Explore Chinese history & culture through stunning hanfu photos, ancient traditions, dynasties & heritage. Learn the stories behind the attire.
Beneath the cool summer skies of Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, a living tapestry of tradition unfolds each evening. Dozens of models from Tang Man Culture Company grace parks and plazas, their Manchu qipaos—with sculpted collars, coiled buttons, and artful slits—blending ancestral grace with modern silhouettes. Led by Jia Shujuan (贾淑娟), a provincial intangible heritage inheritor, this daily […]
On July 5th, 2025, a vibrant group of 35 students from Singapore National University and Nanyang Technological University arrived at Jin Cheng (锦城) College in Chengdu. Their half-day visit promised cultural discovery and connection. Greeted warmly by the college leadership, including Founder Professor Zou Guangyan and President Professor Wang Yali, the Singaporean delegation joined Jin […]
This article examines how recent dramas like Yan Hui Shi (雁回时) and The Legend of Zang Hai (藏海传) vividly resurrect the aesthetics of late Ming Dynasty China, revealing why this era’s obsession-driven artistry still captivates modern viewers. It explores the genuine passions behind the ornate visuals and contrasts them with today’s superficial interpretations. Recent hit […]
Under the illuminated eaves of Beijing’s Gongwangfu (恭王府) Museum, history met haute couture on July 14th. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Gongwangfu Museum unveiled its groundbreaking “Gong·Fashion” brand, presenting 37 concept ensembles and 35 new Chinese-style ready-to-wear pieces alongside accessories. Against the backdrop of the ancient Yin’an Hall, models traversed a modern runway, embodying […]
In 1625, Shenyang became the capital of the Later Jin dynasty, setting the stage for a pivotal cultural transformation. By 1636, a deliberate sartorial shift – the codification of the iconic qipao robe – became instrumental in forging a new national identity under Hong Taiji (皇太极). This strategic wardrobe revolution, intertwined with imperial marriages and […]
Historical dramas are breathing new life into China’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH), transforming age-old crafts into dynamic narrative tools. From woodwork magic to culinary traditions, these series weave cultural preservation into gripping storytelling. Six recent productions stand out for their authentic integration of ICH, introducing global audiences to traditions once confined to regional workshops and […]
In the ancient costume cdrama The Legend of Zang Hai, when Xiao Zhan’s character Zang Hai makes his appearance, he wears a similar ‘hairband’. Netizens are saying, ‘Isn’t this the essential hairband for modern sportswear? Was it already around in the Ming Dynasty?’ Let’s start with the answer. It’s a ‘net cap’ from the Ming […]
As the college entrance examination kicks off, do you also reminisce about the days when you were preparing for the exam? The clothing that ancient scholars yearned to wear throughout their lives was the robe of a Jinshi (进士, successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) after passing the exam. May all students inherit the […]
In the ancient cdrama The Lychee Road, Li Shande was sent to Lingnan to transport litchis for the emperor. Attentive netizens noticed that in this drama, Lingnan was extremely hot, with almost everyone sweating. However, except for Governor He, almost everyone wore long sleeves. Weren’t they hot? Let’s start with the conclusion. During most of […]
The air in Zhaojiashan (赵家山) Village hangs heavy with the sweet, earthy scent of steamed wheat. In Hao Qingling’s (郝庆玲) workshop, a cloud of steam erupts as she opens the lid of a massive bamboo steamer, revealing a stunning, intricately sculpted peach-shaped steamed bun, a traditional birthday offering. A few miles away, in another workshop, […]
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