celebrations, exquisite photo shoots, and ancient - costume TV dramas. So, what kind of etiquette connotations are hidden behind Hanfu, which carries thousands of years of culture? Let's explore the profound world of Hanfu culture to find the answer. Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han ethnic group with a millennium - long inheritance, is based on the essence of the Four Books and Five Classics and has followed the traditions in the Records of Carriages and Attire for thousands of years. The ceremonial robes have always adhered to the etiquette norms with few major changes over time. On the other hand, the daily clothing of the common people has become increasingly diverse as time goes by. As the unique traditional ethnic clothing of the Han people, Hanfu has a history of more than 4,000 years. Nourished by the wisdom and…

At 41, Tang Yan has challenged an ancient-style photo shoot for the first time. Soon, we'll also see her last ancient-costume drama. At this age, it's no longer suitable for her to play in ancient idol dramas. Tang Yan, if you're being kidnapped, just blink. She managed to break free from the label of an ancient idol drama actress and upgrade to a serious drama actress because of the drama The Longest Day in Shanghai. Acting in an ancient idol drama again will easily make her a target of ridicule. In ancient idol dramas, we look for handsome men and beautiful women. Although Tang Yan takes good care of herself, her age is still quite obvious. If she gets mocked, it'll be hard for her to recover. We hope she has good luck this time; otherwise, it'll damage her newly-established image. This is Tang Yan's first ancient-style photo shoot, and she's currently the only one among the 85-generation actresses to do so. It's full of a sense of sophistication and is different from those cheap Hanfu photo shoots, instantly raising the bar. Tang Yan's outfit is a collision between modern and ancient styles. A high-end blue feather dress paired with…

Do you have Chinese friends or friends who like traditional Chinese culture? When they need gifts for birthdays or special holidays, do you worry about what gifts to give to make them considerate? As we all know, traditional Chinese culture is extensive and profound. The influence of Chinese culture is also deepening around the world. Various traditional skills deeply attract everyone's attention. You don't have to work hard to find his preferences, these gift options are very suitable for her/him! Gifts for clothing matching 1. Hanfu or cheongsam: For friends who take a great interest in ancient Chinese clothes, choosing an exquisite Hanfu or cheongsam is not only a unique gift but also access to understanding Chinese culture. And the clothing of different dynasties is even more dazzling and unique whether it’s in the Tang Dynasty or Song Dynasty. 2. Custom Patches: Custom patches with ancient elements are also a wonderful choice. For friends or fans who love Chinese culture deeply, choosing exquisite embroidered patches as gifts can not only be a special gift for most festivals but also a good way for Chinese culture lovers to decorate beautiful clothes. Customized embroidered patches are of various styles and types, suitable…

The Hanfu worn in different dynasties, though similar, ranged in its own characteristics based on the dynasty. The article I am writing will hopefully help you understand the similarities and differences between clothing and hanfu throughout the timeline of dynasties. I will also show you how it has changed compared to modern hanfu. Xia (Hsia) Dynasty ca. 2100-1600 BCE Shang Dynasty ca. 1600-1050 BCE Zhou (Chou, pronounced "Joe") Dynasty 3.1 Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE) 3.2 Eastern Zhou (ca. 771-256 BCE) Spring and Autumn Period (770-ca 475 BCE) Confucius (ca. 551-479 BCE) Warring States Period (ca. 475-221 BCE) 221-206 BCE Qin (Ch'in, pronounced "chin") Dynasty/ Capital: Chang'an, present-day Xian Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE 206 BCE-220 CE Han Dynasty Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) Capital: Chang'an (present-day Xian) Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE) Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE) Capital: Luoyang 220-589 CE Six Dynasties Period Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE) Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE) Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE) Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han; Buddhism introduced to China Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu 581-618 CE Sui (pronounced "sway") Dynasty Capital: Chang'an (present-day Xian)…

Why should hanfu makers turn to thrift stores? For the deals, of course!

Foot binding (simplified Chinese: 缠足; traditional Chinese: 纏足) was the Chinese custom of breaking and tightly binding the feet of young girls to change their shape and size for aesthetic purposes. Feet altered by footbinding were known as lotus feet and the shoes made for them were known as lotus shoes. It has been estimated that by the 19th century 40–50% of all Chinese women may have had bound feet, rising to almost 100% among upper-class Han Chinese women. The lotus flower, a symbolically significant flower across Eastern countries and religions, is associated with beauty, enlightenment and rebirth. Every morning the lotus flower emerges elegant and pure from muddy waters. In Buddhism, the white lotus flower is symbolic of Bodhi, or, being awakened. Thus the lotus is also a symbol of desire and fertility.                                  History: Footbinding was an extremely painful and debilitating cultural practice, existing in China from the 10th century until the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. First practice was documented in the Southern T'ang Dynasty (937-956 AD), although some poetry from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) suggests that small feet were culturally preferred before documentation of the custom. The exact origin of…

Looking for a holiday with beaches, stunning landscapes, great weather, super cuisine and modern accommodation? Africa is a perfect destination for you. Africa offers adventures that will give you the experience of a lifetime. Whether it's a safari tour or a dive with great white sharks, the savanna climate attracts tourists from all over the world. As the years go by, Africa is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination internationally, which will boost the country's economy. Hotels, tourism services and tour operators offer excellent conditions for world travelers visiting Africa. Digital nomads are also increasingly choosing Africa, as a suitable eSIM card provides a stable internet connection anywhere in the country. Based on 2024 figures, South Africa alone had 2.4 million international tourists in the first 3 months of the year, an increase of more than 15% compared to 2023. To put these figures in perspective, it should also be noted that of the 2.4 million tourists, nearly 15% are international tourists from non-African countries. This is due to Africa's visa waiver program which started in November 2023. For example, citizens of Ghana and South Africa can travel visa-free between the countries. Tourism in Africa is becoming more convenient and…

In the heart of Changning, an endearing event brought together the elderly residents of Dongbang Residential Area and volunteers from the Bank of Communications Changning Branch for a unique experience. The "Flourishing Flowers" themed photo session offered a chance to relive fond memories and create new ones, as 50 elderly residents posed for elegant portraits in traditional Chinese attire. The event, which captured moments of joy and nostalgia, brought much-needed warmth and happiness to the lives of the elderly, highlighting the importance of community, memory, and love. A Day of Glamour and Laughter The Dongbang community center transformed into a glamorous photo studio for the day, as volunteers and participants created a festive atmosphere with vibrant lanterns and colorful streamers. The air was filled with the cheerful buzz of conversations and the hum of preparations, with volunteers working hard to ensure that the elderly residents felt pampered and appreciated. Some elderly residents wore their cherished qipaos and tangzhuang (唐装, traditional Chinese attire), while others relied on the kindness of neighbors who lent them their clothes and accessories for the occasion. One of the most touching moments came when 76-year-old Mr. Chen and his 69-year-old wife posed for a “wedding photo”…

The fifth edition of the Yangtze River Delta Cultural Expo, held from November 22 to 25 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, offered visitors a fascinating experience of China's diverse regional cultures. Beyond the three provinces and one municipality of the Yangtze River Delta, regions such as Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, and Jilin also participated, showcasing their unique traditions and cultural products. The Expo highlighted China's incredible array of non-material cultural heritage (Intangible Cultural Heritage, ICH) and creative cultural products, allowing visitors to explore the country's traditions without leaving the exhibition halls. With the creative integration of ethnic arts, traditional crafts, and culinary delights, the Expo provided a multi-sensory journey for everyone. Whether it was admiring intricate embroidery, trying traditional foods, or experiencing live performances of ancient rituals and dances, attendees were given a rare opportunity to witness the living history of each region. Immersive Cultural Experiences and Unique Handicrafts The exhibition spaces were not just places to observe but also to engage with the cultural treasures of China. One of the standout features of this year's event was the immersive exhibits, which allowed visitors to interact directly with the cultural heritage of different regions.…

What's the Tai Sui In the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, the concept of "Tai Sui" plays a significant role, especially as we enter a new lunar year. Translating to "breaking the Tai Sui," this phenomenon is more than a mere superstition; it reflects the deep-seated beliefs of a society that reveres celestial bodies and their influence on human life. "Tai Sui" refers to Jupiter, known as the "year star," which symbolizes the governing forces of fortune and misfortune. When one's personal birth year aligns unfavorably with Tai Sui, it is believed to bring about challenges and obstacles throughout the year. Those affected by this cosmic alignment often seek protection through rituals and offerings, hoping to appease the celestial deity and mitigate adverse influences. While some view this alignment as a harbinger of misfortune, others interpret it as an opportunity for growth and self-reflection. The Dual Nature of Breaking the Tai Sui The implications of "breaking the Tai Sui" can be understood on two levels: the challenges it presents and the opportunities it offers. Challenges Ahead Entering a year of "breaking the Tai Sui" often brings a wave of anticipated hurdles. Many people report experiencing difficulties in various aspects of…

The Renaissance of Chinese Traditional Arts in Modern Education In a celebration that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, the Communication University of China (CUC) has become the canvas for a unique exhibition that marries Chinese painting with traditional Hanfu fashion. As the university marks its 70th anniversary, this event stands as a testament to China's ongoing cultural renaissance, where ancient arts are finding new expression in contemporary contexts. The "Ink Fragrance and Clothing Shadows, Weaving Dreams of CUC" exhibition, running from September 10th to 30th, 2024, showcases over 30 paintings in the distinctive "Six-Color" style by renowned artist Zhang Zhi, alongside more than 30 pieces of Hanfu and related attire. This fusion of visual art and fashion design is not merely an exhibition; it's a dialogue between past and present, a bridge connecting generations of Chinese cultural expression. Zhang Zhi's paintings capture the essence of the CUC campus through the seasons, employing a unique technique that blends traditional Chinese painting methods with Western color theory. This "Six-Color" approach creates a visual language that is simultaneously rooted in Chinese artistic tradition and open to global influences - a perfect metaphor for China's position in the modern world. The Hanfu designs on…

In the sweltering heat of summer, a different kind of warmth is spreading across China's entertainment landscape. The animation market, traditionally a cornerstone of the summer season, has ignited into a dazzling display of creativity and cultural pride. At the forefront of this renaissance is Youku Animation, a digital platform that has become synonymous with what it calls the "New National Style" - a fresh interpretation of Chinese aesthetics and storytelling for the modern era. Youku Animation's New National Style: Redefining Chinese Cultural Identity The concept of "New National Style" (新国风), introduced by Youku Animation in late 2020, has rapidly evolved from a marketing tagline into a cultural movement. This approach seamlessly blends traditional Chinese elements with contemporary animation techniques, creating a visual language that resonates deeply with young audiences while honoring China's rich cultural heritage. The success of this strategy is evident in the unprecedented anticipation for Youku's summer lineup. "The Cang Yuan Diary: East Ning Prefecture Side Story," a spin-off from the phenomenally popular "The Cang Yuan Diary" series, has already garnered over 1.62 million pre-registrations. This enthusiasm extends to other titles like the second seasons of "A Youthful White Horse Intoxicated by Spring Breeze" and "The Tomb…

Deep in the heart of Shangri-La, where towering mountains meet misty valleys, lies a place shrouded in mystery and beauty. White Horse Snow Mountain, nestled in the northwestern corner of Shangri-La, boasts rugged peaks blanketed in snow year-round, resembling a galloping white stallion. It’s here, among these breathtaking landscapes, that one of the world’s most striking animals resides—the Yunnan golden snub-nosed monkey. With their luminous golden fur and striking blue faces, these monkeys are considered some of the most beautiful creatures on Earth. For years, the Yunnan golden snub-nosed monkey population has been on the rise, thanks to diligent conservation efforts. But despite this success, the story of the monkeys and the people who protect them is filled with unexpected twists. The Mysterious Disappearance of the "Big Guy" Family He Xingmin (和兴民), a veteran ranger at White Horse Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, has dedicated over a decade to protecting this extraordinary species. He knows the area and the monkey families that live there better than most, but earlier this year, something unusual happened that even He couldn’t explain. While on patrol, He and his team discovered an injured golden snub-nosed monkey that belonged to a group led by a dominant…