History & Culture

In the annals of Chinese history, the Qing Dynasty stands as the final imperial dynasty, ruled by the Manchu ethnic group from 1644 to 1912. Emerging from the northeastern regions between the White Mountains and Black Water, the Manchu people forged a remarkable dynasty that left an indelible mark on Chinese culture and society for nearly three centuries. The roots of the Manchu people trace back to the ancient Jurchen tribes who inhabited the northeastern territories over two millennia ago. Evolving through centuries of interaction and assimilation, they eventually formed distinct identities such as the Jianzhou Jurchens and later, the Manchus. Their cultural evolution was profoundly influenced by interactions with neighboring civilizations, particularly the Han Chinese, leading to the adoption and adaptation of various political, economic, and cultural systems. Central to Manchu identity were their unique customs and traditions, manifesting prominently in their daily lives, attire, and architecture. One of the most iconic features was the traditional male hairstyle known as "Shaving the Front and Braiding the Back." This practice symbolized allegiance to Manchu traditions and was mandatory for men across all societal strata during the Qing Dynasty. Similarly, women adhered to modest dress codes, notably seen in the elegant…

In the bustling city of Foshan's Chancheng district, nestled amid the echoes of its rich industrial past and the promise of innovative futures, a cultural phenomenon known as "Guochao" is reshaping the landscape of manufacturing. What began as a resurgence of national pride has swiftly evolved into a powerful consumer trend, influencing everything from creative industries to household names in electronics and automotive sectors. A recent report titled Insights into Guochao Brands and Young Consumers reveals an astonishing growth of over 500% in Guochao's popularity compared to a decade ago, with millennials and Gen Z contributing a whopping 74% to its consumption. This surge isn't merely a manifestation of cultural confidence but also a beacon of new opportunities for urban industries across China. Foshan, renowned as the epicenter of China's ceramics industry with a history spanning millennia, now finds itself at the forefront of this cultural and industrial fusion. Ventures like Mu Ci (慕瓷) , innovators in the traditional ceramics sector, have witnessed unprecedented success with products like the matte finish Xiangyunsha (香云纱) tiles, blending ancient craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Similarly, HEA, a fashion brand inspired by the vibrant Lion Dance (醒狮) culture of Lingnan, has expanded rapidly across the…

Have you ever heard of Morning Wine? This phrase might sound unfamiliar, but a quick search on platforms like Bilibili or Douyin will reveal videos with hundreds of thousands or even millions of views—scenes depicting a leisurely meal in the early hours, complete with small glasses of wine and a table laden with dishes. This tradition of enjoying a relaxed breakfast with a few drinks has quietly captured the admiration of many, drawing young people to regions like Hubei, Sichuan, and Chongqing, where Morning Wine culture thrives. In the heartlands of China, beyond the bustling cities and serene countryside, lies a breakfast tradition steeped in camaraderie and cultural richness—the practice of Morning Wine (晨酒). Contrary to its name, Morning Wine is not merely about alcohol but embodies a convivial morning meal paired with modest spirits, celebrating local flavors and community ties. Originating along the banks of the mighty Yangtze River, Morning Wine is more than just a meal; it's a social ritual deeply ingrained in the fabric of everyday life. Traditionally enjoyed by laborers and farmers to kickstart their day, it has evolved into a cherished custom celebrated across generations. Beyond Just Morning Drinks: The Allure of Meat At first…

Some people once said that putting on a cheongsam seems to be revisiting the thousands-of-years-old traditional virtues of Chinese women. And when Zhang Man Yu wears a cheongsam, it is precisely to interpret this virtue to the fullest: dignified and intellectual, gentle and generous, implicit and moderate. Every expression and gesture reveals the unique charm and quietness of women. As a representative of traditional Chinese women's clothing, with its unique design and elegant charm, the cheongsam showcases the traditional virtues of Chinese women for thousands of years. However, for the same wearing of a cheongsam, some people can be out of the ordinary, while some are plain and unremarkable, and the key lies in the temperament and self-cultivation of the wearer. The appeal of the cheongsam lies in its peculiar oriental charm, and the perfect presentation of this charm requires inner cultivation and bearing. Zhang Man Yu is a good example. Her unique oriental feminine charm allows her to interpret it to the fullest when wearing a cheongsam. Her eyes are graceful, and her steps are elegant, and every expression and gesture reveals the unique charm and quietness of women. Compared with Zhang Man Yu, some young female stars had…

In the vast ocean of fashion, there are always some classic elements that can stand the test of time and become eternal popularity. As a traditional dress for Chinese women, cheongsam has always attracted much attention with its unique charm and appeal. Nowadays, with the change of times and the update of aesthetic concepts, an improved new Chinese-style short cheongsam dress has emerged and become a new favorite in the fashion industry. This short cheongsam dress not only retains the classic elements of the cheongsam, but also incorporates modern fashion designs, which are quite eye-catching. Let's follow Yanran's footsteps to explore the unique charm of this short cheongsam dress! When classic and tradition meet modern elements, there will always be unexpected sparks. This improved new Chinese-style short cheongsam dress is one of the outstanding ones. The designer skillfully combines the classic elements of the cheongsam with modern aesthetics, making this short dress radiate a different kind of vitality and energy. The small standing collar design is elegant and generous, highlighting the noble temperament of women; the combination of the slanting opening and the button makes it not only retain the traditional charm of the cheongsam, but also add a sense…

The 2024 "Silk Road Week" grandly opened at the China National Silk Museum! The highlight of this event is the grand exhibition "The Silk Road's Chang'an," officially launched with over 210 artifacts on display, including more than 50 first-class relics. The exhibition is divided into five sections, showcasing a vibrant, diverse, open, and integrated Chang'an through aspects such as politics, economy, culture, lifestyle, and its long-standing connections with Zhejiang. Chang'an, the ancient name for Xi'an, located in the central Guanzhong Plain, is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. Historically, over ten dynasties, including the Western Han, Xin, Eastern Han, Western Jin, Former Zhao, Former Qin, Later Qin, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang, established their capitals here over a span of more than a thousand years. It is the city with the longest history, most dynasties, greatest influence, and richest heritage in Chinese history. During the Han and Tang dynasties, Chang'an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, a crucial node connecting the Eurasian continent. With its thriving economy, splendid culture, and inclusive nature, it became an undeniable global metropolis and a center of cultural exchange between China and the world. This year marks the 10th…

At the recent red carpet of the movie event, Na Ran became the focus of everyone's attention with her astonishing beauty and unique style. She was dressed in a black cheongsam and held a folding fan, transforming into a classic beauty, showing a kind of transcendent and refined classical charm, which made the whole place amazed. Na Ran's black cheongsam is undoubtedly the highlight of her entire look. This cheongsam perfectly outlines her figure curve, showing her elegance and sexiness. The black fabric exudes a mysterious atmosphere and complements Na Ran's temperament. The delicate embroidery and detailed processing on the cheongsam add a touch of nobility and magnificence, making people can't help but admire it. And the folding fan in Na Ran's hand adds a touch of agility and playfulness to her look. The folding fan has always been a symbol of women's elegance and wisdom in traditional Chinese culture, and Na Ran skillfully used this element to create a beautiful woman full of classical charm. She gently shakes the folding fan, sometimes showing a charming smile, and sometimes showing a sharp look, as if telling an ancient and touching story. Na Ran's skin is as smooth as jade, which…

When it comes to eastern beauties, we often think of those beautiful ladies who seem to come out of the pictures. There is such a female star - Gong Li, this legendary female star in the Chinese film industry, has become an idol in the hearts of countless people with her exquisite acting skills and unique temperament. Her cheongsam style is even more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Whenever she appears in front of the camera in a cheongsam, it seems that time comes to a standstill. With her exquisite acting skills, she has shaped one classic role after another. And among them, her image in a cheongsam is even more unforgettable. Today, let's unveil the story behind Gong Li's cheongsam together and explore the source of the charm of this eastern goddess. As a representative of traditional Chinese clothing, the cheongsam and Gong Li's temperament complement each other. In "Farewell to My Concubine", the elaborate and delicate embroidery on the cheongsam that Gong Li played as Ju Xian wore, and the opponent scenes with Leslie Cheung and Zhang Fengyi can be called a classic. The embroidery on that cheongsam is exquisite and delicate, and it is…

As one of the representatives of traditional Chinese clothing, the cheongsam carries rich historical and cultural connotations. It originated in China and, after a long period of development and evolution, not only showcases the elegance and nobility of Chinese women, but also has a profound impact worldwide. The cheongsam is the traditional attire of Han women, evolved from the flag attire. Because the material of the flag attire is mostly silk, it is called cheongsam. Initially, it was characterized by the "wrapped collar" of the Manchu people, and later absorbed the essence of the traditional clothing of the Han people in the process of development. In the late Qing and early Republic of China periods, with the economic and cultural development in the Han region and the exchange of Chinese and Western cultures, the cheongsam became one of the traditional clothing of Chinese women and combined with the traditional clothing of the Han people represented by the Chinese cheongsam to become a brilliant and beautiful flower in the clothing and culture of the Chinese nation. It has the characteristics of Chinese national clothing and clothing and culture, and also has the characteristics of Western clothing and clothing and culture. The…

Every year's college entrance examination is a battle that affects countless families. In this battle, parents also play an important role. In their own way, they cheer for the children and hope that the children can achieve good grades in the examination room. Among them, the behavior of wearing cheongsam, and holding sugarcane, or sunflowers for the examination has become a unique scenic line during the college entrance examination in recent years. The cheongsam means "winning the battle with the flag unfurled." On the day of the college entrance examination, many mothers will wear brightly colored cheongsams and cheer for their children outside the examination room. They hope to bring good luck to the children in this way and allow the children to perform smoothly in the exam. Some mothers even go to custom-made cheongsams specifically before the college entrance examination, just to give the children a surprise on this day. Sugarcane means "rising step by step." Some parents will present a piece of sugarcane to the children the day before the college entrance examination, hoping that the children can achieve good grades in the examination, take one step at a time, and continuously make progress. There are also some…

Recently, the Hunan Museum unveiled a 3D digital avatar of Lady Xin Zhui, captivating enthusiasts of traditional Chinese attire. This legendary figure has always sparked endless discussions. Currently on display at the Hunan Museum’s “Women of the Han Dynasty and the Roman Empire” exhibition is a 48-gram Quju robe that has never been exhibited before, adding a touch of legendary charm. Let’s journey back to the summer of 1972. Lady Xin Zhui, the wife of Li Cang, the first Marquis of Changsha from the early Western Han Dynasty, was unearthed from the Mawangdui Han tombs in Changsha, Hunan. Upon excavation, Xin Zhui’s face was well-preserved, and she was dressed in intricately decorated silk garments, exuding an aura of grace and nobility. However, due to prolonged submersion in the waterlogged tomb, the silk fabrics wrapping her body had fused together. After much discussion, the archaeological team decided to follow the advice of Hunan Provincial Museum’s then-deputy director Hou Liang. They inserted a large wooden board into the side of the wooden coffin, then slowly tilted the coffin towards the board until it was completely flat, allowing them to transfer Xin Zhui onto the board. This method enabled the safe extraction of…

In the magnificent long river of traditional Chinese culture, the cheongsam is like a wonderful flower, exuding eternal charm. Entering the Chinese Cheongsam Museum is like starting a journey through time and space, allowing people to appreciate the unique charm and profound cultural heritage of this classic dress. Here, not only the evolution process of the cheongsam is displayed, but also through one exquisite exhibit after another, we can get a glimpse of the social features and aesthetic changes in the Republic of China era. The Precipitation of History and the Inheritance of Beauty In the depths of the cheongsam museum, there are precious photos of famous ladies and stars in the Republic of China era wearing cheongsams. Their elegant postures and the magnificence of the cheongsams complement each other, forming a series of moving pictures that make visitors can't help but be intoxicated. The bright red satin round flower auspicious dress robe in the Qing Dynasty, with its luxury and solemnity, makes people respectful. As a formal dress for grand occasions under the conditions of the Qing Dynasty ritual system, women could not expose curves like in modern times, and the ingenious concealment of the female curves in its…

In the subways of the city, a group of grandmas wearing cheongsams have become a unique landscape. Though they are over fifty years old, they show the everlasting charm with their confident and elegant postures. These "subway cheongsam grandmas" use their dressing and temperament to interpret for people what true fashion and beauty are. The Charm of Cheongsam: Inheritance and Innovation As a traditional female costume in China, the cheongsam has a long history and profound cultural heritage. With its unique cutting and design, it shows the elegance and graceful figure of women. However, with the change of times, the cheongsam is also constantly innovating and developing. Modern cheongsams retain traditional elements, and incorporate fashionable designs and elements, making them more suitable for modern women to wear. These subway cheongsam grandmas choose the cheongsam as their daily dress, which is not only the inheritance and promotion of traditional culture, but also the display of their own beauty and confidence. They use their own ways to put on the traditional costume with a new style and charm. Tips for Selecting Cheongsam For the grandmas who are older, it is not easy to choose a suitable cheongsam. The following are some tips…

On the fashion stage, age has never been a factor that limits beauty. For women in their fifties and sixties, how to show a young and energetic image is an important topic. In recent years, the Chinese-style modified cheongsam has become a darling of the fashion industry. It not only has a strong cultural heritage but also allows middle-aged women to show a unique charm. Today, we will take He Saifei's dressing as an example to introduce the selection and matching skills of cheongsam for everyone, helping women in their fifties and sixties get rid of the feeling of auntie and show a different fashion side. First, why is the cheongsam suitable for women in their fifties and sixties? Chinese embroidery, highlighting the cultural heritage. The cheongsam with Chinese style is known for its exquisite embroidery craftsmanship. These embroidery not only reflects the craftsmanship spirit, but also allows the wearer to visually feel the quality of the clothes. A well-made Chinese cheongsam, even if the style is not fancy enough, can also show a sense of high-end with its unique cultural heritage. Long skirt design, covering the disadvantages of the figure. Formal cheongsam is usually in the long skirt style,…

Recently, the female characters in the historical drama "The Double" have sparked much discussion with their pearl makeup. Not only do their hair accessories feature pearls, but their faces are adorned with numerous pearls, too, placed on their foreheads, cheeks, and corners of their mouths. Attentive viewers have counted up to 25 pearls on one face, with the least adorned having 8 pearls. This leads to the question: why do they put pearls on their faces? The Trend of Pearl Makeup The practice of applying pearls on the face dates back to the Song Dynasty and was quite popular at that time. Ancient women used rouge and other pigments to decorate their faces or created various patterns with materials like gold, jade, pearls, and colored paper, which they adhered to their cheeks. This practice was known as "Mian Ye (面靥)," with pearl makeup specifically called "Zhenzhu Mianye." Pearl makeup was actually a form of the ornate makeup from the Tang Dynasty, which became fashionable in the Song Dynasty. This trend persisted partly because the Song Dynasty carried on the traditions of the Tang and Five Dynasties periods, where facial decorations were highly regarded. Additionally, influenced by Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism, which…

Peking Opera, which is also called Beijing Opera, is a Chinese theater style that has been around for hundreds of years. It includes singing, acting, dance, and gymnastics. It began in the late 18th century and has become one of China's most important traditional customs. But what is it about Peking Opera that makes it so interesting and different? Let's learn more about the methods and practices that make this art form unique. How Peking Opera Began and How It Has Changed Over Time In the 1790s, four Anhui opera troupes came to Beijing to play for the royal court. This is where Peking Opera got its start. Over time, these troupes mixed styles from around the world with Beijing's own style, which is what we now call Peking Opera. The art form did very well during the Qing Dynasty and kept changing by taking parts from other opera styles and folk arts. Even though it had problems during the Cultural Revolution, Peking Opera has come back to life and continues to amaze people all over the world. Traditional Asian Theater Music Traditional Asian theater music plays a vital role in setting the stage and enhancing the storytelling of various…

In recent years, the trend of female-centric dramas, including ensemble cast dramas and strong female lead dramas, has become prominent. This trend has extended into historical dramas, leading to new narratives where female protagonists build their fortunes and conquer the business world through their own efforts. For instance, "Blossoms in Adversity," which concluded in early May, tells the story of the noblewoman Huazhi who, along with her family, overcomes adversity by starting a business. This wave of female protagonists navigating the business world in historical dramas shows no signs of slowing down. Numerous dramas wrapped filming from last year to this year, featuring female leads as businesswomen. According to official synopses, the female lead in "Liu Zhou Story," Liu Miantang, opens a porcelain shop; the protagonist in "Brocade Odyssey," Ji Yingying, is involved in the Shu brocade business; and the lead in "The Story of Pearl Girl," Duanwu, deals in jewelry. Moreover, the ongoing production "Flourished Peony" will narrate the story of He Weifang, who starts a flower business. Adding to this, "A Dream of Splendor," which aired last year, centers on the tea house owner Zhao Pan'er, who expands her small tea house into the largest restaurant in Dongjing.…

In the scorching heat of summer, ancient Chinese people didn't have sunscreen, but they took sun protection seriously. Though the concept of physical sunscreen is a recent development, the approach to sun protection was quite similar: "shade" was key. Follow BAZAAR CHINOISERIE to learn how ancient people protected themselves from the sun. To shield themselves from the sun while staying mobile, a sun hat is the perfect summer accessory. Surprisingly, "sun hats" aren't a modern invention; they're mentioned directly in ancient texts. For instance, during the Ming Dynasty, the "Xu Tong Dian" listed various hats, mentioning: "Sun hats were permitted for scholars entering the imperial examinations during the early Ming Dynasty. (遮阳帽，明初士人贡举入监者许戴之。)" Similarly, the "Jian Hu Ji" describes the "sun hat" as follows: "According to Ming regulations, scholars could wear large sun hats after completing their studies at the imperial college, similar to the ancient bamboo hats or the Tang dynasty silk hats. (明制。士子入胄监满日。许戴遮阳大帽。即古笠。又唐时所谓席帽也。)" In addition, there were also Weimao (帷帽) popular during the Tang and Song dynasties. These hats had thin gauze attached under wide brims, offering advanced sun protection while also shielding against some wind and dust. Curtain hats, also known as Zhaojun hats, are said to be…

Emeralds are gemstones that are as ancient as the Earth itself. The oldest specimens date back 2.97 billion years and the first mines were established in Egypt around 1500 BC. In Chinese couture, these luminous stones solve the dilemma of blending timeless tradition with the desire for exclusive, luxurious expression. Their deep green allure has captivated hearts and adorned the luxurious world of Chinese couture for centuries. This article explains how emeralds have become synonymous with luxury and tradition in Chinese couture by transforming everyday fashion into a canvas of cultural storytelling and opulent taste. Read on to discover the journey of emeralds from royal dynasties to modern runways, and see how they continue to define sophistication and elegance in high fashion. Historical Roots of Emeralds in Chinese Culture Emeralds have held a revered place in the history of Chinese jewelry. They're often seen as symbols of prosperity and renewal. Historically, these vibrant gemstones were favored by royalty and nobility. They were embedded into the crowns and robes that graced the courts of ancient Chinese dynasties. Such pieces weren't merely ornamental but also served as amulets of good fortune and indicators of status. The Ming Dynasty, in particular, saw emeralds…

Two weeks ago, at a significant meeting on the "Archaeology of China" project, held in Huainan, Anhui Province, a major discovery was announced. Archaeologists revealed that a bronze Ding unearthed from the "Wu Wangdun" site, the largest and most intricate high-status Chu tomb excavated to date, set a new record for the largest Chu cultural Ding found in China. Measuring 88.3 cm in diameter and about 1.2 m in height, this vessel surpasses the renowned Zhuke Dading (or "Chu Dading"), a prized artifact of the Anhui Museum. Although it doesn't rival the monumental Houmuwu Ding, its discovery has still sparked great excitement. As China national treasure, each bronze vessel is not only a marvel to craft but also a supreme symbol of power. Historically, the Ding size indicated one's status and authority. Records show that ancient nobles cooked various meats separately in different vessel, directly serving from them. Later, the Zhou Li stipulated a hierarchy of Dings: nine for the emperor, seven for lords, five for ministers, and three for officials. Thus, their size and weight took on special meaning, remaining a point of fascination even today. We know the largest and heaviest Ding in China is the Houmuwu Ding,…

Spring, the revival of nature, brings new life and hope. As everything is renewed, hanfu enthusiasts are also looking for inspiration for the new season's outfits. Spring is the perfect time to show off the style of hanfu, with the perfect combination of light fabrics, bright colors and classical designs, displaying an irresistible charm. In this article, we'll take a look at the latest trends in hanfu for spring 2024, so let's step into a fashion world full of classical beauty and feel the perfect blend of ancient style and modern aesthetics.   Spring Dressing in Ancient China Shan (衫, shirts) and Ao (袄, jackets) are garments frequently worn in the springtime within the traditional hanfu attire. Typically crafted from lighter, more delicate materials such as brocade and silk, they suit the climatic characteristics of spring. The Banbi (半臂, half-sleeve shirt), owing to its lightweight nature, is especially popular during this season. It can serve both as an inner shirt and as an outer garment. Highlighting the interlined garments that provide warmth without causing overheating, thus becoming the favored choice in spring hanfu. These consist of a single layer underneath with a silk outer layer. Since the pre-Qin period, it…

The ancient Chinese revered the saying "Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles" as the supreme path to pursuing knowledge. While traveling ten thousand miles requires venturing out into the vast lands, where should one go to read ten thousand books? Some may argue that in the past, there were examples like Kuang Heng of the Han Dynasty who read by the light coming through a hole in the wall, or Che Yin of the Jin Dynasty who read by the light of fireflies in a sack. As long as there is a desire to read, does it really matter where one reads? Is a specific location truly necessary? Ancient literati believed that they were a group with aspirations, where each day included moments of quiet contemplation, accompanied by tea, poetry recitation, writing poems, and ultimately, writing in the Shu Zhai (书斋, study room). The study room was a specific space for literati to read and write, akin to a modern-day studio. However, the study was not merely a functional physical space; it encompassed rich spiritual and cultural symbolism, existing as a unique entity in the minds of literati. From site selection, design, construction, and decoration, to naming, couplet…

The recent short drama "Fortune Writer" has gained popularity, with its exquisite costume and constantly twisting plot captivating many netizens. Seizing this momentum, many people have revisited acclaimed short dramas such as "A Familiar Stranger" and "The Killer Is Also Romantic," only to discover a commonality in the art direction - almost all female characters are adorned with Huadian makeup. Not only in short dramas, but also in large-scale costume dramas, there seems to be a strong preference for Huadian makeup, as seen in productions like "Story of Kunning Palace," "A Journey to Love," and "Yong An Dream." The prevalence of Huadian makeup seems to set a unified aesthetic trend in historical costume dramas. Why do period dramas favor the use of Huadian makeup? And why are these Huadian often red in color?   Huadian: The Creative Aesthetics of Ancient China The beautiful Huadian makeup actually dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period in ancient China. Professor Cao Lifen from Liaoning Normal University's School of Literature once mentioned that on the faces of painted female figurines unearthed from Chu tombs in Changsha during the Warring States period, there were three rows of circular dots…

In the rich cultural heritage, Hanfu and traditional Chinese instruments are not just symbols of China's long history; they are also bridges that combine modern aesthetics with traditional charm. This article will guide you through how to integrate nine typical Chinese traditional musical instruments into the art of Hanfu photography, showcasing their unique cultural significance and visual impact. From the tranquil elegance of the Guqin to the flutes, each musical instrument can add a unique charm to Hanfu.   1 - Guqin The Guqin, also known as the Yaoqin, Yujin, or Seven-stringed zither, is a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument with a history of over three thousand years. The Guqin has a wide range of tones, deep timbre, and lingering resonance. It is recorded in ancient texts that Fu Xi made the qin, and there are legends of Shennong, the Yellow Emperor, Tang Yao, among others, being involved in the creation of the instrument. Emperor Shun set the qin to have five strings, King Wen added one string, and King Wu defeated King Zhou and added another string to make it seven strings. This demonstrates the long-standing and profound cultural heritage of the ancient Chinese Guqin. There are over 3360…