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When actress Zhang Yaqin (张雅钦) appeared at a recent event wearing Tang-style Hanfu, her fans instantly recognized the look from her role as a county princess in the television drama. The online conversation quickly focused on one particular detail: the absence of a distinctive neck ornament she wore in the series. This piece of jewelry, far more than a simple accessory, is a Yingluo (璎珞), an artifact with a story woven through centuries of Chinese history, art, and spiritual belief. More Than Jewelry The term Yingluo itself originates from words meaning "jade," and it refers to a specific type of beaded necklace. Traditionally, it was not a single strand but a lavish, multi-layered piece, often described as a "many-treasures" ornament. It was crafted from a brilliant array of materials including gold, silver, jade, pearls, amber, and vibrant gemstones like coral and lapis lazuli. This composition was deeply symbolic, representing the accumulation of worldly virtues and spiritual merits. In Buddhist iconography, the Yingluo holds profound significance as a symbol of "immeasurable light." Statues of Guanyin (观音) and other revered figures are frequently adorned with intricate versions of it, serving as a form of spiritual adornment. The Vimalakirti Sutra vividly describes deities…

In the television drama Love's Freedom (许我耀眼), the character Xu Yan (许妍), portrayed by popular actress Zhao Lusi (赵露思), embarks on a challenging entrepreneurial venture: modernizing traditional Chinese clothing. Her struggle mirrors a real-world debate simmering across the country. As Hanfu and other ethnic styles gain visibility, a critical question emerges: what kind of innovation truly honors these garments while making them relevant for today? The series does not offer easy answers, but it successfully frames a vital conversation about cultural identity in a fast-moving world. It moves beyond simple nostalgia, probing how historical attire can find a genuine place in contemporary closets, not just in photo studios or ceremonial events. The journey is far from straightforward. Love's Freedom illustrates the delicate balance required when tweaking centuries-old designs. Some purists argue that any alteration dilutes cultural authenticity, while others believe that without adaptation, these beautiful garments risk becoming mere costumes. Xu Yan's fictional endeavor highlights a practical reality: for clothing to be worn, it must be livable. It must accommodate the pace of modern life, from commuting on public transport to working in an office. The show suggests that the future of ethnic fashion lies not in perfect museum-quality replication,…

Zhao Lusi cried during a livestream. Since publicly confronting her agency, Galaxy Cool Entertainment, on Weibo on August 2nd, she has started livestreaming daily on Xiaohongshu. These sessions included emotional outbursts and revelations about her family and herself. These included, but were not limited to: denying plastic surgery, revealing she was scammed in a dessert shop venture leading to a lawsuit, her father's cancer diagnosis, and her grandfather's passing. Of course, much was also about work. She revealed she faces huge compensation claims from film crews and brands. She also disclosed that a film crew, driven by superstition, hired a "master" to perform an "exorcism" on her, and recalled earning only 2500 yuan in her first month in the industry. Artists clashing with their agencies is nothing new. But a top-tier artist halting work due to emotional health issues, triggering a chain reaction that escalates into a public "confrontation" on online platforms, with the artist revealing details via livestream–this is indeed a new way contract disputes are playing out in this era. In the Weibo posts, while Zhao Lusi and Galaxy Cool Entertainment didn't disclose full contract details, the main points of conflict are clear: Zhao Lusi and Galaxy Cool…

Zhao Lusi (赵露思) stands at a pivotal moment. Once celebrated for relatable charm and promising roles, the actress now navigates a landscape where viral moments eclipse artistic growth. Her absence from the screen—marked by delays like Xu Ni Yao Yan (许你耀眼) and no clear upcoming projects—contrasts sharply with relentless online buzz: trending dances, record-breaking social media engagements, and cosmetic transformations that spark more debate than her craft. As competitors hone their skills on set, Zhao Lusi's three-month focus on livestreams and endorsements raises urgent questions about priorities in an industry where relevance fades faster than likes accumulate. Digital Mirage and Vanishing Roles The metrics of Zhao Lusi’s online empire paint a deceptive picture. While hashtags tout her as “95s” Top Influencer, this digital dominance lacks foundation. Her TikTok followers and Instagram milestones generate fleeting headlines yet contribute nothing to her acting portfolio. This reliance on hollow virality mirrors the industry’s broader shift toward instant gratification over enduring artistry. Audiences increasingly question the substance behind the spectacle. When brand appearances center on makeup routines rather than character insights, the disconnect widens. Her recent explanation linking cosmetics to health struggles puzzled viewers, highlighting a narrative drift from performer to personality—a transition that…

The year 2025 has unleashed a treasure trove of Chinese costume dramas that transcend borders, blending intricate storytelling, stunning visuals, and themes resonating with modern audiences. From the sweat-drenched desperation of a Tang Dynasty civil servant to the mind-bending terror of ancient artifacts, these series offer more than escapism—they deliver cultural depth, heart-pounding suspense, and romance that lingers. If you’re craving narratives where history collides with high stakes and emotional payoff, these five titles are your must-watch list. Trust me, your next obsession is waiting. 1. The Litchi Road Move over, fantasy cliches. 2025’s standout dramas are rewriting the rules, grounding even the most outlandish concepts in human struggle and historical grit. Take The Litchi Road (长安的荔枝). Based on Ma Boyong’s (马伯庸) ingenious novel, it follows low-level official Li Shande (played by the effortlessly relatable Lei Jiayin) who’s handed a bureaucratic death sentence: deliver fresh lychees from tropical Lingnan (岭南) to the emperor in Chang’an-1,500 miles in three days before the fruit spoils. It’s a logistical nightmare wrapped in Tang Dynasty politics, earning its nickname as “ancient survival horror” for its depiction of workplace betrayal, impossible deadlines, and ingenious pre-industrial “cold-chain tech” involving brine and nested jars. Lei’s everyman desperation is perfectly offset by Yue Yunpeng (岳云鹏) as his wisecracking brother-in-law, Zheng…

Hanfu (汉服, traditional Chinese clothing) isn’t just a nostalgic trend—it’s a global movement. What began as a niche subculture in China has evolved into a thriving industry, with brands blending historical accuracy with modern wearability. Forget stiff costumes; today’s Hanfu ranges from silk-adorned ceremonial robes to minimalist office-friendly pieces. Here’s a breakdown of the brands driving this revival, their signature styles, and why they resonate with Gen Z shoppers from Los Angeles to Jakarta. 1. Minghuatang (明华堂) Founded in 2007, this Guangzhou-based label has become synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship and eye-watering price tags—think ¥10,000 ($1,400) for a single set, with wait times stretching up to a year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guu1ad17AH8 The Founder’s Obsession Hong Kong-born Zhong Yi (钟毅), a fashion design graduate from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, noticed something odd in the early 2000s: At formal events, Koreans wore hanbok, Japanese wore kimono, but Chinese attendees rarely wore Hanfu. He started designing his own pieces, wearing them daily to normalize the tradition. In 2007, he co-founded Minghuatang with a clear mission: to recreate historically accurate Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) attire with museum-level precision. What Justifies the Price? Minghuatang’s garments aren’t just costumes—they’re wearable history. Every stitch follows 15th-century texts and artifacts, from…

On April 9, 2025, the High-Quality Hanfu Industry Forum, part of the World Peony Congress in Heze, Shandong, convened government leaders, academic experts, and industry pioneers to strategize the integration of traditional Hanfu culture with modern innovation. Key attendees included Pan Lusheng (Vice Chairman of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles), Dong Zhanjun (President of Shandong University of Art and Design), and Li Chunying (Mayor of Heze). President Dong Zhanjun emphasized expanding Hanfu’s cross-industry cultural influence and pledged to leverage university resources for talent cultivation, design innovation, and industrial collaboration. The forum unveiled the “Traditional Attire Fashion Innovation” Knowledge Graph, a framework guiding historical and modern design integration. Mayor Li Chunying highlighted Heze’s success in building the “Cao County Hanfu” brand and announced the “Cao County Hanfu Global Promotion Plan”, appointing overseas ambassadors and partnering with cross-border e-commerce platforms. The Heze University Hanfu Volunteer Alliance was launched to engage students in cultural promotion, while partnerships with MCN agencies and cultural tourism sites aimed to boost immersive experiences like “Hanfu + Peony Tourism.” The event attracted over 20 universities, top Hanfu enterprises, and supply-chain stakeholders, marking a milestone in positioning Hanfu as a global cultural symbol rooted in tradition yet…

Have you ever noticed the distinctive headband worn by Lan Wangji in 'The Untamed'? This traditional accessory, known as Mo'e (抹额), has recently made a comeback in popular TV dramas like 'The Dream of Splendor'. But what exactly is its purpose? Functions of Mo'e in Ancient Chinese Society Mo'e served two primary functions in ancient Chinese society. First, it acted as a ceremonial identifier, particularly in military and official settings. Historical records from the Qin to Song dynasties mention 'Junrong Mo'e' (军容抹额) - special headbands worn by soldiers and honor guards as uniform insignia. The 'Song Shi' documents imperial guards wearing purple embroidered robes with Mo'e and silver belts during grand ceremonies. Secondly, Mo'e had practical applications in daily life. Yuan dynasty women from scholar and commoner families adopted Mo'e to secure their hairstyles during work. By the Ming and Qing dynasties, Mo'e transcended social classes to become a universal fashion statement. Even Tang dynasty women wearing male attire would complement their outfits with Mo'e. Etymology of Mo'e Etymologically, the character 'Mo' (抹) implies binding or tightening. Han dynasty texts reveal early terms like 'Mo' (陌) and 'Pa' (帕) referred to similar hair-binding functions. The 'Shi Ming' describes it as…

1. Public Awareness of Hanfu and Brand Recognition According to a research report by Jingzhi, public understanding of Hanfu varies significantly. Specifically, 45.9% of respondents reported a "good understanding" of Hanfu and could identify its basic styles; 43.1% had a "general familiarity"; while only 11.0% claimed limited or no knowledge. Geographically, residents of first-tier cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen), new first-tier cities, and second-tier cities demonstrated higher awareness, attributable to these regions’ strong cultural environments, rapid information dissemination, economic development, and greater demand for cultural consumption. Regarding brand recognition, despite rapid market growth in recent years, overall brand awareness remains relatively low. Apart from leading brands like Han Shang Hua Lian, Chong Hui Han Tang, and Shi San Yu, most Hanfu brands still struggle with visibility. This is largely due to the industry’s early-stage development, fragmented market structure, and the absence of dominant brands with broad influence. Additionally, limited marketing efforts—primarily relying on social media and word-of-mouth—restrict brand exposure. 2. Channels of Exposure and Hanfu Usage Scenarios Key channels for learning about Hanfu include historical dramas (59.3%), social media (54.7%), Hanfu cultural clubs (49.1%), historical literature (40.7%), and museum exhibitions (38.8%). Historical dramas visually showcase Hanfu’s elegance through intricate…

Dior has once again incorporated Chinese velvet flower craftsmanship into its designs, this time on a brimless cap showcased at Paris Fashion Week. This move, while seen as a tribute to Chinese aesthetics, has reignited discussions about cultural appropriation and the importance of preserving traditional Chinese crafts. Velvet flowers, known as Ronghua (绒花) in Chinese, have a rich history dating back centuries. Initially popularized during the Tang and Song dynasties, these intricate silk flowers became a staple in both imperial courts and folk traditions. Their use in festivals, weddings, and daily adornment reflects the Chinese love for floral symbolism and auspicious meanings. Historically, velvet flower production flourished in cities like Nanjing and Yangzhou, where silk waste from brocade manufacturing provided ample material. Artisans developed regional styles: southern Ronghua favored bold colors, while northern versions leaned towards dignified hues like imperial red. Modern challenges face this traditional craft. While appearing in period dramas and international events like the Winter Olympics has revived interest, mass-produced alternatives threaten the survival of authentic handmade Ronghua. Each genuine piece still requires ten meticulous steps over two days of labor-intensive work. The Dior controversy highlights a broader issue: as global brands increasingly adopt Chinese elements, domestic…

With the recent announcement of China's sixth batch of national intangible cultural heritage inheritors, Guangdong has become a focal point, with 58 individuals recognized for their dedication to preserving arts like Guangdong Lion Dance (广东醒狮), Cantonese Opera (粤剧), and Chaozhou Opera (潮剧). Among these honorees are practitioners of some of China's most enigmatic folk traditions—Nuó Dance (傩舞), Qilin Dance (麒麟舞), and Panwang Festival (盘王节). Each of these embodies the resilience of Chinese folk culture, preserving both its mystical essence and regional identity. But what cultural significance do they hold? How do their inheritors sustain them in modern times? Let's step into the world of these mesmerizing traditions. Nuó Dance: A Ritual Frozen in Time "Nuó Dance is deeply rooted in our village's traditions. It has been passed down for generations, and everyone, from elders to children, participates with enthusiasm," says Peng Qiusheng, a newly recognized national inheritor from Jiuxian Village (旧县村) in Zhanjiang (湛江). Nuó (傩), an ancient ritual performance, traces its origins back to the Zhou Dynasty (西周). It was initially a shamanistic practice to ward off evil spirits and seek divine blessings for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. Over centuries, it evolved into a dramatic art form encompassing…

In the midst of London's bustling underground, commuters may stumble upon something unexpected—Chinese poetry. Among the verses that quietly accompany passengers through their daily commutes is a piece by the renowned poet Bei Dao (北岛): I am you a stranger on the sidetracks Waiting for the season to harvest blades of light Sending letters though tomorrow has no address This excerpt comes from Bei Dao's latest autobiographical long poem, The Crossroads Journey (歧路行). It has recently been selected for Poems on the Underground, a project founded by writer Judith Chernaik at University College London. The initiative places poetry—both classic and contemporary, from poets worldwide—inside the city's subway carriages, offering a moment of reflection amid the urban rush. Poetry Beneath the Streets According to the Transport for London website, displaying poetry in the Underground aims to make commutes more uplifting and inspiring. Over the years, the project has featured works from well-known literary figures and emerging voices alike. The selected poems are not just displayed on trains but have also been compiled into a published collection, Poems on the Underground. Bei Dao's presence in the Underground is not new. In the 1980s, his poem Drawing (画), written for his daughter, Tian…

When Xu Tiantian (徐甜甜) became the first Chinese architect to win the Wolf Prize in Arts in 2025, the global architecture community turned its gaze eastward. Her triumph, closely following Liu Jiakun's (刘家琨) 2025 Pritzker Prize win, marks a watershed moment: China's "site-specific architecture" movement is no longer a regional phenomenon but a blueprint for global architectural paradigms Xu's transformation of a 1,500-year-old Zhejiang quarry into the ethereal Huangyan Grotto Theater (黄岩窟艺术剧场)—where visitors now traverse suspended walkways past Ming Dynasty carvings to attend avant-garde performances—epitomizes this shift. Similarly, Liu's West Village Complex in Chengdu, a labyrinthine concrete ecosystem buzzing with street food vendors, skateboarders, and pop-up galleries, reimagines urban space as a living organism rather than a static monument. These projects defy the starchitect era's obsession with iconic silhouettes, instead prioritizing what Liu calls “architecture as social acupuncture”—a philosophy now resonating from Burkina Faso to Buenos Aires. The Three Codes of "Genius Loci" Design Cultural Palimpsests, Not Copy-Paste Heritage The duo's work transcends superficial "Chinoiserie." At Liu's Suzhou Imperial Kiln Museum, Ming Dynasty ruins emerge like fossilized dragons from cast-concrete walls. Xu's Zhejiang Shicheng Music Hall, carved into a cliffside where dynastic stonemasons once labored, uses algorithmically optimized steel frames…

On March 29, 2025, as the 'Spring Festival Elder' Luoxia Hong from Langzhong and famous lyricist Fang Wenshan jointly opened the door, the 2025 Langzhong Hanfu Festival grandly kicked off at the Chengqing Gate in Langzhong Ancient City, Sichuan. The event, themed 'Roaming in Langzhong with Hanfu, Spreading the Glory of Chinese Culture', attracted thousands of Hanfu enthusiasts from all over the country to gather in Langzhong Ancient City for the 'Dynasty Carnival'. It was a feast that allowed people to glimpse the beauty of Hanfu across thousands of years. The term 'tongpao' refers to contemporary Hanfu lovers. At 9:30 a.m., the 'Spring Festival Elder' Luoxia Hong, dressed in Hanfu and holding a celestial globe, started the event, accompanied by the dance of twenty - four flower fairies. Various phalanxes, including those representing the Han, Three Kingdoms, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, as well as wedding, twelve flower fairies, intangible cultural heritage peddler, Hanfu merchant, parent - child, public, and flag phalanxes, paraded in turn. More than 1,000 Hanfu enthusiasts, with delicate makeup and elegant accessories, showed the classical and elegant beauty of Hanfu to the fullest. The 'Dynasty Carnival' was based on China's excellent historical culture, with elements such…

At 34, Li Yitong (李一桐) wears a Guanyin veil and Dunhuang-style Hanfu, looking like a dancing elf in the wind. With such good looks, she is truly cut out for ancient idol dramas! Li Yitong became well - known for her role in My Half - Fairy Princess. Her beauty combines sweetness with a touch of innocent allure, different from the typical delicate - flower appearance. Many people say she has an under - the - radar star quality, as none of her works have achieved huge popularity. However, everyone knows her, and she has a good rapport with the audience. Although she is in her 30s, her face still looks young, like a little girl, which doesn't seem out of place in her roles. Her recent ancient costumes have really taken people by surprise. Compared with her peers, Li Yitong takes good care of her face. Her eyes are full of sparkle, so she has no problem playing young girls. However, she was criticized for her performance in The Knockout, indicating that she may not be suitable for mature and intellectual roles. The Guanyin veil is a commonly seen headpiece in recent ancient dramas. Usually, we see short or…

Recently, Xiamen University Tan Kah Kee College held the "Our Festival • Huachao" event on the lake - heart island in the campus. The event was bustling with people, featuring activities such as flower - viewing, arrow - throwing, riddle - guessing, and club exhibitions. The golden trumpet tree forest on the island was in full bloom, and teachers and students came together to embrace the spring. The Huachao Festival, also known as the "Flower God Festival" or commonly referred to as the "Birthday of All Flowers", was once one of the "Eight Festivals of the Year" along with the Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid - Autumn Festival, and Double Ninth Festival. It is usually celebrated in the second lunar month. During the Tang Dynasty, the Huachao Festival and the Mid - Autumn Festival were collectively called "Huachao Yuexi" and were extremely popular. The Flower God Ceremony was one of the highlights of the event. Members of the Hanzhihua Zhang Hanfu Club wore the Hanfu representing the twelve "Flower Gods". Led by Zhu Yingbei, the deputy dean of the School of Humanities and Communication, they completed the offering ceremony following the procedures in Zhou Li • Chun Guan, recreating…

On Ninghui Road in Yu Garden Mall, Kaede from Tokyo, Japan, and her friend are experiencing Hanfu photography in Yu Garden. As spring arrives, the 2025 Shanghai Yu Garden Mid - Spring Flower Festival has kicked off, attracting numerous Chinese and foreign tourists. According to the news from Yu Garden Mall, starting from the Mid - Spring Flower Festival, the upgraded Huancai Yu Garden Light Show combined with Chinese - style performances has officially launched. During this flower festival, accompanied by five sets of Chinese - style music, Yu Garden will use the core buildings in the central square, Nine - Bend Bridge, and Golden Square as the background to present a spring flower scene with dynamic floodlights. Recently, when the reporter visited Yu Garden, it was found that at nightfall, the dynamic lights in the garden blended with the flower scene and Chinese - style performances, swaying gracefully. Whether on Ninghui Road, known as the "ceiling of Chinese aesthetics", or in the central square and Golden Square where Chinese - style dances and ancient music are performed irregularly, tourists in Hanfu can be seen everywhere. Regardless of nationality and language, they not only integrate with the immersive Chinese -…

On March 26 local time, the Chinese animated film "Ne Zha: Reborn from Fire" ("Ne Zha 2") officially premiered in Belgium. On the opening night, the cinema hall in Brussels was packed with audiences. Many viewers said that although they had heard that the film was excellent, its actual quality still exceeded their expectations. According to the local cinema, the version of "Ne Zha 2" currently showing in Belgium is with English subtitles. Starting from mid - April, a version with French subtitles will be available, which is expected to attract more local audiences.

Who says ancient - style beauties can only be gentle and delicate? Chen Xiaoyun's Chinese - style look is simply cool and beautiful. Her blue - and - gold Hanfu look at the Sohu Video Chinese Style Gala really amazed the whole audience! Previously, people always thought Hanfu should be in delicate pink colors. However, Chen Xiaoyun's look completely overturned this traditional impression. A Hanfu interwoven with dark blue and gold is both noble and grand. Paired with an exquisite updo, every gesture of hers fully shows the charm of Eastern aesthetics. Honestly, this look has fully released her aura! Remember, she always gave people a cool feeling in "Sisters Who Make Waves 3". This time, wearing Hanfu, she added a bit of classical beauty. Especially in the shot where she was strolling among the pavilions, with her calm expression, there was really a kind of heroism of "Who says women are inferior to men". Have you noticed? Her makeup this time was also very particular. It was neither overly gaudy nor simply pursuing a light look, perfectly matching the overall style of the Hanfu. The details of the eye makeup were especially amazing, having both the charm of ancient…

In a village square in Shandong province, 11-year-old Huang Ruoxi stomps her feet with precision, sending reverberations through a set of drums arranged like celestial constellations. Her round cheeks flushed pink, two buns tied atop her head, she performs the Pan Drums Dance (盘鼓舞)—a 2,000-year-old Han Dynasty drum dance nearly lost to history. Meanwhile, 1,000 kilometers north in Hebei, 8-year-old Gao Haoran channels the spirit of Eastern Han storytellers, his comically exaggerated facial expressions and thunderous Martial Drumming (武鼓) drawing comparisons to China's iconic 2nd-century Shuochang Yong (说唱俑, Speaking and Singing Figurines). These children—dubbed "retro kids" by Chinese netizens—are sparking a cultural reckoning. Amid a sea of Gen Alpha peers glued to TikTok clones and mobile games, they've become unlikely ambassadors for traditions stretching back millennia. Social media floods with comments: "She's stepped straight out of a textbook illustration!" and "This kid's vibe is so…pre-2010s!" The phenomenon reveals a generational paradox. While China's youth are often stereotyped as digital natives addicted to virtual worlds, a growing cohort is reviving folk arts through school programs, family legacies, and yes—viral videos. UNESCO reports a 37% increase in China's intangible cultural heritage apprentices under 18 since 2020. From dragon dances in Guangdong to…

What Makes a Hero? Heroes, as the Chinese saying goes, are "the unyielding spine that never bends with time"—a force that courses through the blood of mountains and rivers, igniting generations with its fervor. This eternal inquiry lies at the heart of Qin Yin (琴吟), a hauntingly powerful ballad released in March 2024 as part of a collaborative project by China National Radio and NetEase Cloud Music. More than a song, it is a bridge spanning millennia, weaving the valor of Jin Dynasty (晋朝) generals Zu Ti (祖逖) and Liu Kun (刘琨) into a modern anthem that asks: How does heroism shape a civilization's soul? Set against the backdrop of China's Spring Equinox—a time of renewal—Qin Yin emerges as both a tribute and a challenge. Its lyrics, penned like ink brushed onto silk, retrace the footsteps of two fourth-century warriors whose camaraderie and sacrifice became legend. Through ethereal zither melodies and thunderous orchestral swells, the song distills their spirit into a single refrain: "Let the zither's notes be our ink; together, we'll paint the rivers and mountains of Huaxia." But why resurrect these figures now? In an era of fleeting digital trends, Qin Yin dares to anchor itself in China's…

A New Way to Witness Spring's Palette As spring paints China's landscapes in vibrant hues, travelers are trading traditional flower-viewing strolls for a thrilling alternative: low-altitude aerial sightseeing. Leading this trend is Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, where "blossom chasing" now happens hundreds of meters above ground. According to Meituan data, searches for "low-altitude flower tours" and "aerial adventures" surged by 645% year-on-year in March 2025, with Chengdu topping the national rankings, followed by Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing. The city's golden rapeseed flower fields, stretching like sunlit carpets across its outskirts, have become a magnet for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Visitors like Zhao Mei, a tourist from Guangdong, exemplify the craze. Despite waiting five hours due to airspace restrictions at Luodai's Sichuan Instant Flight Club, she emerged from her 10-minute helicopter ride exhilarated. "Seeing the flowers merge with the rivers and mountains from above—it's like stepping into a living ink painting," she said. The experience isn't just about speed; it's a sensory revelation. Pilots adjust flight patterns based on passenger preferences—zooming dramatically over ridges for adrenaline junkies or gliding gently for elderly guests. "The landscape transforms as you ascend," explained Zhang Linjian, the club's operations director. "Fields…

When world leaders stepped onto the global stage at the 2014 APEC Summit in Beijing, their attire transcended mere diplomatic protocol. The "New Chinese Attire" (新中装) became an instant cultural phenomenon—a sartorial manifesto that bridged millennia of craftsmanship with 21st-century innovation. This meticulously curated wardrobe did more than clothe dignitaries; it reintroduced the world to Jiangnan's textile heritage while sparking a "Guofeng" (国风) revival that continues to shape China's contemporary fashion identity. Today, as traditional techniques like Su embroidery (苏绣) and Song brocade (宋锦) find fresh relevance in streetwear and haute couture, the South China Museum's exhibition Splendid Jiangnan: The Golden Age of Chinese Textile Art (锦绣江南——中国传统织绣工艺的巅峰创造) revisits this pivotal moment, unpacking how six iconic APEC ensembles became catalysts for cultural reinvention. From Imperial Workshops to Global Runways The Yangtze River Delta's Jiangnan (江南) region, long celebrated as the cradle of Chinese textile excellence, has cultivated textile arts for over 2,000 years. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Suzhou's embroidery ateliers and Nanjing's brocade looms supplied the imperial court with fabrics so exquisite they were deemed "cloth woven by clouds." Yet by the late 20th century, many of these crafts faced extinction, preserved only in museum archives or practiced by…

A Historic Corridor Goes Cashless In March 2025, Beijing unveiled a game-changer for international travelers: the Beijing Central Axis Barrier-Free Payment Service Tourism Demonstration Zone. Stretching 7.8 kilometers and encompassing 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites—from the Forbidden City to the Temple of Heaven—this historic corridor is now a testing ground for seamless, globally inclusive payment solutions. A collaboration between China UnionPay, Visa, and Beijing's tourism authorities, the project aims to transform Beijing into "China's top destination for inbound tourism" by erasing payment headaches for foreign visitors. The timing couldn't be better. In 2024, Beijing welcomed 3.94 million international tourists, a 186.8% surge from the previous year, fueled by expanded visa-free policies and infrastructure upgrades. Yet, payment barriers persisted: only 30% of small merchants accepted foreign cards in 2023. Now, the Central Axis initiative tackles this with a "big swipes, small scans, cash backup" strategy, ensuring tourists can pay as they do at home—whether swiping a Visa card at a 600-year-old tea house or scanning a QR code for augmented-reality historical tours. Two Game-Changing Devices Launching in March Beijing's payment revolution just got smarter with two groundbreaking innovations rolling out in March 2025: The "Travel Pass" Pocket Companion This pocket-sized device—lighter…