Background of Hanfu Parade Day At noon on November 22, 2003, Wang Letian, a power worker, dressed in Hanfu, which disappeared in daily life for 358 years, appeared on the street. He dressed in a Hanfu composed of a long Quju (曲裾) and a cocoon silk outer garment, strolls in the square, park and shopping mall in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province. He said he did so in the hope of "promoting Hanfu" with his own meager strength and making people accept the traditional Chinese clothing again. Although this Han suit is simple and even a little out of shape, it was sewn by Wang Letian and his friends. These like-minded men even set up a team to search for documents, pick up sewing needles and make this Hanfu. Despite the ridicule and incomprehension of some people, Wang Letian calmly walked through the crowd and walked on the most prosperous street in Zhengzhou. He is more and more determined to promote Hanfu. He hopes to influence others with his limited power. Zhang Congxing, a reporter from Lianhe Zaobao in Singapore, came across the photos and wrote a report based on them. This article has also become the first article to…

When it comes to the skirts of the Ming Dynasty, many people will remember the typical "Ma Mian Qun (马面裙, horse face skirt)",  often gives a sense of elegance and wealth. It looks very dignified and gentle when matched with Han suit Ao (袄).   Introduction of Ma Mian Qun & Lan Ma Mian Qun, also known as "Ma Mian Zhe Qun (horse face pleats skirt)", is a kind of traditional Chinese dress. There are four front and back skirt doors, overlapping each other, side pleating, middle skirt door overlapping part, commonly known as "Ma Mian (horse face, 马面)". The whole circle of patterns on the Ma Mian Qun's is called Lan, the bottom is called bottom Lan, and the top is called knee Lan. Double Lan was very popular in the middle of the Ming Dynasty. But later, with the growth of women's top in the Ming Dynasty, the knee Lan was gradually weakened because they were covered, while the bottoms Lan were widened and bold.   Why is it called "Ma Mian"? The question of why Ma Mian Qun named has always been puzzling, what's the relationship between the animal's name and the skirt? In fact, "Ma Mian"…

It might not be the first time you've heard of Hanfu (汉服). This kind of traditional Chinese costume has been discussed by media around the world frequently. More and more Hanfu events are being held, and more and more people are trying to wear traditional costumes. When browsing social media, you can often see beautiful pictures of Hanfu dresses. Even many people have incorporated them into their daily life. What types of groups are fancy in Hanfu? What are their original intentions of buying and wearing Hanfu? What attractiveness does Hanfu suit have? and more... This new report will introduce to you the current environment of Hanfu in several aspects. I. The Overall Situation of Hanfu Rapid Development of Hanfu Industry The revival of Hanfu culture began in 2003. An electric worker named Wang Letian walked with Hanfu on the street to promote it. This was the first person who wear Hanfu in the public. Currently, there are more than 1300 Hanfu cultural associations in the world in 2017, and there are more than 2000 in 2019, an increase of 46% can be seen in these two years. In China, there are more than 2 million consumers in the Hanfu…

A few days ago, we published an article about how to take beautiful hanfu pictures. Today we are going to show you how to take photos of handsome hanfu pictures. Stand Usually, when shooting, most of the postures stand more, start running in from a simple stand. You can try to relax, meditate and lean on objects. Squatting Squatting or sitting posture, easy to combine the environment, create emotions, as well as the overall sense of story. Running and Jumping Running and jumping is one of the best ways to make the picture look dynamic. Create character dynamics with lines. Use the dust and clothes raised by running. Using the dust and clothes raised by running can form the interaction between characters and objects and increase the tension of the picture. Lift up gently, just like a swordsman flying over the eaves. A Small Proportion of the Environment Popularly speaking, it is a long-term shooting, which combines artistic conception to show the interaction of characters. The position in the picture can be either the center or the corner, making the characters the finishing touches of the whole scene. When taking this kind of photograph, the picture needs to be concise…

In Chinese culture, accessories are a language of beauty. They are an extension of clothing expression. With accessories, Hanfu can be more appealing. Fans are one of the common accessories in Hanfu culture.  This article will lead you to understand the history of Hanfu's fans. Fans have about three thousands of history in China. After thousands of years of evolution and improvement, they have developed into hundreds of fans' families. Fans were originally known as the "Five Ming Fans (五明扇, Wu míng shàn)" in history, was invented by the "Shun" (舜, Chief of the Ancient Tribal Alliance of China). In the Yin and Zhou Dynasties, appeared a kind of "Di Fan" (翟扇, Dí shàn) made of the colorful pheasant tail feathers, so there is a saying of "Feather Fan". At that time, the fan was not used to fan the wind, but to serve as the emperor to ward off the wind and avoid the sand. It can be classified into two categories: First, Flat Fans (平扇), can not be folded. Brief introduction: during the Warring States, Qin, and Han Dynasties, flat fans became the mainstream of fans at that time, used by both emperors and civilians. In the Western Han…

Many friends who have just contacted Hanfu will find that Kimono and Hanbok (Korean clothes) are similar to Hanfu in many ways. This article takes you to know the differences between Hanfu, Kimono, and Hanbok.   Hanfu vs Kimono During the Nara period in Japan, the period of China's prosperous Tang Dynasty, Japan sent a large number of sent envoys to China to study culture, art, and law systems, including the clothing system. In the early days, the kimono was a replica of the Tang suit. At that time, they also imitated the Tang system and issued a "clothing order". So far, Japan still refers to the kimono as "Wu suit", which means clothes from Wudi (now Jiangsu and Zhejiang) in China. Although the kimono came from the development of Hanfu, it has developed its own national characteristics after a long period of history. Waistband: Hanfu: Hanfu usually has a narrow waistband; Kimono: there is no tie on the kimono placket, and the waist is wide with a fabric. Neckline: Hanfu: Hanfu neckline clothing is close to the back of the head; Kimono: In the kimono, the neckline of an ordinary woman's neck wrapped her neck tightly, and the geisha…

Hanfu is a traditional Chinese costume and one of China’s 5,000-year cultural symbols. In the last century, Hanfu was once forgotten by Chinese people. However, since the 21st century, through the Hanfu movement, Chinese Hanfu has reappeared in people's vision, and combined with modern design elements, making Hanfu rejuvenate. Top 10 Chinese Hanfu Dress 2018 With the revival of Chinese Hanfu costume, more and more people wear Hanfu and walk on the streets. Maybe one day you will find out, Oh! the beautiful clothes that the women wore were Hanfu clothes. Now through this article, let us take a look at the most popular Hanfu in 2018. 1. Kirin Costume Kirin, a traditional Chinese beast, has a mild temperament. In the legend, Kirin can live for thousands of years. The ancient people believed that when the Kirin appeared, there must be auspiciousness. Therefore, it is often used to describe people with outstanding talent and noble moral character. Kirin Hanfu costume is the best clothes for excellent people. I have a childhood friend who is going to study abroad soon, so I always wanted to send her a special gift. One night I saw the Kirin movie on TV, and the…

As one of the most popular styles of hanfu, Ming Dynasty Aoqun has a rich variety of styles and styles, and the Jiaoling Aoqun is one of the most common styles. This article is based on the artifacts of Jiaoling Aoqun, so that you can quickly understand the correct Ming Dynasty Aoqun top shape for your next hanfu purchase as well as hanfu making. Image quoted from hanfu making hobbyist @Sue簌簌.   1 Overall 1.1 Youren (右衽, the left lapel covers the right lapel). 1.2 A single layer is a Shan (衫) and a double layer is a Ao (袄). 1.3 Cutting method: with center seam and no shoulder seam.   2 Collar   3 Sleeves 3.1 Aoqun top can have a variety of sleeve shapes. 3.2 Pipa sleeves are wide, not narrow. 3.3 The benchmark through-arm length of Pipa sleeves is nearly two meters. 3.4 The sleeve root should not be too narrow. 3.5 The sleeve is divided into a section or two sections connected. 3.6 Sleeve pleats often accompany the existence of the sleeve edge.   4 Garment body 4.1 The underarms should be curved. 4.2 It is right with or without shoulder pleats. 4.3 The waist should…

Television screens glow with a particular kind of magic when a performer truly belongs in the past. The Gu Zhuang Ju (古装剧) hinges not just on ornate costumes, but on actors who wear history with innate grace. They move with a learned poise, their presence feeling both authentic and elevated, turning each scene into a living portrait. From the restrained intensity of one star in The Promise of Chang'an (长安诺) to the gentle resilience another brings to One and Only (周生如故), these artists do more than recite lines. They build worlds. Their performances bridge centuries, making ancient struggles and joys feel immediate, reminding viewers why these stories endure. Luo Yunxi (罗云熙) For actor Luo Yunxi, the historical role is an exercise in physical poetry. His presence is often described as possessing an otherworldly grace, a quality that turns costume into second skin and movement into narrative. This is not mere posture, but a complete fusion of actor and archetype, where every gesture carries intention. His performance in the series Whispers of Fate (水龙吟) marked a shift. Here, the elegant immortal was replaced by the grounded resolve of a Wuxia hero. He performed demanding fight sequences under arduous conditions, believing physical…

The year 2025 promises a rich harvest for Chinese period and fantasy drama, offering audiences not just escape into the past, but deep immersion into meticulously constructed worlds. This season’s standout series move beyond generic palace intrigues or simplistic romances, instead grounding their narratives in the specific textures of commerce, magic, and forensic science. From the clink of silver in merchant guilds to the whisper of ancient spells and the silent testimony of a corpse, each story finds its power in granular detail and specialized domains. Legend of the Magnate (大生意人) Aired: 2025 Period Background: Late Qing Dynasty, Xianfeng (咸丰) reign onwards Genres: Historical, Business Saga, Drama Main Roles: Chen Xiao (as Gu Pingyuan), Sun Qian (as Chang Yu'er) Adapted from: Original script The late Qing Dynasty was a cauldron of upheaval. Gu Pingyuan (古平原), a scholar falsely accused in the imperial examinations, finds himself exiled to Ningguta (宁古塔), a remote penal colony. His journey, however, becomes a detour into a different kind of arena. A chance encounter with an old merchant, Chang Si (常四), ignites his latent acumen. Starting from the precarious margins of the salt and tea trades, he navigates a world governed not by Confucian classics but…

While modern audiences often associate historical Chinese dramas with palace intrigues or fantastical romances, a new wave of storytelling is pushing into grittier, more specialized territories. These series are moving beyond familiar frameworks to examine specific institutions, professions, and social structures of the past, offering a fresh lens on history. They blend meticulous period detail with narrative tension, creating worlds that feel both authentically distant and compellingly immediate. The following six upcoming series exemplify this trend, each carving out a distinct niche within the broader historical and Xianxia landscape. Win or Die (夜不收) Win or Die shifts the focus from the Forbidden City's glittering halls to the wind-swept, perilous frontiers of the Ming Dynasty. This series delves into the world of military intelligence and covert operations during a fragile peace. Period Background: Ming Dynasty, during the Wanli (万历) reign. The setting is the tense border regions between Ming forces and the Oirat Mongols, a landscape of shifting alliances and latent conflict. Genres: Historical, Military, War, Espionage Main Roles: Jing Boran (井柏然) portrays Chen Guang (陈广), the stoic and capable commander of a "Win or Die" unit. Wu Xingjian (吴幸键) plays Qiao Sanyi (乔三一), his protege, tasked with a mission that…

Can a historical drama thrive on cunning strategy and raw vengeance alone? The new series The Vendetta of An (长安二十四计) argues a resounding yes. Diverging from the romantic fantasies flooding the market, this show plants its flag firmly in the territory of high-stakes political intrigue and personal retribution. Its premiere has ignited fervent discussion, positioning it as a potential dark horse in the year-end lineup. The appeal lies not in lavish costumes or fantastical elements, but in a grounded, relentless narrative driven by complex characters portrayed by a formidable ensemble cast. It is a stark, compelling reminder of the power of a well-told story of revenge. A Cast of Calculated Performances The series' greatest strength is its collective acting prowess. Cheng Yi (成毅) shatters his previous youthful image to portray Xie Huai'an (谢淮安), a man transformed from a brilliant prodigy into a patient schemer burning with a ten-year-old grievance. His performance is a masterclass in restraint, where simmering rage and profound hurt are conveyed through a subdued gaze and measured delivery rather than overt outbursts. A line like "I cannot bear to see any of my enemies meet a good end" lands with chilling precision because of the quiet intensity…

Major streaming platforms now act as primary patrons, directly shaping careers. Rumors swirl regarding actress Zhao Lusi (赵露思) aligning with Tiger Whale Entertainment, a move emblematic of a larger shift. These companies are no longer mere distributors; they are portfolio managers, treating artistic talent as strategic assets to be acquired and optimized. The relationship between creator and platform is being fundamentally rewritten, focusing on long-term value extraction over single projects. 1. Cost Efficiency Drives Star Contracts When a popular actress announced her new studio during a birthday celebration, thanking her new company, the camera panned to the founder of a prominent entertainment firm in the audience. This moment, swiftly amplified on social media, confirmed a significant shift within China's entertainment landscape. It symbolizes a growing trend where major streaming platforms are moving beyond mere content distribution to directly manage and contract top-performing talent. This strategic alignment between star and platform is redefining traditional artist-agency relationships, creating a new ecosystem built on integrated production, talent management, and financial efficiency. The implications extend far beyond a single celebrity's career move, pointing to a fundamental restructuring of how entertainment business is conducted. The Controlled Star The collaboration between actress Zhao Lusi and Alibaba's…

In the vibrant landscape of contemporary Chinese television, a new historical drama is capturing widespread attention. Yun Chu Ling (云初令), an adaptation of the novel by Chao Yunzi (朝云紫), weaves a captivating story of second chances and relentless vengeance. Helmed by director Zhu Ruibin (朱锐斌), the series features Yu Shuxin (虞书欣) in the lead role of Yun Chu, while speculation points to Zhang Yunlong (张云龙) as a potential co-star. Set in the intricate courts of imperial China, the plot revolves around a high-born woman who, after suffering a profound betrayal, is miraculously reborn to alter her fate. This narrative taps into the enduring appeal of redemption arcs, presenting a protagonist who evolves from a victim of circumstance to an architect of her own destiny. The anticipation surrounding this production stems not only from its promising cast but also from its engagement with themes of intelligence, strategy, and personal agency, offering a fresh take within the period drama genre. The Awakening Yun Chu's initial life was defined by misplaced trust and societal expectations. As the cherished daughter of a renowned military family, she entered a marriage that seemed ideal but concealed a dark reality. Her husband and his relatives systematically used…

When actress Zhang Yaqin (张雅钦) recently appeared in a Hanfu ensemble, the internet divided. For some, it was an immediate callback to her role as Lu Yuan (陆鸢) in the time-travel drama An Ancient Love Song (古相思曲). For many others, the look missed the mark, feeling disjointed and overly busy. Why did this particular outfit, rich in historical references, fail to resonate? The answer lies not in a lack of beauty, but in a collision of eras. Her styling became a textbook case of how mixing distinct historical aesthetics without a unifying vision can create visual confusion, pulling the observer out of the immersive fantasy such clothing aims to build. Historical Harmony Lost The most striking issue is the temporal dissonance. Her hairstyle is a Shuang Huan Wang Xian Ji (双鬟望仙髻), a high, twin-loop style popular during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, often seen in deity and court lady paintings. This ethereal look was complemented by dangling side locks, or Chui Shao (垂髾), enhancing the otherworldly vibe. However, the hairpins tell a different story. She wore two styles of Buyao (步摇), or step-shakers. One was a Western Han design, its dangling beads meant to sway gently with…

Forget everything you think you know about historical revenge tales. A new series has captivated audiences not with flashy special effects or simplistic heroes, but with a labyrinth of intellect where every character is playing a high-stakes game. If you've ever felt your intelligence was insulted by predictable plots, The Vendetta of An (长安二十四计) offers a different promise: a narrative that respects your ability to think. This isn't just a story about settling a score; it's a masterclass in psychological maneuvering set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Tang Dynasty capital. The Chessboard of Revenge The premise seems familiar at first glance. A scholar, Xie Huaian (谢淮安, played by Cheng Yi), returns to the capital a decade after his family's massacre, his hair turned white and his body frail. He seeks answers. Yet, to label this a simple revenge narrative is to mistake the pawn for the king. Within episodes, the scope explodes. The personal tragedy is merely the first thread pulled in a tapestry of political conspiracy that envelops the entire court. Emperor Xiao Wuyang (萧武阳) sees Xie Huaian as a potential weapon against a powerful general, Yan Fengshan (言凤山), whose military success has made him a threat. The…

The story begins with a single tree, the Toxicodendron vernicifluum, and the precious sap it weeps. For millennia, this substance, known as Daqi (大漆), has been far more than a simple material; it is a flowing chronicle of Chinese civilization itself. Its deep, luminous sheen has reflected the faces of emperors and artisans, captured the ethos of philosophical schools, and preserved the artistic ambitions of countless dynasties. From the tombs of ancient kings to modern studios, the journey of lacquer is a testament to enduring beauty and resilience, a slow art in a fast world that continues to whisper secrets from the distant past. A Material History Archaeology provides the first chapter. At the Kuahuqiao (跨湖桥) site, a lacquered bow, silent for roughly 8,000 years, speaks of a Neolithic discovery. This artifact stands as the earliest known evidence of humanity's relationship with this transformative sap. Not long after, at Hemudu (河姆渡), a wooden bowl coated with a startling vermillion hue confirms that early communities had already mastered basic color application. These were not mere utilitarian objects; they were the first experiments in a medium that would come to define luxury and spiritual expression. By the Shang and Zhou dynasties, lacquer…

Imagine a garment so versatile it bridged the gap between the dusty plains and the gilded halls of imperial palaces. This was the journey of the Bijia (比甲), a sleeveless jacket that evolved from a Mongol practical essential into a defining icon of Ming Dynasty fashion. Its story is not merely one of changing hemlines and fabrics, but a fascinating reflection of cultural exchange, social mobility, and aesthetic innovation. By tracing its path, we uncover how clothing can transcend its original purpose to become a canvas for identity and artistry. Saddle to Street The Bijia's origin is rooted in utility. Designed during the Yuan Dynasty under Empress Chabi (察必) of the Khongirad tribe, its primary function was to facilitate riding and archery. The classic design featured a front opening secured by ties, no sleeves or collar, and a back panel longer than the front. This ingenious cut protected the rider's core from wind while allowing complete freedom of movement for the arms. Initially, it was apparel for the steppe and the aristocracy, a common sight in the Yuan court but rare among the general populace. Following the Yuan-Ming transition, one might have expected this distinctly Mongol garment to fade. Instead,…

A recent photoshoot featuring actress Zhang Yuxi (张予曦) has captivated social media, not for a new drama role, but for a breathtaking interpretation of bridal wear. Set against the backdrop of a windswept beach, the images present her not merely as a bride, but as a mythical figure emerging from the sea itself. The series transcends conventional wedding photography, framing a narrative where fashion, nature, and personal expression converge into a single, powerful visual statement. This isn't just a dress photographed near the ocean; it is a gown conceptually born from it, challenging traditional notions of bridal sanctity with a wave of liquid romance and effortless grace. The Gown as Art At the heart of this spectacle is the dress itself, a masterclass in thematic design. The sweetheart neckline bodice, embroidered with pearls and delicate feather-like motifs, catches the light with a subtle, shimmering effect. This careful embellishment creates the illusion of sunlight dancing on water, a direct translation of the ocean's sparkle into wearable art. The fabric appears alive, its texture and details meticulously crafted to echo the natural environment surrounding her. The silhouette is a defining feature. A fitted mermaid cut flares into a cascading train of layered…