NEWHANFU

If granted the opportunity to travel back in time, returning to the Tang Dynasty would undoubtedly be a splendid choice. Currently, there is an exhibition that can make this dream a reality. Exhibition: "The Prosperous of Zhenguan - The Magnificent Era of Li Shimin" Dates: May 1, 2024 - August 25, 2024 Location: National Museum of Classic Books The exhibition's title is straightforward, primarily focusing on the Tang Emperor Li Shimin, known as Taizong, a figure familiar to us all. What resonates most is his era known as the "Zhenguan Reign." However, the historical accounts in textbooks are so brief that the image of Emperor Taizong portrayed is merely that of a wise ruler who valued advice. In reality, he had a military background, and his life story remains largely unknown to us. This exhibition aims to present him and that historical period in a more vivid and tangible manner. With 249 precious artifacts from 15 museums nationwide, it transports us back to that era of prosperity, peace, inclusivity, and openness. Among these exhibits are some significant pieces, such as the gilded and painted military and civil figurines, the portrait of a lady from the Duan Jianbi tomb, and the…...

In our historical memory, there is such an ancient city: here, King Wuling of Zhao implemented the Hu-style clothing and archery, cultivating a dominant northern power that could rival the Qin Dynasty among the seven warring states; Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, battled fiercely against the Xiongnu, marking the rise of the Great Han Empire and engaging in ultimate clashes with the peak period lords of the grasslands; Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei carried out reforms here, sowing the seeds of a prosperous era, as writer Yu Qiuyu praised, "China advanced towards the Tang Dynasty from here." This is city Datong. In this article, let us follow the Di Dao Feng Wu to understand this city together. In recent years, more and more people have rediscovered Shanxi, uncovering the dazzling ancient architectural treasure trove hidden behind the coal and vinegar; and more and more attention has been drawn to Datong, this understated ancient city just over 330 kilometers away from Beijing. People flock here, marveling at the grandiose rebuilt city walls, lingering in the magnificent and exquisite Yungang Grottoes that have stood for a thousand years, and being amazed by the Hanging Monastery perched on the cliff; yet this…...

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…...

Mamian skirt, Qixiong dress, and the hundred-pleat skirt; wearing traditional Hanfu has become a new trend in public attire in recent years, whether it be for sightseeing, wedding ceremonies, shopping, friend gatherings, and various other occasions. The "Hanfu craze" continues to rise, blending tradition with modernity, activating cultural resources, igniting the consumer market, and driving industrial development. In recent years, Hanfu has gradually gained popularity among the younger generation, with their youthful expression and fashionable presentation bringing Chinese traditional culture into daily life in a tangible and palpable form. The long-standing Chinese traditional clothing culture embodies a blend of Chinese aesthetic interests, reflecting not only a consumer choice but also the Chinese people's love for outstanding traditional culture.   Demand exceeds supply During the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival of the Year of the Dragon, the activity of "wearing Chinese costumes for free to visit the Confucian Temples" in Qufu City, Jining, Shandong, has been well received. Wang Chunling, a visitor from Liaoning, traveled a long distance with friends to play here, attracted by the lively atmosphere of night tours in the ancient city of Qufu and folk performances, and dressed in Hanfu to join the parade. This year, garments…...

The 29th Shanghai TV Festival is scheduled to be held from June 24th to 28th. The submission for the Magnolia Awards began at the end of last year and concluded on March 31st this year, with the expected announcement of the shortlisted candidates in May. The selection of Chinese dramas for this edition of the Magnolia Awards showcases outstanding productions aired from the second quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. Both television and web series are eligible for consideration, be they long or short formats. During this evaluation period of the Magnolia Awards, there has been a shift in the creative direction and aesthetic appeal of Chinese dramas, resulting in a crop of exquisite works and emerging talents in the industry. The artistic quality of series has reached new heights, fostering greater resonance and crossover between young and older audiences.   Exquisite Suspense Dramas Police dramas have the largest audience base globally. Chinese police dramas achieved remarkable success around the year 2000 before experiencing a decade of silence. With the rise of online video platforms, they made a comeback in the form of suspense dramas. The past year has seen many outstanding suspense dramas. "The Long Season"…...

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…...

Last year was a fruitful year for domestic film and television in the international arena. "The Long Season" was released on Netflix; Sony Pictures announced the remake of "Hi, Mom," with Jia Ling serving as producer; multiple series such as "Three-Body" and "The Knockout" were popular overseas; while "Joy of Life Season 2" was still in production, Disney had already acquired its exclusive overseas distribution rights. Although this year is not yet halfway through, works like "Blossoms Shanghai" and "The Legend of Shen Li" have not only been a hit domestically but have also broken free from regional constraints, sparking discussions in multiple countries and regions. The transformation of broadcasting channels by streaming services has not only led to a new wave from content to industry domestically but has also provided more possibilities for the "going global" of domestic film and television content. A richer variety of genres, an increasing number of diverse platforms for viewing, more mature business models, and a series of new horizons based on overseas distribution, such as industry integration and IP overseas expansion. "YOLO" has already premiered in multiple countries overseas and will be showcased as the opening film at the 26th Far East Film…...

In the year 2024, the espionage genre is experiencing a long-awaited resurgence. On one hand, the innovative spy drama "War of Faith" has just concluded with great success, while on the other hand, "In the Name of the Brother" is quickly taking the spotlight. Looking at the lineup, the director is Zhang Li, and the screenwriter is Wang Xiaoqiang, both of whom have produced excellent works in the past, with Wang Xiaoqiang excelling in the espionage genre. As for the cast, Yang Mi partners with Qin Hao, possessing both beauty and acting skills. "In the Name of the Brother" is set in the puppet state of Manchukuo before the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japan, telling the story of Communist intelligence officer Song Zhuowen (played by Qin Hao) being mistaken as a savior by Guan Xue (played by Yang Mi), who is the head of the Special Service Department of the Harbin Police Bureau. Song Zhuowen, who is actually his brother Song Zhuowu, then infiltrates the enemy's ranks with a calculated plan. Thus, a grand drama of twin spies unfolds. Familiar with Espionage Dramas "In the Name of the Brother" exudes a sense of urgency from the very…...

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…...

If your journey to visit ancient sites began with the hanging sculptures in Shanxi, then the rest of your itinerary is bound to be somewhat lacking in surprises, because your starting point is truly too high. As one of the most indispensable highlights of a trip through Shanxi, the hanging sculptures offer you a sense of awe and emotion that is difficult to come by at other locations. It is an immensely magical experience. Just a step away from entering the hall, there is a feeling of entering a dazzling and astonishing world. These gracefully suspended deities and Buddhas make you feel as though you have stepped into the magnificent Buddhist fairyland described by ancient people, no matter which direction you face. They lean slightly, as if gazing, yet also seem to be simply resting there. Being among them, your eyes are filled with shimmering colors. Hanging sculptures are a very unique form of sculpture. Drawing inspiration from more ancient reliefs, people unlocked figures from two-dimensional images, giving rise to extraordinary sacred scenes of deities and Buddhas. They are different from colored sculptures and not like frozen brushstrokes; these Buddha niches on the walls display an almost lifelike posture. In…...